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"A 1954 image showing two women at Hathaway Manufacturing Company during a nylon inspection process. One woman in the foreground holds a large sheet of nylon, inspecting its quality, while machinery can be seen in the background. The second woman, partially visible, is engaged in a similar task behind the fabric.

Now Open!

Lighting the Way: SouthCoast Women’s Lives, Labors, Loves

Women have shaped the region of Old Dartmouth and its history since 1650. Their contributions to domestic and civic life, to education and public institutions, to the cultural fabric of New Bedford and its neighbors, and to the political and social environs of the area is immeasurable. This special exhibition carries the LTW project forward and looks inward to the New Bedford Whaling Museum collection as it relates to women’s history.

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Now Open!

Community BLOOMS: Katy Rodden Walker

Since 2023, the New Bedford Whaling Museum has worked with interdisciplinary artist Katy Rodden Walker on a project and exhibition titled “Community BLOOMS,” a community focused art and science project exploring the increase in jellyfish blooms in the ocean due to warming waters.

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A photograph of a highly saturated coral reef with schools of fish swimming in the foreground and background. There is text in the middle that reads "Big blue pictures."

3D Theater Experience

Big Blue Pictures, an immersive 3D theater experience at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, is the first and only 3D theater on the SouthCoast of Massachusetts.

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Free Bloomberg Connects Guide App

Take your visit to the next level with our Bloomberg Connects digital guide featuring audio tours, item descriptions, deeper insights, and more! Available in more than 30 languages, and features over 300 museums.

 

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Upcoming Programs

Join us for an encore performance of this silent film screening accompanied by live music! “Down to the Sea in Ships” is a 1922 American romantic drama, directed by Elmer Clifton. In this silent film, whalers go harpooning, leaving a Quaker maiden behind in 19th-century New Bedford, MA. Musical score will be performed live by pianist Jennifer A. Maxwell.

We’re thrilled to present a special edition performance by Jason Smith’s band, The Hot Club Cheese Roll (HCCR) sextet. Get ready to dust off your dancing shoes for a toe-tapping, stylish evening of music that combines timeless jazz standards with an irresistible rhythm!

The Moonbellies deliver an entertaining mix of original music, Americana, Old-Time, Québécois, Irish, and Cajun tunes, blending charm, charisma, and exceptional talent.

Enjoy an extraordinary evening of art, history, and live music featuring Joaquim Santos & Friends, blending funk, soul, R&B, and pop. With galleries open after hours, a cash bar, complimentary lite bites, and high-energy beats, this 21+ event promises an unforgettable night out.

Tickets

Admissions

Online ticketing is now our primary method of selling admission. Discounted admission tickets can only be purchased onsite.

Museum & 3D Movie Price
Adults $27
Seniors (65+) $25
Youth $17
Museum Members $4

 

Museum Only Price
Adults $23
Senior (65+) $21
Youth $13
Museum Members FREE

 

Become a Member

Members enjoy free admission year-round and many other benefits. Before you purchase your admission ticket, CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER!

Extend Your Admission

Bundle your visit to the New Bedford Whaling Museum with admission to either the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum or the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center to save at both attractions. Buy or learn more at our Admission Desk.

Guides
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.

Exhibitions

Museum Store

Online ticketing is now our primary method of selling admission.

Adventures at sea, science, history, art, cookbooks, kids' books, and more — the Museum store has something for all the book lovers on your list.

Choose from prints available at 1000 Museums, or request prints of artworks in our collection.

Shop all of our gifts. The Museum store has hundreds of items available, you're sure to find the perfect gift for that special someone on your list!