New Bedford Whaling Museum Reviews

We loved this museum so much. The exhibits are huge and amazing - especially the various whale skeletons. We did the audio tour so we learned a ton about each exhibit. The museum is so big that we ran out of steam before we could see the whole thing. Oh, and it's easy to park and right across the street from a church where Herman Melville used to go. Highly recommended.

While in town, we stopped in the museum. Truth be told, it was raining and we’re looking for an indoor activity. The museum was very interesting with a lot of good information. Along with whaling, there was some good American history as well. Only took us a couple hours to go through and we really took our time. Glad we got a chance to check it out!

I was glad I took the time to drive to New Bedford to see this museum. I was always fascinated by whales and wanted to understand more about the whaling industry. This place does not sugar coat what happened in our history and enables one to see what it may have been like in the early part of our county's history and the importance of whales to many people. I didn't understand just how many products came from whales. The importance of whale oil for lighting was also something I didn't understand the extent of. All relevant information is displayed here. What I took away primarily was that the size and efficiency of modern factory whaling ship's and just how deadly the mechanical harpoons are is what almost whipped out many species of whales. The other concept was that many products these whales were being killed for were available from other sources. I feel it took activism to open people's minds to the fact we didn't have to slaughter all the whales, we just needed to change our sourcing on certain products and leave them be.

We visited here with every tour to Massachusetts. Their collection is impressive and it expands every year. They are even adding buildings and expanding their footprint. Bob, the director is education, shares his enthusiasm and I always request he welcome our group from land locked Missouri. He adds so much to the exhibit. We discovered a film about the Catalpa, a ship helping Irish escape from Australia funded by Irish-Americans the visit before last. Extensive collection with a depth of historical explanation.

Our group was educated by informative and knowledgeable docents. They made the experience so enjoyable it was difficult to leave when the time came. Try not to miss the skit after lunch.

The kids loved this place! There is so much history as well as "cool" stuff to do. Do expect to spend at least 3 hours in here to the major parts of the museum. The kids had a blast playing on the boat and the life size whale. Age range was 5-12.

I have been to the New Bedford Whaling Museum several times, now, with several family members. There is much to view, from whaling history, to cultural history of countries, where people decided to enter into the whaling industry, to the history of New Bedford, a former Whaling City. There is a replicate of a ship, whale skeleton, photographs of the whaling industry, information of proprietors of whaling products in the New Bedford, the former Whaling City, along with the island of Nantucket, and other places in the world. There are special and unique exhibits during the year, as I was informed by the staff. The gift shop is a must see for unique and fun items, as well. I recommend for one stopping in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to take a while, if possible, and visit historic downtown New Bedford and enjoy a visit to the Whaling Museum. I believe you'll be glad you did. Note: There is an admission fee, less than $20 for adult. There is parking, however, it is metered. I would check if there is a parking meter charge on Saturdays and/or Sundays. The New Bedford Whaling Museum is easily found on the web. Enjoy.

Very impressed with quality and vast representation of the history, peoples and all facets of this era in time.

Between the boardable scale model of the Lagoda, to the full sized model of a whale heart (you can go inside it!), to the fascinating ties New Bedford has to Japan and Alaska, and the influences of 19th century new Americans from Portugal and Cape Verde, this was a fantastic afternoon for all of us--teens and kids included! We loved everything from the giant panoramic art to the info about the how New Bedford lit the world. And we also loved the murals around the corner in the whaling national park. Thank you!

Took the family to this great museum and spent 3 hours walking a round and learning how we almost hunted these incredible animals into extinction. You easily could spend 6 hours here and have a great time.

Absolutely wonderful museum. We had a fantastic tour guide (11am on Thursday, Oct 2nd) I failed to get her name. She was knowledgeable and did not just speak in rote from a memorized script. The tour guide really made it for us as once she finished we went back to spots she had highlighted to learn more.

My husband and I (in our 30s) give this 5 stars because it was an informational museum with whale bones and a to-scale whale heart right in the lobby. Before I get to far into it- the admission of $17/per adult is too much for us but the website gave a tip for a discount through EBT. We took advantage of that which definitely made the experience worth the $6. My husband enjoyed the room of Knots, the next room provided books and a place to practice tying knots. The museum had a well balanced mix of local history and the native people without distracting from the focus of it being a whaling museum. There were artifacts from whaling boats, hand-written reports, videos, and rooms filled with scrimshaw. Though scrimshaw art was my favorite, animal activists would not appreciate this museum. Knot tying, some sense-related invitations, and boarding a ship were the only things I saw to be interactive for children so I would not suggest it for young ones. An opportunity for lots of reading though most of it was self-explanatory. We did not purchase the audio-recording tour. We went on a Saturday so there was no on-street parking fee at the meter. Admission includes same day or next-day admission back to the museum or to other sites listed on their website. https://www.whalingmuseum.org/visit#admission Being surrounded by cobblestone and brick quaint homes make for great photo opportunities doesn't hurt either.

This is a really nicely curated small museum. All very interesting, not only about whales but also about the history of whaling in New Bedford. The museum provides free tours, which are excellent. You could spend two hours or two days going through everything, but it is a very manageable and enjoyable experience. The surrounding area is a national park area, full of historic buildings, and not far from the waterfront.

Had a rainy with time to kill before our flight. What a great museum! Every little detail is well done and our tour guide was engaging, enthusiastic, and a great story teller. The museum is so much more than what we expected with impressive exhibits of the whale skeletons, model whaling ship that you can climb aboard, the impressive collection of Scrimshaws, and so much more. I highly recommend a stop for anyone in the area.

In this museum you will find a full size replica of a whaling ship, various harpoons, intricate knots just to name a few.

we arrived late i the afternoon, so much to see we came back next day with the two day ticket. parking nearby seemed to be for two hours only, there is a view from the open balcony over the harbour, and the museum is full of information. even a boat.

Living in New Bedford it is easy to overlook the iconic museum, and I hadn't visited it in over 20 years (when my children were small). Last summer we had visitors from out of town and made the museum part of a downtown visit. It has changed so much since I was last there that I underestimated the time we needed to fully see the museum. Our guests enjoyed the experience, and I would highly recommend it to not only visitors to the city but locals who haven't been in awhile.

Had to go since I was in NB. Wasn’t expecting so many rooms with so many artifacts. Plan for at least 3 hours. Loved the volunteers available to answer questions - we’ll run, well done!! Worth the price of admission. Note to photographers - no backpack policy - I had to check my bag in a secure locker.

Was staying in Providence and decided to spend a lovely afternoon here. It is only 45 minutes from there. The tiny village of New Bedford is adorable. Eclectic mom & pop shops dot the cute little area. The museum itself goes through time periods and weaves art, artifacts and interesting details along with the whale information. It was an extremely entertaining afternoon.

I took my 3 & 9 year old for the day and there was so much to see and learn. I hadn't been here since I was a kid and was surprised at how many more exhibits and rooms there were. You could easily spend the day here. If you have a Sails library card, you can even get a discount. There's a discovery center where the kids can play and use their imagination with the different maritime activities. They also have an observation deck that overlooks the New Bedford waterfront with amazing views of the fishing boats. On the way out you can check out the gift shop. We purchased shark teeth and mini sea shells!

We went to a wedding here. The museum was incredible. The reception was beautiful. We went back to tour the museum the next day. So much information.

This is such an interesting museum. The guided door is informative and well presented. I would definitely recommend this as a place to visit when in New Bedford

I’ve never been to a museum quite like the New Bedford Whaling Museum. It was a whaling, New Bedford, and cultural museum all wrapped into one! Every room was incredibly interesting and was very detailed with lots of artifacts and maps and explanations. We had such a good time here and recommend it for anyone looking for something to do in New Bedford.

Great museum. Perfect way to learn about New Bedford and surrounding areas as well as other industries, besides whaling.
Don’t miss the overlook - beautiful view of the harbor!

The museum is a good study of whales and the whaling industry. There are skeletons of a variety of types of whales& extremely interesting exhibits, including ongoing rotating films.

The finest museum of its kind. The displays and exhibits are worth lingering over and the collection of art from the heyday of the whaling industry is worthy of its own museum.

This is not part of the national park but a must see. many displays and exhibits. The staff are very knowledgeable.

We had a wonderful time visiting this beautiful museum. The highlight was the time spent with a volunteer, Michael Taylor, discussing the the life on the whaling ships as well as the evolution of the harpoon. The exhibitions are excellent.

FANTASTIC MUSEUM!!! A MUST SEE!!! There is so much I could say about this museum. Let me start with it is extremely informative and interesting. For me the best part if the inclusive way this experience is done. They have spaces and exhibits thag show EVERY culture that took part in whaling industry. Native Americans, European Settlers, African Americans, Japanese and Chinese. It is very family friendly and makes talks about the need to help these animals rebound their population. I highly recommend this museum to everyone.

My husband’s ancestors were Mariners in New Bedford throughout the 19th century and he often visited his remaining relatives in the city as a young boy. Later, we brought our own children to New Bedford often accompanied by my father-in-law who had inherited two whaling ships logs that came to him through his maternal side of the family. In 1966, these whaling logs were donated to the museum. Our grown children remember their grandfather taking them to the museum to view the logs.

In August, my husband was thrilled to bring our daughter’s family to the museum. The three children ages 7, 10, and 13 had a wonderful time touring the museum. On a separate day we returned and met with Mr. Mark Procknik, the museum library curator. We had a prearranged appointment with him. Mr. Procknik had the two logs ready for us to view. It was truly a wonderful experience that was so appreciated by all of us. We literally held history in our hands. In addition, there had been an arranged agreement that our family might receive a copy of the logs when requested. We were given a thumb drive with a digital copy of “our” logs. This was such a highlight to our trip.

Well worth the admission fee. Exhibits include living styles of the Sailors and Captains of the 1800's. Our organization The National Park Travelers Club rented their auditorium for our meeting. Seated several hundred and nicely appointed.

The museum has been modernly renovated since my early 1980s, school field trip days! The exhibits are vast and diverse -- highlighting the various communities and countries involved in the whaling industry. Though some of the exhibits are text heavy, there are lots of other cool features which would appeal to the younger crowd -- including a great nautical themes playroom in the basement for young children. Lots of fun and nice way to spend a few hours. The gift shop is AMAZING!

