The South African Whale Centre
The new South African Whale Centre (SAWC) is a landmark development in the heart of Hermanus, designed to honour both the natural environment and the town’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. The building will rise on the site of the current Whale Museum, nestled in the historic precinct just above the Old Harbour—a location of deep significance in the history of the town’s relationship with the sea.
Designed with Purpose, Sensitivity, and Vision
The design, led by FVDM Architects, responds with care and precision to the constraints and opportunities of the site. Set within a sensitive heritage zone, the architecture respects the historic fabric of Hermanus while introducing a bold, contemporary presence that reflects the forward-looking mission of the Centre.
Rather than dominating the surroundings, the new structure is designed to weave into the urban and cultural landscape.
A Form Inspired by the Ocean
The architectural language of the SAWC draws deeply from its marine context. The building’s defining element is a sweeping, curved projection that houses the immersive Sky-Skan dome theatre—a first for the region. This sculptural form captures the drama and grace of whale movement, giving the building a dynamic sense of flow and energy that speaks to the fluidity of the ocean.
Atop the structure, a striking whale-inspired roof motif crowns the Centre. Its undulating lines suggest breaching fins, swells of water, and the rhythmic patterns of migration, reinforcing the connection between architecture and ecology. As both symbol and shelter, the roof positions the building as a sculptural tribute to the creatures it exists to honour.
The Courtyard as Civic Heart
The shared courtyard functions as a civic threshold between past and present, heritage and future. It is not merely a transitional space but a welcoming public realm with thoughtful landscaping, seating, and gathering zones. The planting beds, rocks, and trees anchor the space in the fynbos biome, while also softening the modern architectural lines and enhancing the pedestrian experience.
Inside: A Space for Discovery and Dialogue
Internally, the building is arranged around three distinct but interconnected functions:
Exhibitions and Education
A multi-level experience zone featuring interactive displays, interpretive exhibitions, and immersive technologies that bring the ocean world to life.
Research and Conservation
Dedicated space for the work of the Mammal Research Institute’s Whale Unit supporting knowledge generation and policy influence.
Administration and Operations
A functional core to support the day-to-day running of the Centre, with provision for offices and meeting spaces.
Together, these elements ensure that the SAWC is not only a beautiful public space, but a functional, flexible, and future-focused centre for environmental learning and action.
Built to Endure
The building has been designed to meet high sustainability and durability standards, with locally produced material choices (as far as possible) and energy strategies that reduce environmental impact while ensuring resilience in a coastal climate.
Ground Floor
The journey begins on the ground floor at an open public plaza, where visitors can purchase tickets for a fully interactive and multisensory educational experience.
From here visitors will experience the dynamic Sky-Skan Dome, before they follow a carefully curated exhibition path.
At the end of the tour, the visitors will return to the ground floor via lifts and will exit their experience through the gift shop, which will offer visitors the opportunity to purchase local merchandise which will in turn support the financial sustainability of the Centre.
The ground floor also provides ablution facilities and administration offices.
First Floor
On the first floor the journey continues around the double volume exhibition space.
Visitors will also enjoy a unique and powerful experience: a clear view into the MRI Whale Unit’s research laboratory, offering a rare, real-time glimpse into the world of marine science in action. Through large observation windows, the public can witness researchers at work—analysing data, preparing samples, and advancing our understanding of whale behaviour, biology, and conservation. This transparent connection between science and society transforms the Centre into a living laboratory, reinforcing the message that ocean research is ongoing, urgent, and deeply relevant. By making the invisible work of science visible, this feature inspires curiosity, builds trust in evidence-based knowledge, and encourages the next generation to engage in marine stewardship.
Second Floor
The rooftop terrace offers an unforgettable highlight in the visitor experience—a breathtaking space where architecture meets ocean immersion.
Designed to frame the sweeping, uninterrupted vistas of Walker Bay, the terrace provides visitors with the chance to witness the majestic southern right whales in their natural habitat during the migration season. Whether you’re sipping a coffee from a refreshment kiosk, watching your children engage with the interactive touch pool, or simply soaking in the coastal scenery, the terrace is a place of wonder, reflection, and connection.
Beyond leisure, the rooftop also includes a versatile, rentable conference room ideal for workshops, lectures, and private events—contributing both to the Centre’s community engagement and its financial sustainability. With its combination of immersive design, thoughtful amenities, and multi-purpose use, the rooftop terrace plays a vital role in enriching the overall visitor experience.
Basement
The basement level of the South African Whale Centre has been purposefully designed to accommodate staff parking and provide secure storage for the Marine Research Institute’s (MRI) whale research equipment. Although this area is not open to the public, it plays a vital operational role in the functionality of the Centre.
By providing dedicated on-site parking for staff, the design helps to alleviate pressure on Hermanus’s already limited town centre parking, particularly during peak tourist seasons.