New Bedford Whaling Museum - New Bedford, Massachusetts

Irene P.

So much history packed into this spacious museum. Room after room of surprising finds. New Bedford was a very wealthy city during the whaling days, and then came the big mills for cloth. Hundreds of immigrant women working long days, children, too. Free public education very early. A vey mixed racial history. Amazing scrimshaw collection, and a huge walk-on model of a whaling vessel.

Erica M.

There was plenty to see and learn about for local whaling history. The boat replica inside was impressive and there were other historical exhibits featuring women’s history. I liked the artistic jellyfish display.

blueskylazer

A great place to visit ...The Whaling Museum of New Bedford, Massachusetts . A huge whaling museum that is fun for the whole family. It will take more than one visit to explore all of the different features of this mammoth-sized museum. You will enjoy many future visits with great anticipation as if they were your first. If you want to know about the early whaling industry in New England this is the place to be. Unbelievable exhibitions, numerous beyond belief. If you're interested in jewelry, relics, artifacts, whaling history, and whaling industry daily life in the 1800s you need to visit. If you'd like to step on a whaling ship and see what it was like, come visit. See firsthand how the people who worked on the ships and in the town survived during this the period of massive American growth and the people who made it possible.

Neighboring parking lots are available. Handicapped ramps are available. Food is not allowed throughout the exhibits.

TJ K.

Our toddler loved climbing around inside the whale heart model, and we all loved the whole museum with its exhibits and displays. There is an overt LGBTQ+ messaging slant in one of the exhibit rooms which is not at all appropriate for small children (there were some salacious books displayed in a prominent place), but this was the only downside to our visit, and the reason for four stars. The whaling ship model has an informative sit-down option with a museum guide. I learned a lot about area history, and about the Azore Islands from one exhibit.

Heidi G.

Amazing museum, with so many great exhibits. From the minute you walk in you are entranced by the art, culture, science and history. The museum boasts the largest scrimshaw collection in the world. Whether you're viewing the giant whale skeletons, the interactive Whaling ship that takes up 2 floors, the roof top observation deck or the sculpture of the life size whale heart, you will continue to be in awe. It is located in a National Historical Park in New Bedford. People often travel a great distance to visit here, as it was once the most prestige whaling port in the world. If you live in New Bedford or will be visiting New Bedford, it is a must visit museum.

The F.

Attended the Moby Dick Marathon this past weekend and it was a dream. The city was beautiful and the locals welcoming. 10/10 recommend a visit to the whaling museum.

Patti S.

Don’t miss the yearly Moby Dick Marathon held in January. Fun museum with a great staff.

Charles K.

Was there for Lin Pardey's book launch. Sadly didn't see loads of the museum (but I plan to!), but what I did see was great. I love that they do so much with the community and host great events as well.