Very interesting museum, but the most valuable asset of it is the great guidance we had from staff and in particular Cody which is one on the amazing tour guides we met, very knowledgeable about all topics and passionate about both the museum’s theme, the town history and the visitors experience . Thank you !

This museum has everything. The Lagoda and the focssile are fun to explore. The art work is top notch. The whale bones are amazing. At every turn and in every corner visitors will find something interesting or beautiful. Take a trip to the area to experience this wonderful museum.

We got a guided tour which was informative but I will go back and take my own time to see more. The docent was pretty knowledgeable but it seems too scripted and rushed. She wasn't prepared for questions off the tour. We still never found out about current countries or cultures which still do whaling.

There is so much to see that you need a whole day if this interest you! The schrimshaw alone can take hours to see. The mock whaling ship was okay but a bit small.

The museum has some very interesting artifacts and helps one become acquainted with the area and understand the cultural heritage. It doesn't do much for the present, and New Bedford is sadly economically depressed and has been for a real long time. The film further distorts the reality of what is here now because it is all about the past. Whaling is not an impressive enterprise just as hunting bison to extinction is, they both are the same: bad. And bragging about having gone up to Nova Scotia after the whales had been killed off here, only to kill of the livelihood of another culture - one that new how to maintain the whale population, is nothing to brag about. This museum is really just a symbol of how stuck in the past New Bedford is and how it is having such a hard time in the present.

This museum is a wonderful surprise. You learn about historic whaling, the past use of whale oil, as well as whales in general. The whale skeletons on the ceiling show their majestic size and the interactive exhibits - step inside a whale heart! - keep the kids engaged. They can touch whale bones, play different whale songs, hop on a whaling ship…. We all thought it was fantastic. They also show 3D 25 minute movies several times a day for $5/person the kids liked. The six year old said this was a favorite stop a week later/at the end of our trip, so it made an impression.

We took a couple who were visiting from a Germany to the Whaling Museum. They we intrigued and totally absorbed during the visit, as were we. I highly recommend the museum to anyone how loves history, social history, and local history!

showing how great the men were from New England in the early 1800's. Brave men who were making their living going out for years at a time to get whales so they could be used to make lamp oil.
a showplace of times and also shows the items used to make their lives and the trips they made around the world. A great visit.worth the trip. Take the kids.

My husband and I stopped by and wasn’t expecting much from this museum but we were pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. They have great interactive displays and a wealth of information. They have a large ship which you can walk around on and of course great information and actually skeletons of whales and There is a lovely rooftop that looks out over the harbour.

Fascinating whaling museum with the largest actual ship model in the country. The Portuguese who settled early in the area were primarily from the Azores and a section of the museum focuses on their immigration and presence in the whaling industry. Wonderful whale skeletons hanging from the ceilings! Would highly recommend for all ages. The gift shop has exquisite choices as well as T shirts, etc.

So much to learn. Good displays some a bit wordy but most easy to digest. Wonderful artifacts and a whale scavenger hunt and whale heart to plan in. A sad and destructive hosting presented in a honest way. Cover multiple cultures and their influnce on whaling and America. Really a truly wonderful stop. Could spend hours with kids about and hour

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is a great museum for the whole family. There is something to satisfy visitors of all ages and interests. My granddaughters (ages 4 and 7) loved the whale bones, the replica blue whale heart (large enough to climb in), and the Discovery Center. My wife enjoyed the amazing scrimshaw display. I enjoyed all of the history displays especially the ones about the New Bedford connection to the Azores and Cape Verde. We only allowed about one and a half hours to see everything and we ran out of time. A return trip during warmer weather will be planned as will a walk down to the harbor.

This is an amazing painting done 1848 - longest painting in America - wondefully restored 1,275 foot long. A must see at The Kilburn Mill on Rodney French Blvd., Free admission courtesy of the Whaling Museum.
Only on view July 29th - October 8th 2018 - Not to be missed.

This place came as quite a surprise! First off is the size of it; you keep walking and walking and it keeps going on and on with each room being better than the last. The showcase of the scrimshaw was breathtaking; never have we seen such an extensive display; we could have spent the entire afternoon just wondering through that section alone. I think all of the displays were wonderful; perhaps the art work was an added feature that could have been excluded because there is just so much to see that it seemed out of place there. The only place we didn't go was upstairs in the room that housed the whaling ship; way too many stairs for 2 senior citizens. But, overall, this was a wonderful day outing and, like I said before, we could have spent more time just on the scrimshaw display.

We missed our early ferry to Martha's Vineyard, so had a couple of hours to kill. We went to this museum with really no expectations and were blown away. It is a fascinating story of the industry, the impact on the town and on communities all over the world. Whalers were explorers in every sense of the word. This museum is beautiful, with expertly crafted exhibits. You can easily spend a day here. We left wanting more.

First time back in almost 40 years LOL!!
This complex of 9 building is amazing.

Vets enter for free. We had a great 2 hour tour with Gerry. He was really excellent and I learned so much from him.
We left because we had a three hour drive in front of us to get home.
You definitely need more time here.

This great museum features a huge range of displays about the historical importance of whaling. It’s Atrium features hanging skeletons of adult whales and a crawl-thru model whale heart for kids and adventurous but thin adults. Meanwhile, there is a walking tour of a whale ship complete with masts and whale rendering equipment. Elsewhere an entire room examines scrimshaw, the whale ivory and bone based art form. Next door is an examination of paintings based on whaling. Harpoons, whale oil, butchering gear, whale boats, native kayaks, maps, it’s all there and more. An especially neat feature is the Discovery Room where kids can raise sail, mount the Crows nest, and play on the mock whaling ship forcastle. Gift shop and rest rooms on site. Admission charge: adults about $16, kids $7. This is a great family-oriented museum!

If you have any interest in learning about whaling, or even local / national commerce before the age of shale oil, do yourself a favor an dedicate at least two hours to visit here (maybe more). It's one of the best museums I've ever been in, given its focus (and this is comparing to the NYC met and Chicago's field museum). They cover whaling almost as well as in Moby Dick. They discuss national and international trade extensively. They explain the multitude of engineering / fuel uses for whales and the related impact on their survival as various species. There are guides there who are more than willing to chat with you and answer a multitude of questions you didn't know you had. There really is no way to see all of it in one visit, i.e. too overwhelming, so it's worth a second trip if in the area. It's just outstanding.

I was surprised how much our little one loved this museum. In the entry hall, he kept crawling in and out of the whale's heart, which gave me time to explore the rest of the exhibits. We went through the paintings and furnishings quickly, but I was impressed with the knowledge I did pick up, including the emphasis on the local culture, and how it had been influenced by the Azores, in particular.Then we got to the whaling ship. Ourlittle one loved scampering around the deck. I was surprised it was half scale, because it is life size in impressiveness. I appreciated the helpful construction hats, that prevented a few bonks my head got. I showed a picture to my little one afterwards wearing a construction hat, and he called it his pirate hat. LOL. My only criticism is that because I suspect that the museum expanded over different periods, it's a bit of a rabbit warren and they could use better signage and 3D maps of the entire museum to show visitors where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there. We never actually figured out how to get to the kid's discovery center, which everyone encouraged us to visit. Despite that, I would wholeheartedly recommend the museum to other families, as well as adults who have the leisure to explore the museum and all its scientific, artistic, and historical treasures.

Very nice and interesting museum. Kids will also like this place. Nice displays and awesome staff. Definitely recommend.

Been here many times. Whenever I am in the vicinity I make it my business to drop in again. Historicly awesome. I have items in my home that originated here.

The museum should not be overlooked by area residents. This is a part of our local history and it is presented in a professional and a very entertaining way. Take the time to visit whether you are a resident or visiting, it is worth the time.

Always a great experience! Love the new exhibits that cycle through, too. The 3D movie experience was new to us and definitely worth it. Awesome place for kids - lots for them to see and do.

This is a great museum. It covers whaling from A to Z. There are amazing skeletons of these great leviathans in the lobby, and a half-size model of the whaling Bark Lagoda in the Bourne building.
Stories from whaling history abound, as well the crafts of sailing. Walking through the various rooms you learn about the whalers lives, and the their tools. There is a display about the science of knots which are a mainstay of all sailing.
The Bourne building has actual whaleboats used for chasing and harpooning the whales. There is also a section dealing with the Azoreans contribution to whaling.
This museum engulfs you with the whaling culture.
It is a must see!

The Museum is excellent, with a lot of interesting historical exhibits and items. The neighbourhood is also wonderful, and makes for a great day trip.

We went here expecting to only spend a couple of hours. We ended up spending almost the whole day and then coming back the next day! The tickets are good for two days. If you have any interest at all in early American commerce or, specifically, whaling, then the museum is a must. Is is very thoughtfully laid out and the displays provide excellent information. We found it fascinating. It is a different experience from Mystic Seaport so don't assume that if you have seen one you don't need to see the other. They both deserve a visit because they are very different form each other.

We went to the museum expecting to see it in a day. We should have suspected this would not be the case when the staff behind the Admissions desk told us we could come back the next day for free with our receipt. (Unfortunately, we were moving on to the Cape the next day.)

This small museum packs a lot of information and exhibits in to it's small space. The replica whaling ship was very interesting. I learned many things I didn't know about the whaling industry and it's impact on the area. The exhibit of knots and rope was very interesting and some of the rope and knot work was quite beautiful! Other visitors of all ages from little ones to teens and seniors all seemed to be enjoying their time at the museum!

We arrived at 1 pm after traveling over an hour and the museum was closed. So we were obviously unsatisfied

I had a blast here with friends. We had fun walking around the museum. I expected to see Charles W Morgan stuff since a friend sailed the boat.

I highly recommend this excellent museum! The 1/2 size replica of a whaling ship was amazing. Would definitely go back!

This is a delightful museum! I hadn’t been here for maybe 25 years, and it is even better now. It is airy and bright and has so much more about the life and times of whaling families and environs. I loved seeing the Mt. Washington glass and the phenomenal seaweed exhibit. There is something for all ages and interests.

This is a fantastic museum. I will definitely come back for a visit sometime soon. I loved learning and looking around!!

