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 at the Museum.
Nestled among historic homes and cobblestone streets, with unparalleled views of the harbor, the Museum offers a distinctive venue for any special occasion or business need.
Whether you are looking to host a work event with your colleagues, a business conference, lecture, movie screening, intimate concert, a memorable wedding, an anniversary or special birthday party, a bar or bat mitzvahs, or other special celebration, the Museum is the ideal location.
From our Harbor View Gallery to our Cook Memorial Theater, our event spaces are flexible and can accommodate everything from elegant cocktail receptions to corporate conferences & meetings, to informal banquets.
Getting Started
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! Learn more about Membership Benefits here.
New Bedford Whaling Museum rental pricing varies depending on the space(s) needed, dates and times. Click here for a chart of all available spaces, capacity limits, and hourly rates.
To submit an inquiry about available spaces and dates, please fill out our Inquiry Form.
Ready to get started with your special event reservation at the New Bedford Whaling Museum?
Contact Beatriz Oliveira, Associate Director, Special Events at (508) 717-6846
Corporate Events
The Whaling Museum is the perfect location for an offsite event, offering many unique spaces for conferences, meetings, retreats, awards and retirement banquets, cocktail and holiday parties, and more!
Become a Corporate Sponsor and Save 10% on your Rental
Our corporate membership program is an annual membership designed to provide businesses with marketing opportunities, in addition to access to the Whaling Museum’s collections, exhibitions and VIP networking events.
Our corporate members use their benefits to entertain clients, reward employees and connect with the community in which they do business. At the "Corporate Sponsor" membership level, you are entitled to 10% discount on our venue rental. For more information on business memberships click here.
Explore Our Grounds and Spaces
Cook Memorial Theater
With state-of-the-art digital broadcasting capabilities, the Cook Memorial Theater (CMT) is a perfect location for lectures, music performances, movie screenings, conferences, or corporate meetings.
The Cook Memorial Theater has direct access to the Jacobs Family Gallery, which can be rented in conjunction (after museum hours) for post-presentation social gatherings / cocktail receptions.
Features
- Built-in projector with PC at podium
- Retractable projection screen
- Stadium style seating for 220 people
- Various lighting options
- Equipped with 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
This exquisite building, completed in 1916, was specifically designed to house the ½ scale model of the Lagoda whale ship.
Travel back 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 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 250 guests standing.
The Harbor View Gallery
This beautiful new gallery provides breathtaking views of the waterfront and features a spacious deck overlooking New Bedford Harbor.
A private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows make panoramic harbor views part of your unforgettable event. Harbor View gallery is ideal for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate events, and cocktail parties.
Features
- Stunning waterfront views
- Access to 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.
The San Francisco Room and Davis Observation Deck
This is a great space for business meetings, social gatherings, or memorial services.
This small meeting and exhibit space is equipped with Wi-Fi and features access to the covered Davis Observation Deck and its sparkling views of New Bedford Harbor.
Features
- Amazing views of New Bedford Harbor
- Makes for an intimate setting
- Use of the Davis Observation Deck
- Projector capabilities
- On-site coordinator
- Air-conditioned
Capacity
The San Francisco Room can seat up to 25 guests or 50 standing guests.
The Plaza
Our open courtyard, nestled at the top of Johnny Cake Hill, offers views of the historic Seaman’s Bethel and the Double Bank building.
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).
