Baltimore got back its own version of the Whaling Wall on Tuesday, when Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake unveiled a restored version of a 5,200-square-foot mural that has enlivened a busy traffic corridor along Russell Street for two decades
The massive mural, titled "Extinct Atlantic Gray Whales" came to the city in 1993 as part of a series of 100 murals of endangered marine life painted worldwide by the artist known as "Wyland." The project has been heralded as one of the largest public art projects in history, spanning more than five continents, 17 countries and 79 cities, according to a news release issued by the mayor's office.
The mural showing a massive gray whale and calf being trailed by a group of dolphins has been on display on a warehouse at Hamburg Street. Over time, the mural became faded and chipped. The restoration, which was completed by two local artists, began in June, the release said.