We had a lovely afternoon at the New Bedford whaling Museum. It was filled with very interesting historical facts about the whaling industry as well as the city of New Bedford. It’s in a quaint part of New Bedford where there are lots of restaurants and other attractions that you can visit. Well worth a visit.

I'm a bit conflicted about giving this museum a mere average rating. There really are some fantastic exhibits! The whale skeletons as well and the art, artifacts, and tools associated with whaling are highly impressive. And, they do a very good job of presenting the cultural and economic context of the whaling industry's heyday.

However, I think the museum is a little heavy on nostalgia and misses an opportunity to teach some lessons about the consequences of an unsustainable and, some would argue, immoral human endeavor. It might also be useful to provide a bit more focus on cetacean ecology and modern issues related to whales, including biodiversity, the economics of ecotourism, and the controversy surrounding captive cetaceans as a form of entertainment/education. Additionally, I found the half scale replica whaling ship Lagoda to be somewhat inauthentic, especially after having toured the original whaling ship Charles W. Morgan at Mystic Seaport in CT.

Overall, there's a lot to learn at the Whaling Museum; and, it's well worth a visit! But, it could be a great deal more relevant by slightly expanding its scope.

Very interesting museum. Learned a lot about whales and the history of whaling. Plus there was other artwork to look at. Would definitely recommend.

Fantastic Museum right in downtown New Bedford. Interesting and fun. I suggest if you are in the area.

Set in a large brick building, it suits the period being covered. They don't try to hide or apologize for the fact that whaling took place, but present the history of whaling and the town of New Bedford of that era. They show that whaling was an international endeavor the world over. They also show scenes from the time period and they is a lot of art throughout the museum. This is a must see to appreciate this time in history.

Haven't been since I was a kid, but I am glad to say it was a wonderful experience all over again! There is so much to see and so much history to learn. It can easily take half a day to see it all! A "must do" on any list!

My husband and I attended a wedding reception at the Whaling Museum. It was an amazing experience for all of the guests! There is a life size boat that visitors can climb aboard! The exhibits were outstanding and very informative. I would highly recommend a visit!

Our party of three were only in New Bedford for l/2 day and we tried to squeeze everything we could in that 5 hours. The Whaling museum was our first choice and we spend 2 1/2 hrs. in it which did not even scratch the service. Before you tour the Museum you should watch the 22 min film that explains the whaling industry in that area. If you do nothing else you must see this excellent museum. It is one for all ages.

This is an exceptional museum of natural history, social history, and local history. Expect to spend three hours. We did, and did not finish seeing everything. Take the guided tour to get started. We went with Nance, who was exceptionally well informed.

Whaling happened so it is usefull to find out why it started and also what killed it off. The associated buildings are also of interest and tell a bit more about the human side (families left behind). We unfortunately parked in the parking garage signposted from the visitor centre. Avoid this if at all possible as it is 18 $ for the day

It was very nice to see the artifacts from the Whaling Museum. It takes about 1 hour to see everything. I want to go back on July 20 for a free admission to this museum.

The museum has a rich history of the whaling industry including the diverse people's and cultures. Whaling ships sailed from New Bedford to every ocean and sea, world wide, harvesting whales.

Terrific little museum in New Bedford. We went specifically for the show on Albert Pinkham Ryder and his influence on contemporary artists and it did not disappoint. Great little show in one room. Well installed, works well chosen and a fine catalog for sale in the museum shop. This time we did not visit other exhibits but have in the past and found them very interesting and informative.

It's been a long time since we have been here. So glad we were able to get back there. They have 3 floors of exhibits. The top floor--gotta go up there--there is a observation deck where you could look out and see New Bedford and boats. Really nice view. Access to that is a separate elevator from the 2nd floor. They also have a huge boat that you can climb on board and look around. I would say you need about a good 2 hours there. Nice gift shop too. Now only thing...parking...there is free parking for 3 hours (if you could find it--go early) along Johnny Cake Hill. When we got there, tho, we couldn't find a spot there but we ended up driving around the corner and finding Elm Street Garage. It's not expensive to park there if you don't mind the walk. It's about maybe a 5-10 minute walk to the museum. Overall--Nice! Will return.

Very nice museum
Made up of several rooms, each one as rich as the other
Models of whaling boats allow you to see life on board
The 3D show is fun to do
You can spend 2 hours there or the whole day
Really a great experience

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is a wonderful and informative experience. The exhibits are very well presented. The view of New Bedford Harbor from the roof was a treat. We didn't have enough time so we hope to return.

Not enough time to soak it all in! Lovely little museum for anyone interested in conservation and/or history.

Lots of history about New Bedford harbor. Brought 2 teenagers and they enjoyed the sights. They have expanded quite a bit over the years. Beautiful family day trip. Worth it

They would not accommodate us as a group or as travel agents who had just a few minutes. No was the answer to all of our request. The unfriendly, unwelcome attitude was a turn off! Maybe another time someone who cares will want us to come in! Bad on you!

I brought three grandchildren to the museum and each one reported to their parents about the day. They were surprised at how enthusiastic and excited the children were about the experience. They all highlighted different aspects and are looking forward to a return trip. It is a wonderful museum.

We highly recommend the New Bedford Whaling Museum. The four of us spent a delightful 3 hours visiting this museum last week. The exhibits were very good and the staff was knowledgable and friendly.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum has always enjoyed a reputation of being one of the foremost, if not the foremost, museum about whaling in the world. Sure, one can read books about whaling and the port of New Bedford. But there is nothing like seeing the actual skeletons of the massive creatures, sniffing whale oil, walking on the deck of the half scale whaler “Lagoda” or tramping along the cobblestone streets, looking out at today’s fishing fleet. Go before October 8, 2018 and get to see “Spectacle in Motion” the almost quarter mile long painting (circa 1850) at no extra cost and with free shuttle service.

The scrimshaw exhibit was our favorite. Amazing work. The Corset stays and cribbage boards were fabulous. The shadow room was fun. The room with the ship was pretty cool too. We'll be back.

We only had 2 hours because we got there late, but wish we could have spent at least 4 hours there. The most amazing part was Cody!!! He is a docent and was fabulous!!!! He spent almost 2 hours sharing information with us about the whales and whaling business and the New Bedford area. It was such interesting information that I took copious notes! The museum is well worth your time! Rita

Thank you to docent Cody for the terrific tour of the museum! Could have stayed all day except it was so cold, apparently to protect the items exhibited. Will dress accordingly next time. Free 3 hour parking on Johnny Cake Hill adjacent to the entrance. Free admission on the first full weekend of the month if you have a Bank of America card. Be sure to walk around the area and visit the Seaman’s Bethel and National Park site.

There are some free displays on the first floor. The rest of the museum has a fee. Backpacks are not welcome, but you are offered a free locker which was appreciated. There is so much to see. They have a photographic replica of a 1/4 mile painting depicting whaling. The scrimshaw display was great. The little kids enjoyed the interactive kids section. There is so much information about the whaling industry here. It is a must see.

The museum was smaller than I expected but had interesting artifacts, including personal items and photographs of 19th century and early 20th century whalers. There's a parking garage very close to the museum and I recommend parking there. Street parking is difficult to find.

The museum is a hidden little gem. Very interesting displays and artifacts, including some things that you can touch and experience. Loved boarding the half scale vessel and learning about whale ship living conditions.
The whale skeletons and replicas of the heart and fins are amazing. Even though the gift shop items were way too expensive, I would definitely visit again

The whale skeletons were impressive. The scrimshaw displays were absolutely lovely. The Lagoda 1/2 replica was fascinating. The museum told the story of whaling history very well. There were painting exhibits, room of old fashioned furniture, and exhibits of non-whaling items that were not relevant to the purpose of the museum. Overall it was a confusing experience.

My relatives were in the whaling industry for many years and my brothers and i vuisit here often. If you are interested in the whaling era,this is a must. Very informative and many things to see. Scaled down whaleboat inside to visit,also very interesting.

A really nice, informative museum.

You will see the skeletons of several whales, a history of the whaling industry, and a history of several of the New England areas that were important to the maritime and whaling industries.

Some superb artwork and models along with the implements of the whaling trade. We recommend a visit but suggest you forget about convenient parking - look for the parking structure a few blocks away and save yourself the grief of assuming that curbside parking will be easy to find. For us it was not; we were finally relieved to find the parking garage.

Have been there many times and always enjoy it. My ancestors were whalers as i am from New Bedford.Even have a scaled down whaleship which you can board.

Best whaling museum in the country. Thoroughly researched. Signifies an important time in U.S. history and commerce. Very family friendly. Well worth the visit.

Went for brolo's wedding reception. Pretty cool space. Mass has some really weird liquor license laws, but not the venue's issue. The space was neat with cool exhibits and they view from the balcony where we ate was beautiful. If you're looking for a cool place to have an event, I highly recommend this place!

This is an engaging museum with excellent exhibits that bring alive the history of whaling and the need to conserve vulnerable whale species. There is a $3 audio tour that provides additional information on key exhibits. There is a huge replica whaling ship that kids will love, and a crawl-through life size whale heart that young children will totally enjoy. I loved the scrimshaw section and the information on the many nationalities that were attracted to whaling. You will need at least two hours to take in all the exhibits. The museum is in the heart of New Bedford's historic district and there are other attractions and plenty of places to eat and shop nearby.

A great place to get a better understanding of whaling from a local and international perspective. Exhibits are well maintained and labeled, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

While visiting Westerly Rhode Island in November 2018. We went to Providence and were unable to find the historic area there. So my husband suggested we drive to New Bedford, Massachusetts which is not far from we were. So here we go on another road trip. It took approximately over a hour or so to get there. Very scenic in Fall to be New England. Once we arrived at the historic area of New Bedford was a very beautiful place. When found the Whalers museum and it had event going on, but not a problem for us to explore this amazing museum. Lots of whaling industry history. Several displays of whale skeletons preserved, wow the whales were huge. So much history to explore and take in. Great place to take older kids. Takes 1-2 hours to see and explore. Definitely would recommend

While the "Lagoda" is the central attraction, the exhibits are a magnificent lens into the world of 17-19 century whaling. Every economic facet of the industry is featured so ther is something to interest all ages. I am a history teacher and could visit once a week...but people would talk.

