Current Exhibitions

Oils, watercolors, and sketchbooks illuminate the life and work of one of New Bedford's greatest artists.

Large-scale photographs by internationally renowned artist Nuno Sá, the most awarded wildlife photographer from Portugal.

This show highlights objects included in our new souvenir book that are not included in thematic exhibitions in other galleries.

A permanent new exhibition space featuring New England Fine and Decorative Arts, including the Museum’s Pairpoint and Mount Washington Glass Collections.

Focusing on the people, products, and infrastructures behind the rhythmic rises and falls of an industrial city.

This exhibition contextualizes the story of yankee whaling within the larger scope of Old Dartmouth history and the evolution of the port city of New Bedford.

From the upper deck of the Museum you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the local fishing fleet. Come imagine yourself at the local fishery in the past, present, and future.

This exhibition highlights the men, materials and activities aboard a whaling vessel.

Grab your passport and experience the diversity of cultures encountered by whalers as they travel the world. 

Whaling and the Geography of  Moby-Dick – an examination of the tools, techniques and resources mentioned by Melville.

A sumptuous exhibition of the best, most representative, and most compelling curiosities of our vast scrimshaw holdings.

A multi-media experience about prominent merchant, philanthropist, community leader, civil rights advocate and abolitionist Captain Paul Cuffe (1759 – 1817).

Connections between New Bedford and Cape Verde, the unique characteristics of Cape Verdean culture, and the special legacy of that culture and history here in New Bedford.

Chronicling Azorean/American cultural exchange in the 19th century.

The story of human interactions with whales would be incomplete without discussing today's scientific work.

Climb aboard an 89-foot, half-scale model of the Bark Lagoda, built inside the Bourne Building in 1916.

Come learn about the four whale skeletons at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Explores the human fascination with whales and the history of whaling. 

The full spectrum of whaling weaponry devised in the 19th century, from classic harpoons to massive guns, providing new insight into the greatest big-game hunt ever pursued by man.