What to Expect
Step into the Dotty Brown Art & Nature Center and prepare to be amazed:
- Learn about narwhals’ changing Arctic ecosystem through firsthand accounts from scientists and Inuit community members
- Experience the haunting soundscapes of the Arctic, including narwhal vocalizations
- Get up close with an 8-foot-long cast of a real narwhal tusk
- Explore contemporary Inuit sculptures and prints
- View a historic book from PEM’s Phillips Library collection
Jane Winchell, PEM’s Curator of Natural History, explains, “With its remarkable spiral tooth, the narwhal has inspired legends and fascinated people across cultures for centuries. These mysterious creatures inspire a sense of wonder and are hard to see in person, since they do not survive in zoos and aquariums.”
Opening Day Carnival
Mark your calendars for September 28! The exhibition kicks off with a Narwhal Carnival featuring:
- Fantastical marionette puppets roaming the galleries
- A special ocean-themed PEM Pals session for young children
- Hands-on art activities using recycled materials
- In-gallery discovery carts for an interactive learning experience

Why Narwhals Matter
With an estimated global population of 173,000, narwhals face significant threats from climate change. This exhibition, part of PEM’s Climate + Environment Initiative, highlights the importance of understanding and protecting these unique creatures.
“The future of narwhals is uncertain in a rapidly changing Arctic,” Winchell notes. “But Inuit and scientific communities are collaborating to help us better understand these animals and help ensure the survival of this beloved species.”
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the wonders of the Arctic and learn about one of its most iconic inhabitants. Join us at PEM for “Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend” – where science, art, and culture converge to celebrate these magnificent creatures.
For more information and to plan your visit, check out PEM’s website.
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