I had thought it is just a scientific museum for kids to explore giant whale bones, but it goes much deeper and farther, I was astonished by what it display.

As I'm originally from New Bedford; this wonderful museum is part of my heritage. Every year that I visit New Bedford; I make it a point to visit the Whaling Museum. My cousin, Neil; came with me on this particular visit; along with my pet rabbit, Narvik. Neil lives in the area and knows a lot about scrimshaw, so it he made this visit more interesting, by pointing out things that I didn't know about. The staff was also quite friendly and helpful. Although whales are now endangered, because of whaling; the museum is a window to another time when it was the main economy of New Bedford, and other places too. I look forward to my next visit. Two rabbit ears up!!
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Too much to see in a day. A thorough history of the whaling industry with art, culture, and economics explored

Really one of the best museums I've ever visited. We had only a few hours to spend before leaving to catch our flight home, but if I had it to do over I would have spent an entire day here, at the museum and the surrounding historic district. It will definitely be on my itinerary if we return to the region. Very well-rounded, comprehensive look at all aspects of the whaling industry, not just a nostalgic whitewash; with respect for the hard work of the whalers and the technical aspects of their job, and the diversity of people involved; and good look at the overall impact on the local industry and economy. Also the scrimshaw gallery was amazing.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and open to questions. I enjoyed his tour and explanations. The displays were amazing as was the artwork. There is a discovery room with activities for kids and an International room. I have to say that if you like animals the history of whaling is a bit hard to take but it does have its place in coastal history and played a significant role in the development of the East Coast so is worth it from an historical point of view.

Whaling museum was much more impressive than I anticipated. Whaling ship inside museum draws interest. Docents are friendly and very good with kids and adults. Well thought out venue with maps, history, economics, art, all on the waterfront. Check out the view from the roof...all of New Bedford and nearby Fairhaven.

When I started my tour I thought I would only learn about whales. No so. The history of New Bedford was also on display. There are so many areas or rooms to see. All interesting on their own. I liked the ship Lagoda. There were a few kids on the ship exploring and enjoying it. The moving painting was fantastic. Next time I come I would like to sit and watch it all. This museum takes 3-4 hours to see. Parking on is on street and free if you can find a place. Go over to the chapel as well. I will come back again

With two degrees in history and a passion for historic preservation I can assure you that this museum is world class and presents its material in an accessible and easy to understand manner for those outside the field. It’s a wonderful compliment to the Nantucket Whaling Museum and the museum in Salem, MA in terms of telling maritime history in the region.

Yes, a blue whale killed in 2001 is still dripping oil and will continue to drip till 2060! Last year a bride getting married in the museum got dripped on in her wedding dress!
The museum has great history of a time in America when the whale oil coming through New Bedford made it the richest city in America! The discussion that the young guide (he had a wealth of knowledge) on sperm whales was fascinating. This museum is unlike any other you have seen. Just watch out for the drips of whale oil.

We visited as a family, and had a blast. The whaling history is very well explained and presented in the museum, but also in the whole downtown area. It is a well preserved live history of the whaling industry, the shipping industry, and the role that the African-Americans played at the time.
I would highly recommend visiting the city and the museum.

What a fabulous museum. The only mistake we made is not allowing enough time to see everything. This place is huge and has so much to see and learn more about. There are exhibits, films and of course a gift shop. And they offer Triple A discounts if you happen to be a member. It was well worth the trip.

I was very excited for this trip considering a book I read in college (Heart of the Sea, book was amazing, never saw the movie). The museum is deceptively large and I'm sure older kids and adults alike would easily be transfixed by it. However, my three year old's attention was only held by a few exhibits. There was so much that bored him or that he wanted to touch but couldn't that it was hard to truly enjoy the museum myself. My husband, myself, and my parents who were visiting all took turns having to ensure that my three year old wouldn't be disruptive to the other guests. I would definitely recommend this museum to others, just don't go with curious toddlers.

The Waling museum rivals the ROM in Canada. The Museum has displays and histories for all members of the family. You sons and daughters can experience famous young people, women, and the bonds that kept families together when whalers were at sea 6 out of 7 years at a time. Take your time to watch all the films, especially the opening film (about 20 minutes long). Walk through the compound and visit the historical homes at the site. ONE PROBLEM IS THAT PARKING IS ONLY FOR TWO HOURS AT A TIME. But you can move your car and gain another two hours. Learn all about the different knots used by sailors. Learn about the development of New Bedford from whales to other crafts, Learn the environmental failures of over fishing. The ship models will enthrall the youngest members of your family. There is a half-scale mode of a whaling ship (the largest model in the US).The GIFT SHOP is a pleasure for all members of your family. The DOCENTS are outstanding and a wealth of knowledge. Take your time and experience and learn from the outstandingf design of this museum.

We went to the whaling museum because we were passing through New Bedford and thought it would be an interesting stop. It was way more comprehensive and interested than we anticipated! We really enjoyed the visit there and would recommend it to anyone who's in the area.

The richest media at the Whaling Museum come from bygone eras. Numerous paintings and charts and logbooks (from the seventeenth century on) give insight not just into whaling history but also to the attitudes people held about whaling and the sea. Thanks to whaling, New Bedford was one of the richest cities in the U.S., a crossroads for the, the self-proclaimed light of the world, home to sailors picked up by whalers in voyages across the world, and a source of exploration and discovery as ships chased cetaceans. Everywhere you look you will find ship figureheads, tabletop models of wooden ships, entire skeletons of the world’s biggest sea animals, pictures of the sailors hailing from the US, Portugal, Hawaii, the South Pacific, the Arctic, Africa, etc. Those three-year voyages they took gave the first worldly perspectives in a time when most Americans never left the village or county they lived in. The highlight of the visit is touring the half-sized reproduction of the whaling ship Lagoda the building was built around a century ago. Even at only half the size of the original, the boat’s masts and sails tower overhead to brush the ceiling of the grand hall. From scrimshaw to harpoons and Yankee whaleboats, the Museum offers riches of detail for whaling life. A word of caution: this museum also traces the growth of New Bedford and the New England colonies which sometimes seems distant from its whaling focus. King Phillip’s War, enslavement of Indians, English explorations in the New World, and New Bedford’s rise and fall as a center of cloth manufacture receive their share of attention. That makes the museum so much more and yet a little less than a Whaling Museum. Nonetheless, a visit is worth the several hours and the fees it will take.

This is one of the most interesting museums I've ever seen. We are from the west and had no idea how great this could be --- WOW

I attended the Moby Dick Marathon at the museum. It was a fantastic event, full of character and characters. I highly recommend this museum and it's best appreciated over a series of visits. There are multiple exhibits: art, culture, science. I also know it's a creative and fun space for a wedding/wedding reception. It's not to be missed.

Very nice Museum. Much bigger than we expected. Interesting information about whales, whaling and the history of New Bedford, including glass and other industry. Superb whale skeletons and a beautiful live size whaling boat.

I’m a New Englander and this is one of if not the best historical museum I’ve ever visited. We had a private tour but did overhear a scheduled tour partially, and it was well done. You can’t go wrong. New Bedford is a limited town for attractions but the Museum makes it worth the trip!!!

Whaling museum. Lots of history in an airy and open building. There is a lot of fine art and a half-scale whaling ship. There are also five whale skeletons. There is plenty of off street parking in two public parking lots that are nearby. Lots of nice restaurants and bars in the area too.

I have visited many museums and this is one of the best. It presents the city’s whaling history in an interesting way. The Pagoda, half scale whaling ship is a treasure. The docents are all friendly and do wonderful presentations.

Lots to see. They have QR code self guided tour but we didn't have headphones our earnings so we skipped it. Huge place. The skeletons of the whales are impressive. Lots to see. We spent over 3 1/2 hours there. Great explanations of each artifact and exhibit. The beginning movie is a continuous 22 minutes and gives the patron a good start on the museum. Kid friendly. Parking in garage a block away was convenient. Highly recommend.

I love this museum. One learns a lot about the actual history of whaling. Did you know it was Portuguese sailors and sailors from the Azores and Cape Verde that did much of the whaling? Did you know that whaling resulted in New Bedford being a hot spot for glass artistry? Yes, oil needed lamps and lamps were produced in New Bedford. This is a great museum. Parking is easy. Maybe you need to pay meters, but it's 25 cents for 20 minutes. There is free parking at times too. Plus, there are plenty of cool shops nearby and lots of good restaurants and breweries.

Due to a rainy day we decided on visiting a museum. Since I knew little about Whaling we decided on The New Bedford Whaling Museum. From the giant skeleton of a Sperm Whale in the entrance to the Guided tour as well as the feature films-We gained a whole new understanding of how important whale oil was to the world and how it made New Bedford the wealthiest city in the world for a few decades until oil and electric lights came along. Well worth the price of admission.

Went with 2 kids (age 7 and 11) and grandparents. The staff were very good with kids, ensuring that there was interactive learning. The scale model ship to walk on, the full size whale heart and blow up whales to crawl inside, the baleen and vertebrae to touch, and the basement with ropes to haul and boats to climb on. We all learned something during our visit, and found lots of options for lunch afterwards within short walking distance (Brick pizza is awesome!).

My husband's ancestor was a whaling captain so all the wonderful displays were extra meaningful. It was very clear at showing how long the ships were gone all around the world.

Incredible to see! Moby Dick would have been proud and after seeing this go to visitors center for a walking tour and learn about the underground railroad

Great museum! We did lots of reading and learned so much about whales and the past whaling industry. Very interesting information! Bring a sweater. They keep it 60 degrees in some of the rooms! We watched the Antarctica 3D movie. There is another one on the Oceans. If you are a veteran, ask for the admission discount.

Great museum! Much more than you expect! Only a portion on whaling, much more in New Bedford history, whales, scrimshaw, a great 1/2 scale model of whaling ship, fantastic docent, local artists featured. And, on a heat advisory day, arctic A/C ...

Surprisingly informative museum on the not only of the New Bedford whaling industry, but also the worldwide whaling industry through history
Docents very informative!
We had an excellent day here! Highly recommended!

This is a wonderful place with exhibits showing the life of sailors and families. A home has been recreated, too much scrimshaw to even catalog, an early history of Old Dartmouth and so many depictions of the life. Plan on an entire day.

