Host Your Special Event at the New Bedford Whaling Museum
Depart from traditional venues and give your guests a unique experience they’ll never forget!
Nestled among historic homes and cobblestone streets, with unparalleled views of the harbor, the Whaling Museum offers a distinctive venue for any special occasion or business need. Whether you are looking to host a work-related event with colleagues, or conference, lecture, film screening, music concert, memorable wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, anniversary or birthday party, or other special celebration, the Museum is the ideal location. Our event spaces are flexible and can accommodate everything from elegant cocktail receptions, to corporate conferences and meetings, to informal banquets.
To rent Museum space, you must first become a Member of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Museum Membership has many benefits and this is just one of them! Click on "Membership" button for details.
New Bedford Whaling Museum rental pricing varies depending on your space(s) needs, and preferred dates and times. Our price chart lists available function spaces with capacity limits and our current hourly rental rate; click the "Price Chart" details.
Ready to book now? Contact Beatriz Oliveira, Associate Director, Special Events at (508) 717-6846 or click "Submit Inquiry".
EXPLORE OUR FUNCTION SPACES
The Harbor View Gallery
This beautiful gallery provides breathtaking views of the waterfront, featuring a spacious private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic harbor views. The Harbor View Gallery is ideal for wedding receptions, cocktail parties, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, conferences and more.
Features
- Stunning waterfront views with its own outdoor terrace
- Access to a second covered Harbor View Terrace
- Accessible facility
- House speakers for background music
- On-site coordinator
- Air-conditioned
- Conveniently located restrooms
- Built-in projector and screen
Capacity
The Harbor View Gallery can comfortably accommodate 160 for a seated dinner or 250 for standing room cocktail reception.
cook memorial theater
With state-of-the-art digital broadcasting capabilties, DCP projector, stadium style seating and direct access to the Jacobs Family Gallery, the Cook Memorial Theater is ideal for post-presentation social gatherings / cocktail receptions.
Features
- State-of-art projector (DCP)
- Built-in digital controls for presentations at podium
- Retractable projection screen
- Stadium style seating for 220 people
- Various lighting options
- Equipped with presentation speakers and wireless microphones
- Air-conditioning
Capacity
The Cook Memorial Theater can comfortably seat an audience of 220.
BOURNE BUILDING, HOME TO THE LAGODA WHALE SHIP
Travel back in time to the days of whaling, inspired by Lagoda – the world’s largest ship model. This memorable maritime setting is perfect for cocktail-style receptions.
Features
- Unique photo opportunities featuring the 1/2 scale whaling ship model
- Opportunity for guests to browse other museum exhibits during the cocktail reception
- On-site coordinator
- Air-conditioned
Capacity
The Bourne Building can accommodate guest counts up to 200 guests standing.
THE PLAZA
Our open courtyard offers views of the historic Seaman’s Bethel and the Mariners’ Home. It is nestled along cobblestone streets, offering a classic and historic New England feel.
Features
- Open-air experience
- On-site coordinator
Capacity
The Plaza can accommodate 150 guests seated (available only for wedding ceremonies).
