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A detailed scrimshaw carving of a turtle. The turtle is depicted with a textured shell, intricate body features, and a lifelike pose. The scrimshaw is crafted from a light-colored material, showcasing the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. The turtle is displayed against a plain gray background.

Now Open!

Up From the Depths: Natural Selections from our Collections

The collections of the New Bedford Whaling Museum / Old Dartmouth Historical Society are an impressive array of fine art, ethnographic objects, whaling implements, nautical artifacts, textiles, household items, and detailed documents from around the world.

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A bust sculpture of Johnathan Bourne Jr. The bust depicts an older man with detailed facial features, including a beard and mustache, and a calm expression. The sculpture captures the texture of the man's hair and skin, and it is displayed against a plain background.

Now Open!

Complicated Legacies: Museum History, White Supremacy, and Sculpture

This exhibition asks, what do we do with a bust created by someone who held deeply problematic racist ideologies? Do an artist’s beliefs impact how we interpret a sculpture? Is a sculpture like this one defined by the politics of the maker, patron, or subject?

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A photograph of a highly saturated coral reef with schools of fish swimming in the foreground and background. There is text in the middle that reads "Big blue pictures."

3D Theater Experience

Big Blue Pictures, an immersive 3D theater experience at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, is the first and only 3D theater on the SouthCoast of Massachusetts.

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Free Bloomberg Connects Guide App

Take your visit to the next level with our Bloomberg Connects digital guide featuring audio tours, item descriptions, deeper insights, and more! Available in more than 30 languages, and features over 300 museums.

 

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Upcoming Programs

The Fine Arts Club

November 21, 2024

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is hosting another edition of The New Bedford Light’s Fine Arts Club, with special guest artist Thomas Deininger.

Down to the Sea in Ships

November 23, 2024

A silent film screening accompanied by live music! “Down to the Sea in Ships” is a 1922 American romantic drama, directed by Elmer Clifton. In this silent film, whalers go harpooning, leaving a Quaker maiden behind in 19th-century New Bedford, MA. Musical score will be performed live by pianist Jennifer A. Maxwell.

Shell-ebration of the Sea Weekend

November 29, 2024 - December 1, 2024

Break up your week and get through hump day with our exciting Humpback Wednesday program at the New Bedford Whaling Museum! On these special days, we’re bringing out Salt, our impressive 40-foot inflatable Humpback whale, usually reserved for school groups, for all visitors to enjoy.

The Spindle Rock River Rats’ repertoire is an eclectic blend of music genres, that includes bluegrass, gospel, sea shanties, old-time fiddle tunes, folk and blues.

Tickets

Admissions

Online ticketing is now our primary method of selling admission. Discounted admission tickets can only be purchased onsite.

Museum & 3D Movie Price
Adults $27
Seniors (65+) $25
Youth $17
Museum Members $4

 

Museum Only Price
Adults $23
Senior (65+) $21
Youth $13
Museum Members FREE

 

Become a Member

Members enjoy free admission year-round and many other benefits. Before you purchase your admission ticket, CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER!

Extend Your Admission

Bundle your visit to the New Bedford Whaling Museum with admission to either the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum or the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center to save at both attractions. Buy or learn more at our Admission Desk.

Guides
Plan your visit using the Museum's Visitors Guide (also available in Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish).

Download the Bloomberg Connects app for our gallery guide including audio, images, video, and an interactive map.

Exhibitions

Museum Store

Online ticketing is now our primary method of selling admission.

Adventures at sea, science, history, art, cookbooks, kids' books, and more — the Museum store has something for all the book lovers on your list.

Choose from prints available at 1000 Museums, or request prints of artworks in our collection.

Shop all of our gifts. The Museum store has hundreds of items available, you're sure to find the perfect gift for that special someone on your list!