New Bedford Whaling Museum

Category: Museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts

Address: 18 Johnny Cake Hill, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA

Phone: +15089970046

Opening hours

Sunday: 9AM–4PM

Monday: 9AM–5PM

Tuesday: 9AM–5PM

Wednesday: 9AM–5PM

Thursday: 9AM–5PM

Friday: 9AM–5PM

Saturday: 9AM–5PM

Reviews

Richard Clapham

Aug 19, 2022

This museum looks much smaller from the outside, it is very large! The inside has whale skeletons, many types of boats used in whaling, local artwork, and lots of historical information. Background on how the Portuguese influenced whaling via people from the Azores was very interesting. It is a short walk from the museum to get something to eat and to walk around the harbor.

cynthia willis

Aug 2, 2022

Best whaling museum hands down. Outstanding collection. That being said..museum needs to keep up on repairs. I have never seen so many out of order signs from elevator to movie theatre to restroom equipment, etc., etc.

Kait

Jun 11, 2022

Loved it more than we anticipated. So sad what happened to the whales but so cool to see the things they made from them. A ton of things to see and read to make time! Definitely a "we have to come back" place if you really want to see and read EVERYTHING. Staff were all very lovely. They have a scavenger hunt for the kids and our 3yo daughter had such a great time completing it. They have a cute kids section where they have things to explore, such as a giant whale heart to go inside.

Kelli M.

Aug 28, 2021

This is the best museum I've ever been to! You walk in and are wowed by the amazing whale skeletons and life-size models of flukes of various whales and the heart of a blue whale. So amazing to see! The museum also gives insight into the long whaling industry in New Bedford and all over the world (Azores, Japan, Cape Verde). There were several art galleries comprised of scrimshaw, abalone, ship models, and paintings from the time period. Enjoyed all the history of the area too - from the Pilgrims, to the Puritans and Quakers, to King Philip's War. There was also a very large scale boat and harpoons. Definitely a must-see and will be going back!

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Questions & Answers

Is there parking?

Jennifer “Jenny” Norris-Manning | Aug 31, 2018
Muriel Froias | Aug 31, 2018

There is street parking and two municipal parking garages nearby.

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Is the museum air conditioned?

Sandy Linberg | Aug 31, 2018
Jenn Coleman | Aug 31, 2018

Yes...and has elevators for those that might need them. Very easy and comfortable.

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How much does it cost to get into the Whaling Museum

Louise Collins | Aug 31, 2018
Rick Polesak | Aug 31, 2018

Under$25 per adult, less for seniors and kids.

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Free admission on aha nights?

Cheryl Cook | Aug 31, 2018
Braxton Pennington | Aug 31, 2018

Pretty sure

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Will the whale museum be open this thanks giving day?

Charles Patterson | Aug 30, 2020
Julio Maisonet | Aug 30, 2020

Yes The New Bedford Whaling Museum will in fact be Open from 9:00Am-5:00Pm

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Hello,My name is James Anderson from Cairns Australia,one of my ancestors was a Whaler in the 19th century who mutinyed in the South Pacific .I think the name of the vessel was the Three Brothers.His name was Edward Mosby,re-Yankey Ned Mosby.

A Google User | Aug 31, 2019
NE Sailor | Aug 31, 2019

Hello James, the New Bedford Whaling Museum has a database that can be accessed via their website at this link: https://www.whalingmuseum.org/explore/databases There is also an interactive shared database that can be accessed at: https://whalinghistory.org/

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Where can you stay close by? are small dogs on leash able to be in museum?

Colleen Kelly | Aug 31, 2018
Linda Barros | Aug 31, 2018

Fairfield hotel is nearby. No animals allowed

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Where is the Jacobs gallery

Michael mello | Aug 31, 2018
Tina Malott | Aug 31, 2019

The Jacobs Family Gallery is the very first gallery you enter once you come through the doors of the Museum. It houses three of our four species of whale skeletons.

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How long dies it take to view the museum?

Deborah Gibeault | Aug 9, 2022
Johnnie R | Aug 9, 2022

Depending on what new exhibits are there, probably a little over an hour and a half.

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Electric scooters or wheel chair available?

Matt Garrison | Nov 3, 2021
Frank Silva | Nov 3, 2021

Don't know , sorry

is there handi capp wheel chairs?

Mike Mccarthy | Oct 4, 2021
Andrea C. Morris | Oct 4, 2021

I believe so, but you could can ahead and make sure

Channel 10 says the whaling museum is free today admission monday April 19th but the museum says closed on the website. Tried to call no answer?

Lynn lemire | Aug 30, 2021
New Bedford Whaling Museum | Aug 30, 2021

We have sold out of Free Admission tickets for today. We will be taking Walk-ins after those that have reserved tickets have exited the building so that we don't exceed the building capacity caps mandated by the state. There is staff at the door to help answer questions about this and we are taking phone calls as quickly as we can.

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Would the Whaling Museum be of interest to children that are six years old?

A Google User | Aug 30, 2020
Ana Maria VR2 | Aug 30, 2020

Without a doubt & from experience, this museum is a joy for small children's education & imagination perspective.

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Days open and hours?

Mary Lennon | Aug 30, 2020
Martin Cardozo | Aug 30, 2020

Every day from 09:00 to 17:00

Can someone point me to an expert on antique whaling anchors? Trying to id the year.

Dyan Freeman-Taber | Aug 31, 2019
Anmarie Defusco | Aug 31, 2019

I would call them and ask if they can help or suggest someone. They certainly had a lot of artifacts from ship parts, clothing, equipment, art, replicas and miscellaneous pieces.

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How much is it

kayden melanson | Aug 31, 2019
mjjp 97 | Aug 31, 2019

$17 per adult - seniors $15 - children $7 - Students 19+ $10 - Kids under 3 are free

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Do you have scrimshaw on display?

Dawn Taylor | Aug 31, 2019
Stephanie Cassidy | Aug 31, 2019

So nuch cool scrimshaw!!!

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Does anyone know if tomorrow it's really a free day to visit? And is it all day

Tiffany | Aug 31, 2018
Marion Maurmann | Aug 31, 2018

Its Not all day free...

What day is free to visit?

Wayne Whalley | Aug 31, 2018
Hilda Sullivan | Aug 31, 2018

Right Whale Day, Monday April 16th, 2018 Free for New Bedford Residents

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Where are the elevator

Michael mello | Aug 31, 2018
Jenn Coleman | Aug 31, 2018

The front desk can direct you

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