Never knew how little I knew anout the whaling industry! Wonderful experience. Be sure to take a tour.

We went here on a wet Memorial Day and were impressed by the displays of whale skeletons as well as a look at the people who worked in this industry. They had exhibits on the style and culture of the time and even had a half sized replica of an actual whaling ship that was built in 1916. wonderful displays and exhibits. definitely recommend if you're in the New Bedford area.

Wish we could have spent more time at this fantastic museum. So much to see. If you are in the area, be sure to check out. Hope we are able to come back here some time and see more. My favorite was the scrimshaw display.

This is one of the best museums I have been to. It has great exhibits and very knowledgeable docents.

Just attended the 26 hour reading of Moby Dick. Standing room only. Saw the support of the museum staff and many volunteers who love this museum; I especially like the Lagoda Room with the 1/2 size model of a whale ship and the actual whale boats used to chase whales. It is really best to visit several times and take it in with small bites rather than all at once since there is so much to see.

First off, A THANK YOU for preserving such a unique period of American history. Every facet of the whaling experience is shown here, from the oils used to the ship replicas. The scrimshaw room is fascinating with incredible artwork. Too much to talk about so all we can say is make this a MUST stop if interested in this topic. Our 8 photos attached are just a sampling. We enjoyed the gift shop too. Note for seniors, they give discounts for both AAA and your age. Sweet!!

Artifacts were presented in a well documented, informative, and interesting format. One gets an in-depth sense as to what life was like for the whalers. Gift shop was lacking - lots of cutesy items without much relevance.

We had a great visit to this wonderful monument to a bygone era. The half size whaling ship is a great exhibit for everyone, but especially kids. Highly recommend.

I've always been interested in whaling and how popular it was back in the day. It went through everything from shipbuilding to rope tying, to what they served the men for dinner, to how they cut open the whale, to what they use the whale for, to how they use and relied on the Portuguese men to make It all happen. The tour, self-guided one anyways, took about an hour maybe an hour and a half. It costs $17 per person. Do yourself a favor and don't bring kids to the museum! There are tons of things that they can touch and break, not only that but it's very much an adult place to be and there are stairs!

We anticipated a lot of whaling exhibits at the New Bedford Whaling Museum, and there certainly are plenty, including a life-size model of a blue whale heart and what they claim to be the largest ship model in the world (at a scale of 1:2 that seems like a reasonable claim). There are also actual whale bones to touch, whale skeletons, and just about anything a lay-person could think about putting in a museum.

What we didn’t expect were the exhibits about local history and the town of New Bedford. There are displays about the first landing of Europeans, local artisans, and local industries. Overall about a third of the museum seemed devoted to subjects other than whaling. In sum one could easily spend a day at the museum.

Given Stephen Miller and the Trump administration’s white-washing of history, the most compelling artifact may be the curation of what is displayed. The commentaries give a more nuanced picture of the events which transpired. It may be worth visiting this museum to see and remember a time when such descriptions were permissible.

A fantastic place to visit. EXCELLENT for the kids. Really well done exhibits that are explained for all to understand. Actually almost breath taking by some of the displays. We loved it and it is really worth seeing. Fully accessible.

Had great time playing tourist close to home. Interesting exhibits and fun time with family. Some children may not enjoy the brutal nature of the museum.

Excellent museum which makes you appreciate the whaling industry in Massachusetts. Have you read or re-read Moby Dick? You'll want to!

This was just a tremendous museum - our tickets were good for two days and we took advantage, as we arrived at 3 on the first day, so returned the next day. The historical items and information about whaling and whales is wonderful - the half-scale whaling ship was a great surprise. Scrimshaw collection, period paintings and art, a large display on ropes and knots used, New Bedford movie, helpful staff, really worth your time to visit. Ticket includes entrances to Seamen's Bethel and Sailors' Home, right across the street.

The museum is interesting for a couple of hours and has a varied collection to interest adults and children alike

I'm not a big museum buff, but this is a definite treasure chest of "stuff". The short film at the beginning really got me interested in the history/background of New Bedford, the region, and whaling such that the whole set of displays made more sense. Looking at the building from the front, you'd expect to walk on thru in no time at all. Well, hold on there matey! The rooms go on forever and ever. And don't miss the model ship. It is so interesting. And the folks working there are treasures as well. The trip was decidedly worth it.

Really impressive museum with many in depth collections: whale skeletons, world's largest collection of scrimshaw. Many exhibitions of the whaling industry over time and the lives of the sailors. Enjoyed the visit and recommend highly.

We'd heard great things about this museum from friends and were excited to finally make it out here for a visit, and wow! This place really exceeded expectations. This comprehensive museum goes into a lot of details on whaling in the 19th century, including the science and behaviors of whales, whale conservation, the lives of various whalers, and the culture of whaling. In addition to artifacts on whales, there's artwork and various artwork related to whaling and the associated culture. There's also fine art and glasswork unrelated to whaling, so there's something for everyone. We spent most of a day here, which I didn't expect; I definitely think that we could come back here and see more that we didn't have time to see today. A fun, educational experience for everyone!

We decided to visit the museum when we got to the city for the annual music festival, and it was all worth it.
The museum is very well run, and much more importantly they have done a great job displaying the struggles of the shipping industry before the whaling industry became a very important factor in their survival.
It almost feels like an apology for the slaughtering of these great animals to the point almost of Extinction.

fortunately these practices have ended in this country but unfortunately there are other places around the world where this practice continues.

The most important part though was how the African Americans would ship out to the seas to escape slavery back in the mainland.

Our cruise offered this as a complimentary activity. We started by seeing a short film about the history of whaling at the National Park Visitor Center. This was a nice introduction before the museum (in a separate building). Also, having a tour guide made it more of an enriching experience. The only negative is that there weren't many places to sit & rest. So, if you may have difficulty walking or fatigue easily, this might not be your cup of tea...

This is an excellent museum, showing both the history of whaling and also today's ecology and whale study. Great combination of hands-on for kids, human perspectives for adults, history and art. I had long wanted to see it, and now am very glad I did. Can highly recommend this for people of all ages.

I have traveled the world and been to many museums. This is by far the best of the best ! The history is amazing and the way the museum has preserved the whaling history is amazing! Well done we will be back . Captain Maynard B

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is full of interesting local history and informative exhibits. The replica of a sailing vessel is well done and accessible. Use the self guided audio tour-well worth the $3 rental fee! While there, watch the narrated video of A Spectacle in Motion, the largest panorama of a trip around the world. And then go to the Kilbern site to see the actual panorama (free) and just a short ride away by museum shuttle or car. Outstanding!

Spent the afternoon at this museum. Loved the museum! The exhibits were all very interesting and the staff offered extra information on them which was excellent. The whale skeletons are amazing and the boat you go on inside the museum is fun for kids. We had our 9 year old with us and he was engaged for the 2 hours it took us to go through the museum. Don't miss the observation deck upstairs (great view of the harbor). Admission included the house across the street and the Bethel (which will not take long at all to get through).

Truly an amazing museum and collection of all things whaling. The replica tall ship was fantastic. So much to see and learn. Culturally, environmentally & geographically. Plan on a few hrs. if you don’t have little kids. Well worth a few hrs

My husband and I visited the New Bedford Whaling Museum in New Bedford, Massachusetts on Sunday, March 11th, 2018. This museum is excellent and offers a very comprehensive view of various aspects of whaling and the whaling industry including topics related to history, culture, art, and science. We have found this museum to be very enjoyable, interesting and educational. There are several galleries within this museum with nicely curated objects and very good overviews and write-ups describing the various objects on exhibit throughout the museum. We spent about two hours in the museum complex and went through some of the exhibits quickly due to lack of time. It would probably take at least three hours to see the entire museum and to be able to absorb and appreciate all it has to offer. This museum is definitely worth the visit. We were able to park on the street, which was very convenient to the museum. Also, there is a parking garage a couple of blocks from the museum.

On the first floor the film titled ‘A Brief History of Whaling’ provided good background information on such topics as catching a whale, whale products and the factors contributing to the rise and decline in the whaling industry. Also on the first floor there were beautiful and elegant items such as glassware, vases and lamps on display in the ‘For the Love of Beauty’ galley, reflecting the English Aesthetic Movement (1850 – 1860). The ‘Thou Shalt Knot’ exhibit, also on the first floor, illustrated Clifford Ashley’s interesting contribution regarding understanding the knot with many different types of knots on display, being quite unique and addressing multiple aspects of the knot. Walking up to the second floor you could see very impressive large whale skeletons hanging on display, very nicely preserved.

On the second floor the ‘From Pursuit to Preservation’ gallery illustrated many aspects of whaling/whales. It answered several questions regarding whales and provided information based on cetacean research, including whale sounds, the science of observation, comparative statistics and whaling zones. Among the many topics addressed were: man’s relationship with whales; over-hunting and resource management; changing markets and new products related to whaling; technology changes and new whalers/players; hunting more and different whales; how whalers hunted whales and what they did once they caught a whale, as well as several other subject areas all being quite educational.

The ‘Exploration and Discovery’ exhibits addressed multiple topics related to whaling, including the impact on the Indian Wars, religion, conflict and navigating uncharted waters providing a very good historical perspective that was very educational.

There was a very impressive gallery with a large collection of beautiful scrimshaw objects as well as multiple galleries with paintings, shells, ship models, and exhibits with Yankee whale hunt art.

There was a very informative gallery depicting New Bedford’s evolution from whaling to becoming a land-based manufacturing center with the decline in whaling in the 1870’s. There were displays related to mills, coal, water and steam, including steam engines powdered by coal.

There were multiple rooms addressing whalers and trade with Asia with drawings, porcelain, a unique karaori kimono, paintings of ships and figurines.

Towards the end of our tour of the various galleries we went to the upper level to the observation deck to see the view of the harbor, which was very nice with several authentic, very historic buildings in the background.

We then ended our tour of the main museum complex going through the ‘Voyage Around the World’ Exhibit which is on two floors. This was quite interesting, with displays related to the various countries and their cultures associated with whaling. You were also able to go aboard and explore the Lagoda, the world’s largest ship model in this exhibit. We then took a quick walk up Johnny Cake Hill to see the Mariner’s Home and the Seamen’s Bethel, both of which were interesting.

