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Carl Anton Larsen

Visionary of the Southern Seas

Carl Anton Larsen (1860–1924) was a pioneering Norwegian sea captain, whaler, and explorer who bridged the worlds of discovery and enterprise in the icy realms of Antarctica. This exhibition celebrates Larsen’s life and legacy, exploring his profound impact on Antarctic exploration, maritime industry, and environmental history. A true visionary in his field, his life and actions affect the natural, political and social climate of South Georgia to this day.

As the captain of Jason, Larsen’s early expeditions established him as one of the first to reach and map parts of the Antarctic Peninsula. Bringing back not only scientific knowledge, Larsen also laid the groundwork for economic ventures in whaling and sealing. Larsen’s story highlights the founding of the first whaling station at Grytviken, South Georgia, turning Antarctic waters into a lucrative—though controversial—industry that significantly influenced the region’s ecology.

Through artifacts, maps and photographs, this exhibition invites you to experience Larsen’s journeys, confront the environmental complexities of his endeavours and reflect on the polar regions’ delicate balance between human ambition and natural preservation.

Click through the different chapters to explore the story.

1. Larsen: Sailor & Explorer

Larsen: Sailor & Explorer

2. Compañia Argentina de Pesca

Compañia Argentina de Pesca

3. Settling South Georgia

Settling South Georgia

4. One last venture

One last venture

5. Larsen's Legacy: Whaling and the Antarctic Lifestyle

Larsen’s Legacy: Whaling and the Antarctic Lifestyle

6. Further reading and resources

Further reading and resources

A Blue whale on the flensing plan at Grytviken, South Georgia. Source: Eva Marie Widemark Archive.

Explore Larsen’s South Georgia and Antarctica

INSTRUCTIONS FOR MOBILE & TABLETS
Pinch to zoom and use your finger to change your view. Click on place names for more information.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR DESKTOP & LAPTOP
Use mouse to move around the map and mouse-click up/down to zoom in and out. Hold shift to rotate. Click on place names for more information.

South Georgia

Antarctica

Thanks and Acknowledgements

The South Georgia Museum would like to thank Eva Marie Widmark, great granddaughter of Larsen, for sharing the family archive and allowing us to use the images. We would also like to acknowledge the source of many wonderful photographs featured in this exhibition from the Hvalfangstmuseet (Whaling Museum) in Sandefjord, Norway.