Venue Rentals - New Bedford Whaling Museum

Your Harbor View is Waiting

Host Your Event at the New Bedford Whaling Museum

Nestled among historic homes and charming cobblestone streets, the New Bedford Whaling Museum offers a one-of-a-kind setting for your special occasion. Whether you're planning an elegant wedding, corporate gathering, or milestone celebration, our distinctive venues provide a captivating backdrop with breathtaking waterfront views, world-class art, and fascinating maritime collections.

Impress your guests with the world’s largest ship model, an unforgettable centerpiece that adds a true “wow” factor to your event. From grand galas to intimate receptions, the Whaling Museum blends history, beauty, and modern amenities to create an extraordinary experience.

Make Your Event Unforgettable—Host it at the Whaling Museum.

Interested in booking? Contact us today!

A group of people mingling in the New Bedford Whaling Museum's Bounre Building. The photograph is taken from a birds eye view.
A group of people mingling in the New Bedford Whaling Museum's Bounre Building. The photograph is taken from a birds eye view.
A photograph of a married couple posing for their picture inside the New Bedford Whaling Museum's model Lagoda.
A three-tiered white wedding cake decorated with white roses and greenery, placed on a round table covered with a white tablecloth. The cake is positioned near a large window, offering a view of the waterfront in the background. A knife and fork are neatly set beside the cake.
A lively party scene featuring multiple disco balls hanging from the ceiling, casting sparkling reflections around the room. The space is illuminated with purple and yellow lighting, and guests are seen mingling and enjoying the event. Large screens display colorful visuals, adding to the festive atmosphere."
Elegantly set dining tables with floral centerpieces, amber goblets, and patterned plates, arranged in a venue with large windows overlooking a scenic view.
A group of six servers dressed in black uniforms, standing in a line while holding trays of champagne flutes at a formal event. The room is softly lit with teal and purple lighting, and other guests can be seen mingling in the background.
Harbor View Gallery
An indoor music performance at a small venue with a live band playing on stage. The stage is illuminated with vibrant green and blue lighting that casts dynamic patterns on the brick wall behind the performers. An audience is seated in front of the stage, watching the performance.
A couple shares a dance on the floor during a formal event, surrounded by other guests who are also dancing and enjoying the celebration. The room is softly lit with string lights overhead, and the atmosphere is filled with joyful energy.
Formal event space with round tables draped in white linens, set with glassware, silverware, and floral centerpieces. Gold chairs surround the tables, and soft lighting creates a warm ambiance. A table card labeled 'Table 10' is visible in the foreground.
Elegant event space with round tables draped in soft pink tablecloths and set with silverware, glassware, and floral centerpieces. The room is filled with light from large windows offering a view of the waterfront, and light-colored chairs surround each table.
Event space set for a formal gathering, with round tables draped in black tablecloths and decorated with silverware, bread rolls, and glassware. String lights are hung from the ceiling, and guests are seen standing near large windows in the background, offering a view of the waterfront.
Guests seated at round tables during a formal event, with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. The room is softly lit with pink accent lighting, and floral centerpieces decorate the tables. Large windows provide a view of the outside, creating a bright backdrop.
Decorative event space with tables draped in shimmering fabric, each topped with floral centerpieces featuring white flowers and greenery. The room is softly lit with teal lighting, and a backdrop for photos is visible at the far end.
Elegant table setting featuring a floral centerpiece with white, orange, and yellow flowers surrounded by greenery. The table is decorated with gold goblets, glassware, and fine china, with additional similarly adorned tables visible in the background.
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Harbor View Gallery

A breathtaking venue perfect for seated dinners, cocktail receptions, business gatherings, and more.

Features:

  • Stunning harbor views
  • Private terrace
  • Dimmable bistro lighting
  • Elegant hardwood flooring
  • Climate-controlled comfort
  • Built-in A/V system with ceiling-mounted projector
  • Fully accessible

Bourne Building – Home of the Lagoda

Captivate your guests with the world’s largest ship model, an unforgettable centerpiece for any event.

Features:

  • One-of-a-kind photo opportunities
  • Half-scale whaling ship model at the heart of the space
  • Surrounded by priceless maritime collections and artwork
  • Grand two-story domed ceiling
  • Elegant hardwood flooring
  • Climate-controlled comfort

Cook Memorial Theater

A high-tech, fully equipped space designed for seamless presentations, film screenings, and lectures.

Features:

  • State-of-the-art projection and sound system
  • Wireless microphones and confidence monitor
  • Retractable projection screen
  • Stadium-style seating for 220 guests
  • Customizable lighting options
  • Climate-controlled comfort

Funded, in part, by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism.

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