VISIT THE NEW BEDFORD WHALING MUSEUM
New Bedford Whaling Museum Highlights
Hours
Museum and Gift Shop
April 1 - December 31
Open Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. Early 4:00 PM closure on Sunday, December 15th for a private event.
January 2 - March 31
Tuesday-Saturday: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Closed on Mondays
admission
Admission
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
Explore even more great local history and culture in New Bedford! 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.
Ways to Save
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is proud to offer several discounted or free admission programs to individuals, families, and groups. Visit our Ways to Save page to find out more.
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.
Parking & Directions
Metered Street Parking
Metered street parking is available throughout the central business district (downtown), curbside parking is available for hourly-metered parking. Free three-hour parking is available along Johnny Cake Hill.
Parking Garage
The Elm Street Garage is conveniently located at 51 Elm Street, New Bedford, MA 02740 - only two blocks from the Whaling Museum and one block from the National Park Visitor Center. Vehicle height limit: 6’3″.
Directions to Elm Street Parking Garage: From I-195, take Exit 26 (formerly Exit 15) for Route 18 South – Downtown. Take RIGHT at the first traffic light onto Elm Street. The Elm Street Garage is ahead approximately 500 feet on your RIGHT.
Tours
Daily Highlights Tours - 11:00AM
Tour the Whaling Museum with one of our docents to see the "can't miss" exhibits and hear stories about the people, places, creatures, and history of Southeast Massachusetts. Highlights Tours are free for Whaling Museum members and are included in the price of admission for other visitors. Tours are 45 - 60 minutes. Meet near the reception area inside the main entrance.
Group Tours
Groups of 10 or more people can receive discounted admission or schedule a private guided tour if they reserve in advance. For more information on groups rates or available offerings, visit our group rates and reservations page.
Looking for a K-12 school or program group rate? Visit our field trip information page for more information.
Lagoda Below Deck Tours - 10:00AM–11:00AM on the Second Saturday of each month
Meet at the Lagoda, the New Bedford Whaling Museum’s half-scale model of the whaling bark, for a special visit below deck.
What Can I Expect?
Expect the unexpected
At the New Bedford Whaling Museum, you will discover the underwater world of whales, the dramatic story of whaling and its impact, and the maritime history of Massachusetts’ south coast.
Marvel at five massive whale skeletons, the world’s largest ship model (Lagoda), and America’s longest painting. Explore whale science and conservation, learn how Yankee whalers sailed the seven seas, and enjoy works by internationally known artists and regional talents.
Accessibility
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is committed to creating an engaging and accessible experience for all guests and staff. Explore our Accessibility page for more information to help you plan and enjoy your next visit.
For questions about accessibility, contact our Visitor Experience team at 508-997-0046 x100 or access@whalingmuseum.org.
MUSEUM POLICIES
No backpacks, packages, oversized bags or umbrellas are allowed in the Museum. Free lockers are available near the Admission Desk.
Children under 14 years musts be accompanied by an adult.
Food and drink are only allowed in the Museum's lobby and Harbor View Gallery.
Do not touch the art or historical artifacts on display. If you are not sure if you can touch - ask a Museum volunteer or staff member.
