The Whale Project

Takhu is the name given to a life-size bronze sculpture of a breaching humpback whale which is about a 20-minute walk from where the cruise ships dock. It is the happy marriage of two inspirations: a former Juneau mayor’s admiration of the monumental (6.5 tons, 25’ tall) sculpture of a blue whale at the entrance to Japan’s National Museum of Nature and Science in Tokyo and the sculptor’s observation of a humpback bubble net feeding off the west coast of Admiralty Island. Installation was finally completed in 2018 with the addition of lighting and fountain jets to simulate the effect of water streaming off a breaching whale which, sadly, were not operating on our visit.

The Whale Project Park is located about a 1/4 mile from downtown Juneau. The whales’ Tlingit name is Tahku which I’ve been told means “fierce winds”. If you’re on a cruise ship, it’s well worth the walk to see this astounding display of art.

This life size bronze sculpture/fountain is surrounded by an infinity pool and has water that sprays out of many areas of the breaching whale. If you look from a distance the whale melds into the channel with Douglas Island across the way.

An impressive small park with an almost life-sized whale that will spout periodically. The setting is nice in that you can see much of Juneau by looking one way and some of Douglas Island by looking the other. You may see float planes take off from here or Coast Guard boats patrolling. Nice boardwalk leads back into the town area.

This is one of the best statues I've seen. I love that it can be passed off as an actual whale in photos as that makes for fun interactions with those back home.

This is a great piece of art and it's excellent for taking pictures in front of, I sent a selfie I took in front of it and someone thought it was real.

It is magnificent and so realistic. It is a must see! It is a treasure that Juneau has. Be sure to put it in your itinerary.

This is a nice little park with the emblematic Humpback whale sculpture which splashes and delights for young and old. Actually should get more attention.

A statue Of a breaching whale with water spray built in.
Interesting display outdoors next to the waterside.
Only a short time visit needed.

This full-sized bronze humpback whale appears to breach out of an infinity pool. It is easily accessed on foot from downtown, less than a mile's walk along the waterfront. It was the dream of Juneau's former mayor, Bill Overstreet, after whom the surrounding park was named. It is loved by the community and many sports teams have their pictures taken in front of it, as do wedding parties and visitors from out of town.

I travel to Juneau all of the time but have never been here before. So I stopped through recently and the whale is way cool. When the water is on it looks like a real whale when you take pictures. Great place to stop and take pictures.