"This is an exceptional museum of natural history, social history, and local history. Expect to spend three hours. We did, and did not finish seeing everything."
"Blew away every expectation for a whale museum. It’s clear they care and pay special attention to their exhibits. Great time with kids." - Google review
Discover Global Stories, Anchored in New Bedford
The New Bedford Whaling Museum tells the extraordinary story of how a small New England seaport shaped the world. Through exhibitions spanning science, art, history, and culture, the museum explores New Bedford’s history and current impact on global trade, migration, and innovation —stories that reach far beyond the South Coast. Visitors can climb aboard the immense model ship Lagoda and come face‑to‑face with five whale skeletons, including a blue whale, creating memorable, hands‑on moments that engage visitors of all ages.
Tickets & Hours
🕒 Hours
- Open: Mon–Sun, 9am–5pm
- Closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Years Day
Tickets
Tickets are available online and on site. Advance purchase is not required.
| Museum Only | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | $24 |
| Senior (65+) | $22 |
| Youth | $14 |
Museum members, children under 3, active military, Mass Teachers, NEMA/AAM cardholders, and UMASS Dartmouth/Bristol County Community College students (with ID) visit for free. Please see below for other discounts.
Gallery Guides
- Plan your visit using the Gallery Guide (also available in Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish).
- Access the Bloomberg Connects Guide for our gallery guide including audio, images, video, and an interactive map.
Groups
Student Groups
Groups of 10 or more students qualify for a discounted school group admission rate and some student groups from Massachusetts and Rhode Island may be eligible for subsidized admission and transportation. Please visit the field trips page for additional information.
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
Additional discounts are available through the following programs:
Reduced Admission
- New Bedford residents (50% off)
- Library Pass Program (50% off for up to 4 people)
- AAA members (10% off)
- Retired military members (10% off)
Community Access Programs
- $3 admission for up to 6 people with an EBT, WIC, ConnectorCare, or Wonderfund card (through the Massachusetts Card to Culture program)
Reciprocal Museum Programs
- NARM Association (2 adults + 4 children)
- Council of American Maritime Museums (CAMM)
👉 See full details about discounts and eligibility at Ways to Save
More to Experience
3D Movies
Daily Showings at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM
Run-time ~30 minutes
$6 General Admission | $4 Museum Members or with Museum Admission
Tours
Daily Highlights Tours - 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM
See the Whaling Museum’s must‑see exhibits on a guided Highlights Tour. Tours are included with admission, free for members, last 45–60 minutes, and meet inside the main entrance.
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.
Private 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.
How to get here
📍 Location
Located on historic 18 Johnny Cake Hill in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in the heart of the South Coast.
🚆 Getting Here
- From Boston: ~1 hour by car
- By train: Fall River/New Bedford MBTA Commuter Rail from South Station ~1 hour 40 mins. Exit the station, cross the pedestrian bridge, then follow Purchase (Pleasant) Street to William Street. Turn left—museum is on the right. (~20 minutes)
- Street Parking: Metered street parking is available throughout downtown. Learn more here.
- Garage Parking: The Elm Street Garage is conveniently located at 51 Elm Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 - only two blocks from the Whaling Museum.
The MassDOT Route I-195/ Route 18 Interchange Rehabilitation Project may create detours through the summer of 2027. Please use your default GPS for navigation to parking, and the Museum. Additional Information can be found here.
Other Details
Many people say it takes over an hour to experience our Museum. Others say it can take up to three. If you need to leave for any reason, please know you can return the same day by showing your receipt.
Walkable downtown New Bedford offers many nearby dining options—perfect for sit‑down meals or something quick to take with you.
Food and drink may be enjoyed in the Museum's lobby and Harbor View Gallery on the Upper Level.
Please leave backpacks, packages, oversized bags or umbrellas in the free lockers are available near the Admission Desk. We'll be happy to provide you with tokens.
Please accompany children under 14.
We have many exhibit interactives including a sand table, augmented reality whale tablet, ecosystem, smellable exhibit items, and the Lagoda. Many of our other items are artifacts that should not be touched. 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.
Please visit our preferred restaurant partner, Servedwell Hospitality, during your visit to New Bedford
Present your Museum receipt on the day of your visit at any Servedwell Hospitality restaurant and enjoy 20% off your entrée at lunch or dinner. One discount per receipt, offer valid same day as museum visit.