We highly recommend this museum. It definitely was very unique and has a lot to offer, much more than what I have mentioned here. I only provided some highlights in this write-up based on our experience during our visit. We hope that you have the opportunity to visit it and enjoy it as much as we did.

Some great displays and information about saving whales. Very cool full size ship and lots of artifacts from the past. Would highly recommend. The only drawback was that our kids are very sensitive about hurting animals so they didn't enjoy the many gruesome pictures and displays of whales being killed.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is not to be missed if you are in New Bedford area. Allow a few hours to tour the whole museum but you won't be disappointed. It is a bit expensive to get in but well worth it.

My wife and I spent a little over 2 hours and we need to go back again. There is so much education to take in we need another visit. Very impressive.

We toured with Charlie. He's a pro docent.
Except the guide (I won't name him) in the Art exhibit was rude to interrupt and tell us not to talk there. Noone else was even in the exhibit.
Young man with some social issues related to rule following...respect your elders.

The word "amazing" is not enough to describe the experience of visiting this museum. Begin with the film that introduces you to one of this countries premier industries of the past and then begin a self-guided tour of the thousands of exhibits. I could name many, but the one which really grabbed my attention was the scrimshaw. Dozens of pieces carved into pieces of art or useful objects like watch nooks--places where men's watches were hung in the belief it was better for the watch than laying it on its side as it worked. You could spend hours in sheer amazement.

This is a top notch museum in all regards, and there are always new displays every year that I visit. This time I focused on displays that I had not observed before on previous annual visits. I find everything fascinating. Not only do they concentrate on the whaling industry; they also show related vocations; including the local textile and manufacturing industries. The only thing lacking; is the local hard hat diving heritage, which started in Massachusetts in circa 1840. Everyone should visit here, except for the whales. Two rabbit ears up!!
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Great rainy day with the kiddos. Cody was phenomenal and provided a guided and informational tour of the museum. He is such a bright young man and a delight to be around. Made the kid's experience one to remember with his trivia and pocket full of prizes.

If you're in New Bedford, the heart of whaling in the US, you have to visit here. It is a very factual, non judgemental and honest presentation of whaling from way back then until the current day, in a large and comfortable space. We had multiple ages in our party and all loved and were fascinated by the museum. We went during Covid but it was handled very professionally with no weird vibe that you often get in museums lately. it was huge... beyond what I'd seen in similar scope museums. It covered many cultures and was just amazing. I'd like to congratulate the people who had the impetus to create this museum. You've done an amazing job! And I love local museums and historical societies so yes I'm impressed as was everyone in our party.

The only thing lacking for me was that I wish they had an exhibit dedicated to the whale sounds and a more detailed exhibit about how they use sonar. Where you actually hear their calls. When you walk in, there's a movie with whale sounds but to me the most interesting thing about whales is how they communicate and hunt with sonar. And their calls are so haunting. Would have liked to see that as more than a cursory movie at the get go. But that's a small point as I could not believe the depth and extent they went to with this museum. They truly were dedicated to letting us all share in the rich history of whales and the reality of whaling back in the day.

All in all it was a huge highlight of our trip, and appealed to all ages. A must see if in the New Bedford area ! If we are there again, we will return because there's so much more to soak up.
This may have been the best museum of its kind we've ever been to! I have never been to any museum focused on a singular topic like this that has presented and encompassed the subject in such an amazing way.
Yes I'm a big fan!

The Whaling Museum has three floors of exhibits. An elevator is available for those having trouble with stairs. It is suitable for families. There is a half scale model of an actual whaling boat which you can board. The displays are clear and some include a short video on the topic. There is a 3D movie in a small theater which is shown periodically during the day. There are numerous docents who are very friendly and add to your enjoyment of the visit.
A great couple hour visit!

This is a must visit museum on the Eastern seaboard. Give yourself 4-5 hours on experience the entire museum. We took a docent tour and would highly recommend it. Wonderful insights from the young man who lead us around the museum on a Saturday. Especially made sure we were taken care of as we had a two-year old and a stroller. Avoided the steps and even made sure we knew about the children's Discovery Center in the building.

We took a wonderful guided tour given by Docent Cody, who is a remarkably knowledgeable young man. As an amateur historian myself with long-time family links to New Bedford, I found Cody's knowledge to be still more complete than mine. Even of you can't go on the guided tour, the museum has so much to offer and is so well laid-out that you will be glad you came here.

The whaling museum provides an intelligently curated, wise overview of a little-known aspect of our history. The whale skeletons are a great draw for everyone, and the Thou Shalt Knot exhibit was an unexpected pleasure as well.
There's also a half-scale model of a whaling ship inside the museum. It's a real pleasure to explore it.

this is much larger than the one on Nantucket. They had skeletons of 3 types, lots of interactive displays for kids, including a 1/2 size ship they could climb around in and on; artwork, displays of home fashions, and display showing international relations and exploration. New Bedford's large Portuguese population and local culture comes from the whaling industry and the Azores, which we never realized before. well done

It has been 50+ years since we visited New Bedford and we were very pleased to find this new (to us) whaling museum. It is chock full of New Bedford whaling history, including a half-scale whaling ship inside the museum.
The exhibits were fascinating, and in many cases, information we had never heard before about the sailors, their ships, and their lives.
Although we spent 2.5 hours touring, I am sure we did not see it all.
Well worth the trip and the time.

This is a wonderful museum and it is great for all ages. They tell the story of Native Americans, the impact of Europeans, the slave trade and contributions of ex-slaves, the development of industrial mills, as well as the whaling industry. There are works of art, historical artifacts, multimedia presentations, and scientific displays that would interest everyone. The whale skeletons are phenomenal. This is a museum to which we could return many times and still enjoy.

I've lived in Southern New England most of my life & there are so many things that I've yet to experience. We took a day trip to New Bedford & stopped first @ the Whaling museum. It was bigger & had more info. than I expected. We enjoyed our visit.

The guide was awesome! He helped to make the trip memorable. He knew a lot about all the items in the museum. If we had not taken the guided tour, I am sure we would have missed most of the meaning.

We enjoyed going through the museum, there were great displays. We went on a day that they were having a right whale presentation with a bunch of little activities for the kids to do. The human hair jewelry was fascinating

Wonderful staff, beautiful facility, SO many amazing exhibits - great for all family members - kids activities, history, art exhibits, and more!

While my husband and I were vacationing in New Bedford, we went to the Whaling Museum. It has greatly expanded over the years and it is almost impossible to see all the exhibits. The museum really nails it on the head with the exhibits about whaling in our Country's past. I learned a lot. It is well worth your time!

The Whaling Musuem had a special exhibit here of the 1,275 long panorama of a whaling voyage around the world. Took two years, quite an undertaking. A great take on whaling and history. Extraordinary opportunity to see the entire painting. No admission, donation suggested. Parking on site.

Excellent museum - well laid out, spacious, unhurried, with a wealth of information about whales, the industry built around them, and the communities which thrived on that industry. Expect to spend hours!

The tour led by Larry, a passionate volunteer, was just great. Anecdotes, stories of a period and industry that I knew very little about. It allowed me to immerse myself in the life of whalers! My 2-year-old daughter had fun looking for the whales hidden in the museum.

We only went into the free admission section, but it was just enough for the kids to enjoy. The New Bedford whaling history is amazing. Very nice museum.

In a town with such a rich maritime history, it’s no wonder that the New Bedford Whaling Museum is an engaging and educational place to spend a few hours. Learn about whales, the history of whaling and life as a whaler, as well as the impact of whaling on whales today. The museum holds artwork and artifacts, as well as large whale skeletons. It offers films and interactive displays, including a large scale model of a whaling ship that you can walk on. There is so much to discover that it’s not too much to plan 2-4 hours for the visit. When you finish at the museum, take some time to walk around the surrounding area which is also teaming with history and a working waterfront.

We were blown out of the water by the size, unique artifacts, multicultural art, kid friendly displays, and whaling ship replica. It was worth the 19 dollar adult admission. Perfect for all ages. Plan to spend 2.5 hours if you wish to see the whole museum. Theirs a scavenger hunt for older kids to keep them engaged. The large ship exhibit gives a real feel for whaler's experience. The scrimshaw, or ivory art from sailors and artisans was an incredible collection. The museum does a great job highlighting all the difference countries and cultural customs involved in global whaling. The exhibit from Japanese culture has several vibrant art pieces. The giant whale heart display in the front of the museum is designed for kids to climb in and play on.

This was a surprisingly wonderful visit. I didn't know much about whaling and didn't really expect such a fantastic museum outside of the city.( Big mistake on my part to judge like that) To understand the dramatic size of whales, there is a full skeleton on display hanging from the roof of the museum. Great videos accompany the displays. There is a wonderful attention to diversity and the multiple cultures that were involved in the trade of whaling. There is a terrific whaling ship to be explored . Beautiful exhibits of scrimshaw, as well. Interactive displays are set up for children who might like to have some "hands-on" experiences. Nice artistic paintings, clothing of the era, native kayaks, maps, etc. Very interesting place.

a very nice museum, with history. we were here 2 years ago for a craig demello concert, and came again a few days ago with my east coast family. if your in town........ yea go

This museum is a tribute to the animals themselves and the ships & seamen that hunted them! You can attend on your own or as a part of a tour offered by the National Whaling District. Here you can learn about the dangerous whaling industry and how the whales were processes for there oil and other beneficial products.

The museum offers great coverage of not only the whaling industry, but of whales as a species, and the environmental challenges to them. The actual whale skeletons on display in the lobby illustrate the enormity of these creatures, including a model of their massive heart. Other exhibits include a 1/2 size replica of a whaling ship you can walk through, scrimshaw art, products used from whaling, and the start of the textile industry in the area. Docent tours are excellent!

This museum is a must stop when traveling through the South Coast of Massachusetts. They add and expand every year, so there is always something new and exciting to see. You get a keen understanding of the whaling industry and the people that went on theses distant and harrowing voyages for months at a time to light America. The museum has something for everyone, young children, teens and adults. The diversity of their collection really makes this museum stand out. There is easily ten different things you will learn beyond whaling when visiting. Give yourself two to four hours, plenty of good restaurants within walking distance.

