Current Exhibits

Treasures of Old Dartmouth
Peruse the diversity and take in the richness of some of our finest paintings. READ MORE

The Hunt for Knowledge
This exhibition seeks to answer inquiries about current scientific studies of whales. The story of human interactions with whales would be incomplete without discussing today's scientific work. READ MORE

Ceramics from the Permanent Collection
This exhibition is an opportunity to view seldom-seen ceramics, including pottery from the Roman Empire, "creamware" from New Bedford, and modern Japanese artifacts.
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From Pursuit to Preservation: The History of Human Interaction with Whales
Explains and explores the human fascination with whales and the history of whaling in New Bedford and in a global context
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Classic Whaling Prints
This exhibit traces the most important and most influential pictorial images of whaling through four centuries..
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Dutch Whaling in the Golden Age
Old Master paintings and prints, sumptuous decorative arts, exquisite navigation instruments and rare natural history specimens.
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British Paintings & Scrimshaw
A splendid array of paintings, prints, illustrated shipboard journals, and scrimshaw...many of the finest pieces in the world.
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New Bedford Art Glass
A beautiful and diverse collection representing the major styles of Mount Washington, Blackmer, Pairpoint, Smith Brothers, and Gunderson art glass
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Skeletons of the Deep
Come learn about the four whale skeletons at the New Bedford Whaling Museum
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The Lagoda
The Bourne Building has reopened. Construction and exhibit preparation continues.
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Portraits of a Port
Museum classics return! See whaling history in its prime featuring the finest examples of scrimshaw anywhere.
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The FORECASTLE
A full size replica of a ship's FORECASTLE. Come and see what its like to live on a whaling ship's close quaters!
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