Home - New Bedford Whaling Museum

12 Days of Giving

Give Now: Your Donation Doubled!

From December 2 through December 13, every gift you make to the Museum Fund will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $30,000, thanks to a group of generous donors. That means every dollar you give has twice the impact on the programs, exhibitions, and educational experiences that connect us all. Help us reach our $30,000 goal today!

Give Now

Colorful translucent sculptures resembling jellyfish, suspended from the ceiling in a blue-lit room. Below the main image are smaller photos showing individuals crafting similar sculptures in a workshop setting.

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 detailed scrimshaw carving of a turtle. The turtle is depicted with a textured shell, intricate body features, and a lifelike pose. The scrimshaw is crafted from a light-colored material, showcasing the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. The turtle is displayed against a plain gray background.

Now Open!

Up From the Depths: Natural Selections from our Collections

The collections of the New Bedford Whaling Museum / Old Dartmouth Historical Society are an impressive array of fine art, ethnographic objects, whaling implements, nautical artifacts, textiles, household items, and detailed documents from around the world.

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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

A stunning look at David Zapatka photography, documenting America’s historic lighthouses in a way seldom seen: in the dark of night.

Free family fun with interactive silly songs and dancing from 5:15pm to 7:15pm, with the Toe Jam Puppet Band in the Jacob’s Family Gallery .

A vibrant New Year’s Eve celebration filled with delectable desserts, signature cocktails, lively African drumming, and a spectacular fireworks display over the New Bedford harbor from our Harbor View Gallery terrace.

The Melville Society and the New Bedford Whaling Museum proudly present Authors Chris Bachelder and Jennifer Habel, co-authors of Dayswork at the 2025 Annual Moby-Dick Marathon kick-off dinner.

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!