The museum is huge and fantastic and will amaze you. It has so many rooms filled with artifacts. Plan on at least 2 hours because there is so much to see.

Interesting because this museum covers so many associated subjects like artwork, nautical knots and my favorite and an enormous scrimshaw collection plus fall life-size skeleton of a number of whales and a whaling boat

I still have in my eyes the whale skeletons, Quasimodo, Kobo and Reyna with her baby are here next to me. Whales have always fascinated me and in this place I got excited. It's all told very well for the mind and heart

My wife and I took our six grandchildren ages 6 to 14 to the museum and it was an excellent day. Both adults and children thoroughly enjoyed. If you are a veteran let them know for an additional discount

Although we only live one hour away, this was our first visit to the museum. The whale skeletons and models of a whale heart bring an awareness of just how large these creatures are. Displays of whale teeth, baleen, bones and more were fascinating. We happened upon a tour being led by Larry, and we were so glad we joined it. Larry is a wonderful guide with a wealth of information about whales, sailors, the ships themselves, New Bedford, and all sorts of interesting facts and trivia. He even played some sea shanties and explained why they were important to the sailors. At the end of the tour, Larry mentioned that the new director of the museum planned to emphasize the art work, possibly at the expense of, what we believe is the true purpose of the museum - to show how New Bedford was built on whaling. It would be a shame if this happens.

We were pressed for time and missed some of the exhibits, as you need a minimum of three hours to truly take it all in. You would be very fortunate if on your visit, Larry is giving tours that day! He was remarkable in his knowledge and passion for all things New Bedford.

The history of the whaling industry...the history of New Bedfordand how it was the center of “the world” all unfolds here. Great guides. Great experience. Good for adults and children. Local shops nearby. Many great eateries withlocal fare all within easy walk.

This museum does an excellent job of reviewing whales, the history of whaling, the New Bedford area, textiles, art. This was once the richest city, no surprise once you spend time in this top-notch museum.

This is a true change of pace as far as museum's go. Their objects and pieces are unique and priceless. The whaling ship model could make one's imagination soar as to the whaling industry of long ago. There were several unique pieces to look at and review. The Scrimshaw collection is mind-blowing as to the quality and immense number of pieces that they have. We were told that we only were seeing 20% of the collection that they have in their possession.
This museum is a great place to investigate and explore. We could have stayed here all day.

Gene P
Laurys Station, PA

A must see for individuals and families. The single most comprehensive museum of whaling anywhere. Worth the trip.

Fantastic museum! We were supposed to be on a whale watching cruise but it got canceled due to weather. I quickly check out our options (we were staying in Cape Cod) and decided to go to the museum.

We did the 11 AM guided tour and it was fantastic! the tour was 2 hours and full of great information. The museum is big and beautiful. if you head to Cape Cod or the surrounding areas do not miss this experience.

A great museum. A great balanced combination of art, industry and history. Take a tour or wonder on your own. Surprises abound on every corner.

Another great visit to the Whaling Museum! On this visit I enjoyed meandering around the museum - and especially loved the scrimshaw collection, the Panorama exhibit and the Azorean Exhibit. Truly a top rate museum!

An excellent presentation and not just about whales and whaling - a good historical perspective of New Bedford and its rich history before, during, and after the whaling era. A highlight of the day was to visit the Whaling Panorama - which provided a phenomenal experience to understand what a whaling trip was, and how arduous a whaling journey around the world really was. Also an excellent presentation of the Portuguese assimilation into the city and, of course, some good information on whales and how they are being sustained today. Another good thing was that the Whaling Museum did not duplicate material that was presented in the Seamen's Bethel across the street - clearly they coordinate their presentations.

The Whaling Museum in New Bedford is an excellent museum for kids, for lovers of the sea and history, and for locals who want to see themselves as the world sees them. We spent 3 hours there and saw exhibits of nautical history, the ocean, the Underground Railroad (escaping via ship was much more successful than land-based escapes), history of New Bedford mills, and art. Oh, the art of scrimshaw is well-represented, but also nautical art, Asian art, local artists, and the art of photography. I cannot fail to mention a half scale replica ship that kids scurry around on to their heart's content. We also spent a fair amount of time out on the third floor balcony. Despite terrible hot weather at home, it was shaded, cool, and breezy with an excellent view of the harbor. Great place for the kids to enjoy their snack, but no food is for sale, BYO.

Great learning experience for both children and adults. The exhibits are amazing. Very informative! A must if your visiting the city, great location and lots to see!

The Whaling Museum is such a great and a wonderful educational experience for the entire family (children to grandparents). You learn about whales, protection of whales, and the latest technology to understand whales. There is a fabulous boat where one can experience the life of a sailor …. And the museum is filled with beautiful artifacts. The area around the museum is absolutely charming with beautiful small stores and art galleries . There are many eating establishments. We went to the Union Flats Seafood Restaurant which was soooo good. A trip to the museum is a perfect day trip!

Spent two days at the museum. The staff were so accommodating, knowledgeable and friendly. Learned so much about the whaling industry and some of the personalities associated with it. The modern day research and what is being done to 'save the whales' was both informative and reassuring.

The whaling museum is very extensive and covers three floors of artifacts. Also there are many art galleries, a near life sized model of of a whaling ship, and several period ledgers and journals pm display. This museum is well worth the entrance fee. But take a sweater since the temperature is controlled at about 63 degrees (brrr!!)

Friendly staff on reception advised us time of next tour and very glad we decided to take them up. Guide had extensive knowledge of the museum and its displays plus some great stories from the sea. Very aware of eco issues and good demonstrations of what is being done to help whales survive the ocean polution. Exhibit of blue whale heart (life size and huge) interesting and kids can climb inside the model. A very thorough tour and took about 2 hours including gift shop. Only issue was the limited time car parking available locally but popped out once to move car and then continued the tour. Well worth a visit.

I've visited the Whaling Museum nearly every year for the last 30 years. And each time I go there's something new - I've even done yoga in the lobby under the skeleton of a sperm whale. Kids love the Lagoda (scaled down sized whaling ship) and adults will enjoy the history of whaling and its whalemen from the Azores.

Many of us think of National Parks as outdoor, western adventures. Yet, nestled in the old section of New Bedford you can find another National treasure where you walk the cobblestone streets of American’s past. Along with wonderful old buildings, cozy restaurants, and shops, you have the opportunity to delve into the 19th century’s whaling industry.
The New Bedford Whaling Museum is an outstanding, multifaceted spot which has something for all ages and interests. We have taken our grandkids as well as visitors and all have been delighted. The introductory movies provide historical perspective and an excellent overview of 19th century New England and the effects of whaling on the economic and cultural life of athe area. The exhibits, especially the skeletons of whales hanging from the rafters, are fascinating. Kids will love exploring the whaling ship, and everyone will be awed by the world’s largest scrimshaw collection.
If you want to extend your visit to this area, go across the bridge to Fairhaven and admire the architecture as well as the restaurants.

Fantastic museum, could have spent days there. Shows about the people and life in New England not just whaling, although it has a whole whaling boat in one of the exhibit halls! Would really recommend a visit.

Our first time at the museum and we were very impressed. The museum has a lot of important artifacts which are displayed thoughtfully. It is a large museum with many rooms. There is a lot to see and read. Give yourself plenty of time to see everything (1-2 hours). It provides a wonderful testimony to the men and women who served the whaling industry.

The building facade just begs you to enter... new has been melded with old to a very pleasing and inviting structure. Exhibits that will capture the interest of all ages. Very comprehensive history of whaling and the industries ingrained way of New Bedford life in the 19th century. Actual whale boat, a scale replica of a whale ship children can climb around on. Life size whale skeletons, special exhibits including knots and Charles Ashley. Scrimshaw, glass made at famous glass works, art, and on, and on. Plan on spending at least 2 hours and wanting to return. Good restaurants in the area so maybe go late morning, leave to eat a nice lunch and return for a part of the afternoon. Don't forget to check out the included Seaman's Bethel right across the cobblestone street, expect a boy in knickers to be peddling the day's newspapers!

Great balance of science and whaling in the back drop of American history. Well worth a visit. Don’t miss the chance!

I love whales and was excited to find an entire museum dedicated to them! I particularly enjoyed when a docent used a model boat to show me the process of how people were able to catch whales at sea. I also thought the museum did a great job of introducing why whaling was popular at the time, how it died down, and the controversy today with whaling. Overall, the exhibits were interactive and the information was well written, accessible, and interesting. Highlights include the scrimshaw, paintings, and the whale skeletons.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is one of the best museums we've ever been to. Between informative videos about whales and the multi-cultural nature of the experiences gleaned by whalers, the huge models of whales (kids can go through a life-size whale's heart), a scrimshaw collection par excellence, and a half-size whale boat you can walk on made this a most memorable place. Don't miss it.

What an amazing place to visit!! Make sure that you allow enough time to see it all. I'm no way close to being a fan of the ocean or sea, but this place tells an amazing story. Every nook and cranny has a story. I especially enjoyed the Scrimshaw Collection along with the Grand Panorama. I cannot stress the importance of making sure you have enough time to see it all.

When you walk in the door and there is a full sized whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling.... there is so much to see.... it would be difficult to enjoy this museum in less than 2 hours. I loved the historical artifacts and pictures of the amazing whaling history ... I constantly had images of MOBY DICK popping into my head. It's hard to imagine how hard life would have been for the crew on a whaling ship. The museum is an excellent place to try to take it all in.

Great place to find out about whales, and the history of the whaling in early America.
Also why we need to protect and preserve them today and how they are a good indicator of how our environment is Doug.

They have some whaling info, and a great whale skeleton, but it is really a museum of the history of New Bedford which is inextricably bound to whaling. The exhibits are excellent and very informative. The docents not so much.

Really wonderful museum. Such a variety of exhibits and not just about whaling. And it is larger than I thought so give yourself a few hours.

My wife and I arrived shortly before 1100 so that we could go on the Daily Highlights Tour - a daily tour given at 1100 to give visitor an overview of the 'highlights' of the museum. We had Jerry as our tour guide. Jerry gave us a 2-hour tour, persistently saying the tour is only meant to cover the highlights, but still very amenable to the many questions our 5-person group had during the tour. Jerry is true gem in the crown of what is an awesome museum.

