Home - New Bedford Whaling Museum

First Friday: Indie Music Showcase

This October, the New Bedford Whaling Museum becomes a multi-sensory stage for First Friday: Indie Music Showcase – A Moving Feast for the Ears, presented in collaboration with Unexpected Music.

Explore the Museum as live indie performances unfold room by room—a progressive concert experience where each gallery offers a new sound, a new mood, and a new artist to discover.

Learn More

New Bedford Lyceum with Bill McKibben

In his keynote Solar, Society, and the Shifting Climate, McKibben will explore the promise of solar energy, the fight for climate justice, and the power of community to create change. Known for weaving data, stories, and hope into his talks, he offers both practical solutions and moral clarity—reminding us that while personal choices matter, movements move the needle fastest when people stand together.

Learn More

Members’ Trip: Madeira

April 12 through 20, 2026

Embark on a very special trip to Madeira with fellow Museum Members and special guest travel host Maria Lawton!

Learn More

Moby Dick Book Club

Join the Moby-Dick Book Club, a virtual three-part series exploring Herman Melville’s iconic American novel. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, all are welcome to take part in engaging, thought-provoking conversations led by some of the world’s leading Melville scholars.

 

Learn More

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 1000 museums.

 

Learn More

Upcoming Programs

On the 50th anniversary of Cape Verde’s independence from Portugal, join leading experts to learn more about the independence movement in Cabo Verde in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, explore acts of revolution under the PAIGC, and consider the legacies of Cape Verdean independence from Portugal today.

Experience a night of immersive indie music as the Whaling Museum transforms into a multi-gallery stage, featuring live performances ranging from acoustic sets to experimental acts. Presented in collaboration with Unexpected Music, this 18+ event celebrates New Bedford’s vibrant creative community.

Interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities? Join us for an information session on Wednesday, October 8th at 10:30 am. This session will include an overview of the volunteer program and different opportunities, as well as a chance to meet and participate in short tours of the museum with current volunteers.

An evening of music, creativity, and family fun at the Whaling Museum! October’s AHA! Night is all about celebrating community with playful activities, hands-on artmaking, and festive treats. From scavenger hunts to limbo challenges to a colorful kite-making workshop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Tickets

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

 

Hours

Open Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
12:00 PM closure on Tuesday, December 23.

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!