Get up close with New Bedford Whaling Museum collections that picture or are made from polar bears. These include an adult polar bear skin rug, Native Alaskan cribbage boards and animal carvings, popular trade cards, patches, and advertisements, arctic prints, and photographs.

Offered in conjunction with the special exhibition "Polar Bears and the Arctic Imaginary" (on view until May 7), museum staff are "taking you behind the scenes" to view artifacts from the vaults not included in the exhibition. Museum staff share insights about these items, allowing you to gain a greater understanding of humankind’s fascination with and relationship towards this vaunted and elusive species and their imperiled position, due to climate change.

This special event includes a welcome cocktail reception in the Jacobs Family Gallery with light bites and a cash bar.
General Admission: $20  | Museum Members: $10