VISIT THE NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM
Groups
Student Groups
School groups from New Bedford, Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven or Westport may be eligible for free admission through the Jessie B. DuPont Educational Fund, Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust or New Bedford, Fairhaven, Dartmouth, Acushnet and Westport cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Boston school groups may be eligible to receive free admission through the Schrafft Charitable Trust. To find out if you qualify, please visit our field trips page for more details. Funds are limited.
Adult Groups
Groups of 10 or more adults can explore the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s art, history, science, and culture content through self-guided or guided tours at a discounted rate. Advance registration required. For more information, please visit our rates and reservations page.
Ways to Save
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is proud to offer several discounted or free admission programs to individuals, families, and groups. Visit our Ways to Save page to find out more.
- 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.
Getting to the Museum
Metered Street Parking
Metered street parking is available throughout the central business district (downtown), curbside parking is available for hourly-metered parking. Free three-hour parking is available along Johnny Cake Hill. Learn more here.
Parking Garage
The Elm Street Garage is conveniently located at 51 Elm Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 - only two blocks from the Whaling Museum and one block from the National Park Visitor Center. Vehicle height limit: 6’3″.
Directions to Elm Street Parking Garage: From I-195, take Exit 26 (formerly Exit 15) for Route 18 South – Downtown. Take RIGHT at the first traffic light onto Elm Street. The Elm Street Garage is ahead approximately 500 feet on your RIGHT.
Tours
Daily Highlights Tours - 11:00AM
Tour the Whaling Museum with one of our docents to see the "can't miss" exhibits and hear stories about the people, places, creatures, and history of Southeast Massachusetts. Highlights Tours are free for Whaling Museum members and are included in the price of admission for other visitors. Tours are 45 - 60 minutes. Meet near the reception area inside the main entrance.
Group Tours
Groups of 10 or more people can receive discounted admission or schedule a private guided tour if they reserve in advance. For more information on groups rates or available offerings, visit our group rates and reservations page.
Looking for a K-12 school or program group rate? Visit our field trip information page for more information.
Lagoda Below Deck Tours - 10:00AM–11:00AM on the Second Saturday of each month
Meet at the Lagoda, the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s half-scale model of the whaling bark, for a special visit below deck.
MUSEUM POLICIES
No backpacks, packages, oversized bags or umbrellas are allowed in the Museum. Free lockers are available near the Admission Desk.
Children under 14 years musts be accompanied by an adult.
Food and drink are only allowed in the Museum's lobby and Harbor View Gallery.
Do not touch the art or historical artifacts on display. If you are not sure if you can touch - ask a Museum volunteer or staff member.
Questions?
Contact the Visitor Experience team at 508-997-0046 x100 or admissions@whalingmuseum.org.
