By Mary Ann Bourbeau
LINCROFT – Although it is known as the unicorn of the sea, a 20-foot narwhal is now floating inside the Monmouth Museum. A life-size replica of the giant mammal, courtesy of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, is suspended from the museum’s ceiling as part of a new exhibition, “Narwhal: Revealing an Arctic Legend.”
This immersive exhibit explores the mystical and mysterious life of the narwhal, an elusive marine mammal with a long, spiral tusk. This creature has sparked imagination and folklore for generations. Visitors of all ages will learn about the narwhal’s biology, migration patterns and cultural significance through the lens of both Inuit communities and scientific researchers, helping to better understand the narwhal and the fragile Arctic environment it inhabits.
“We are thrilled to bring such an inspiring and timely exhibition to our community,” said Erika Schaefer, executive director of the Monmouth Museum. “Last year, we had a dinosaur exhibit with a life-size triceratops. We knew that would be hard to top. The narwhal exhibit not only showcases the natural wonder of these fascinating creatures but also highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge and the urgency of environmental conservation.”
Male narwhals most commonly have tusks, and some may even have two. The tusk can grow up to 10 feet long. It is actually an enlarged tooth and, with up to 10 million nerve endings inside, has great sensory capability. Scientists believe there are about 80,000 narwhals living in the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway and Russia.
Like polar bears and walruses, narwhals depend on sea ice for their survival. They use sound to navigate and hunt for food beneath the ice and take refuge from predators such as killer whales. That sea ice is changing rapidly both in extent and thickness, shrinking far too quickly for these animals to adapt.
The exhibit examines the narwhal’s Arctic world to discover what makes these unusual-looking mammals so important to understanding climate change and the future of our oceans. Touchable interactives and audiovisual features include dozens of wall panels with photos and information, narwhal pop culture items, a cast of a narwhal skull and a narwhal soapstone carving.
“We also have an actual narwhal tusk where kids can measure themselves next to it,” said Schaefer. “It’s whimsical and fun!”
Related activities for kids include a narwhal-themed Christmas tree, crafts, workshops and a daily story time. There’s even an area where kids can create something similar to blubber, the thick insulation that helps these mammals survive in freezing water.
Climate change in the Arctic extends to the Two River area as well. Over the last two decades, warming sea temperatures and cleaner waters have brought harbor seals each winter from their breeding areas in northern New England and eastern Canada to tidal sandbars, beaches and small islands in Sandy Hook Bay.
“I’m excited that the seals have returned to Sandy Hook,” said Schaefer. “Our coastline has come alive again. Harbor seals return every winter, and that is a great sign for the health of our coastline. Marine life across the globe needs healthy oceans and good food sources. Even though the seals and narwhals are thousands of miles apart, they all depend on conservation efforts.”
This is the second Smithsonian exhibition at the Monmouth Museum. The narwhal exhibit has proven so popular it has been extended to March 1.
“We look forward to continuing to grow our relationship with the Smithsonian so we can bring even more world-class cultural and science experiences to New Jersey families,” said Schaefer. “I really feel like this has elevated the quality of what we bring to the museum. Our goal is to find shows that appeal to everyone, whether you’re in kindergarten or 65 years old.”
The Monmouth Museum is a 15,000-square-foot cultural center and one of the largest independent museums in New Jersey. It was founded in 1963 as a space where art, science and history intersect, offering dynamic and inclusive programming for all ages with exhibits and educational programs that celebrate New Jersey’s rich history and cultural diversity. The museum hosts rotating exhibits across three galleries and serves over 50,000 visitors annually.
The Monmouth Museum is located at 765 Newman Springs Road in Lincroft and is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit monmouthmuseum.org.
The article originally appeared in the November 27 – December 3, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
