New Bedford Whaling Museum
Other Ideas: Discovery Museum; MIT Museum; Old State House Museum; Old Sturbridge Village; Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is the world's foremost museum devoted to the historic interaction of humans with whales. The Museum explores the history of whaling worldwide and the rich cultures – and conservation issues – it inspired.There is something for everyone at every age – the experience of life at sea, decorative and fine art exhibits, interactive exhibits for children, lecture series, family programs, concerts, and much, much more.
Marvel at five massive whale skeletons, the world’s largest whaling ship model (Lagoda), and America’s longest painting.
Explore whale science and conservation, learn how Yankee whalers sailed the seven seas, enjoy works by internationally known artists as well as regional rising stars.
The Museum even offers free, accessible audio tours.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum ignites learning at all ages through exhibitions at the intersection of art, history, science, and culture.
Kids are easily impressed by the mere size of the whaling hooks & harpoons as well as a 65 foot skeleton of a real blue whale.
Special programs are available throughout the year for children. Visit the Museum during February or April Vacation Week for full days of activities. Right Whale Day celebrates a highly endangered species and raises awareness of the challenges these animals face in increasing their population.
View Calendar of Events.
The museum is stroller friendly and fully accessible.
A 22 minute silent film shows footage of an actual whale chase and capture; and there is a huge collection of scrimshaw (carvings from whalebone).
Be sure to catch the museum's annual Maritime Heritage Festival in May of each year.
School Group Programs
Our standards-based school programs in the areas of history, language arts, culture and science directly address Massachusetts Department of Education Frameworks and are designed to offer hands-on, minds-on learning opportunities.
Participate in one program and spend the morning at the Museum, or bring lunch and spend the entire day when you choose to attend one science program and one history, language arts and culture program.
Parking Options
Metered street parking is available throughout the central business district (downtown), curbside parking is available for hourly-metered parking. Free two-hour parking is available along Johnny Cake Hill.
The Elm Street Garage is conveniently located at 51 Elm Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 - only two blocks from the Whaling Museum and one block from the National Park Visitor Center. Vehicle height limit: 6’3″.
| COST | ↑ top |
Adults - $19
Senior (65+) - $17
Students (19+) - $12
Children & Youth - $9
Children 3 & Under - FREE
Purchase Tickets
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA map
Phone: 508-997-0046
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
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