I visited this museum frequently as a child 50 years ago. Took my sailing-loving husband and he loved it as much as I remembered loving it! It's been modernized and added onto...but still a great history and presentation of the whaling industry as well as whales and the need to protect them. Some very special exhibits, especially the whale skeletons hanging in the foyer. Loved as a child and still impressed with the extensive scrimshaw exhibit.
Don't remember going in the Seafarers' Bethel as a kid, but it was quite interesting as well as the attached house that served as boarding for whalers. Husband loved the whole thing. Nice for me to see an old museum that has been kept up to date and still as interesting as ever.

Found it very informative about different types of whales and their habits. Liked seeing the half-life size model of a whaling ship. Upper floor outdoor balcony has a beautiful view of the harbor. Rest rooms were very clean.

Several displays and rooms about the life and times of the whaling industry off Cape Cod. 3 floors and a small replica of a whaling ship to climb aboard. Great for the kids. Tells the story of the growth and change of the whaling industry and the diverse culture. Authentic ships logs and pay rates for the various jobs. Not as romantic as in the movies.

The museum contains many artifacts from whaling. The whale skeletons were from animals that died from accidents. Enjoyed feeling the balleen, walking on the half size replica, and seeing the scrimshaw. We were there three hours and could have spent more time. I was worried I would not like it because I am opposed to whaling, but this was a really good museum.

Family visit to New Bedford, MA, yesterday was highly enriching, featuring a tour of the New Bedford Whaling Museum. Cody's expertise shone during our tour, as he conveyed a remarkable depth of knowledge that exceeded our expectations.

We loved this museum. Even if you have been to other Whaling Museums, this one is great! Come and take the kids. They will love the exhibits. We loved it also and even came back another day!

This museum was actually larger than I expected and had a great variety of exhibits. It’s true that it’s great for all ages. There were exhibits geared towards younger audiences and lots of information to read for individuals interested in New Bedford’s history — including things related to the textile industry.

There was much more to see than simply things about the history of whaling, so that was a pleasant and welcome surprise.

This museum is a fun and educational place to visit. It is in the heart of one of the biggest fishing villages in New England. Out back on their outside deck, you can experience 180-degree view of New Bedford Harbor. The museum has 3,000 pieces of scrimshaw and 2,500 logbooks from whaling ships-both largest in the world. The museum also has the largest model ship in the world that you can climb on and see first hand. They have a wonderful Cape Verdean maritime exhibit, azorean whaleman Gallery and one of the largest skeleton of a whale and a model of its heart. Great place to visit!

We walked 5 blocks east from our Harbor Hotel, passing the 1910 Public Library’s 1913 Whalemen monument, bright wall murals and the 1870 Customs House, to this museum. Having bought our 2 senior tickets online($34) yesterday, we arrived at our designated 9-12 AM entry. After attaching our identity clips, we watched the 20 minute introductory film concerning the history of New Bedford, then moved through the main halls exhibit on whales. We took the elevator up to the 2nd level entering the Bourne Building’s whaling hall featuring the ½ scale 1826 Lagoda ship that made world voyages from 1841-1890. Here also was America’s longest painting(1,275’ x 8’) showing the major world ports frequented by the whalers in 1848 in a moving panorama.
Other halls followed; artifacts/souvenirs brought back by whalers, settlers from Azores and Cape Verde, the city’s economy as it changed from whaling to textiles to industrial machinery, Joshua Slocum’s voyages on his “Spray,” whalebone products and scrimshaw, and others.
We spent over 3 hours immersed in the world history of New Bedford, a world class museum.

The whole family will enjoy the Whaling Museum. With huge skeletons of gigantic whales. The view from the top floor of the harbor is fantastic. The museum is surrounded by restaurant, is close to the harbor and close to the ferry to Martha's Vineyard.

This museum has so much to see!!! Lots of information & history! It seems to go on & on! It has great artifacts, clean, well laid out, & lots of things kids can touch! I wish I had the time to stay longer or go back another day! Definitely worth the admission to see this one!!!!

Spectacle in Motion at Killburn Mill is a lovely depiction of whaling and life in ports around the world in the mid 1800's. It is such a special panorama, refurbished and thankfully back on display in huge venue that allows you to comfortably walk through the display. Interesting local history and view of the life of whalers. Attended with 3 family members and we all loved it. And it is free (we were happy to leave donation!)

A Most Impressive Experience. A Thorough Accounting. Returned a 2nd day to ensure nothing was missed. Knowledgeable, helpful and polite staff.

I have live in this area all of my life and this is still one of my favorite places to go and bring my children. It is steeped with unique artifacts and rich with history of New Bedford’s relationship with the world during it’s whaling era. Their new Frédérique Douglass exhibit was amazing and their expansion is a success. My son enjoyed the kid’s exhibits and going inside the belly os a whale!

This was a great museum, worth the visit! We loved the displays and it was a pleasure to navigate. Would go again.

Great place, newly renovated, and staff very welcoming!

Walking distance to a lot a restaurant and shops.

Third time back and will stay there again if we visit the area

We did a tour of the museum led by Larry, and it was fabulous! He was informative and funny! My teens loved it! After the tour we explored the museum on our own. Lots of great exhibits. The 1/2 scale whaling ship was really cool to explore.

Thoughtfully presented history of the whaling industry. The knot exhibit was especially fascinating and the half-sized replica of the whaling ship was breathtaking.

The NWM has been open for decades and offers visitors a unique look into the work, art, and human history of the whaling age. Always growing in scale and display space so return visits are a must

What a wonderful living history of whaling and the cultures/lifestyles surrounding it. This museum provides an all inclusive understanding of the scene at that time. You can feel the sweat and blood. The artifacts (the harpoons, rope knots, portraits, the skeletons, the ship model)....you could easily spend two days obsorbing the history. The were volunteers available to answer questions, provide additional information and interactive media presentations to enhance the stories. This was a great experience!

Great place to visit. A lot of history to be learned. Highly recommend making this a must see on any trip to the area. Kids activities were also great

One word describes this museum -- VAST. Thus, do pace yourself. In addition to extensive collections, such as scrimshaw, that are displayed in the 19th century cabinet of curiosity style, there's an outdoor viewing deck, a complete sailing ship (about 3/4 size) to board & explore, cultural artifacts of groups engaged in whaling and communities encountered by whalers as well as a well-stocked gift shop. For an unforgettable, fun & educational day, explore the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

We were there for the meeting of the IGKT and to see the Clifford Ashley exhibit which is really good. Their collection of scrimshaw is also worth the visit.

There is a lot to see here, whether your interest is art, history, science, or culture. Great stuff for kids! It was a little overwhelming--in a good way--to take in a half-scale ship model that you can climb around on, displays of ship's logbooks and loads of scrimshaw, art from cultures around the world that the whalers encountered, work from local photographers, painters, and glass makers, and those massive whale skeletons. You can focus on your main interests, or go for it--take it all in!

The emphasis in the great lobby seemed more focused on whale conservation than I recalled. The 3D movie on Antarctica was interesting and worth the extra couple of backs. As usual the curatorial information was great (if you have time to read it all!). Something for all ages.

Great place to take children on a rainy day. They actually had a daytime skit about the life and times of whalers. It started at 12:30.

Culturally diverse exhibits highlighting all sorts of aspects of whaling history, as well as contemporary challenges facing endangered whales. Lots of safety measures in place, so no worries on that score. Highly recommended

We have visited the Whaling museum several times over the years. It is a wonderful museum. Today we took a tour with Cody, a volunteer. He took us to all different parts of the museum and knew all kinds of information in every area. We learned so much during our tour. This young man had no notes and could answer any question. One of the best museum tours we have taken.

This museum tucked away in a quiet part of New Bedford features unusual nautically related collections. Spent an afternoon and was treated to an array of all things Ismael from the impressive whale bone artifacts collection (including all manner of gorgeous walking canes to delicate yarn swifts and scrimshaw). This museum was a find for those interested in the early days of this major sailing port and indeed the whaling industry. Well presented and fun (with interactive kids of all ages stuff including a hands on knot tying room perfect for sailors and want to be.

Of course the museum itself if wonderful (although perhaps only of limited interest to really young kids. Too much to read). But the Grand Panorama (the original 1275 feet long is on display through early October) alone is worth the visit. The Experience (about 40 minutes) at the museum is good to see first and then definitely drive the ten minutes (there is also a shuttle) to the Kilburn Mill at Clark Cove to see the amazing Original.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is outstanding. It has something for everyone and it is easy to spend several hours exploring the exhibits. There's a good introductory video, a large model of a whaling ship, a lookout over the New Bedford harbor, and excellent exhibits about everything to do with whales and whaling and life in New Bedford during the whaling years. In addition, the museum has a second location where you can see the 1848 panorama of an around the world whaling trip - a 1275 foot painting which is amazing. The museum provides a free shuttle to and from the painting location. Don't miss this museum.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the Grand Panorama! Housed in the Kilburn Mill, this long canvas was painted in about 1850 and describes a whaling voyage around the world. The exhibition closes October 8, 2018. Be sure to open up the free audio guide on your phone. It really enhances the experience.

Towards the end of our 3rd day of our Fall Foliage Road Trip, we visited the Whaling Museum in New Bedford before heading out to Falmouth for our next day excursion to Martha's Vineyard.

The Whaling Museum has an art exhibition of seafaring and whaling from the 1600s to about Mid-1800s. It shows some of the progression of whaling over the 200 years with interesting interpretations of whaling. What was interesting, is how inaccurate the whales were depicted in the earlier years. In some paintings you could obviously tell that the painter never saw a whale! More like caricatures.

We spent too much time in this wing, not realizing that museum is quite large and is devoted to bringing you the life of whales, whaling and it's industry. One part of the exhibit, emphasizes the Portuguese influence in the early life & times of New Bedford, the american mecca for whaling.

There is a replica of a whaling ship and you can actually climb aboard and experience what it might have been like being on this rather tiny ship.

There is lots to see, and with didn't come early enough to really enjoy the full impact of the museum before it closed at 5 pm.

World class small museum experience with well-educated staff and plenty of opportunities to roam, rest, and recreate.

I wish we had more time here. We were there about 2 hours. If I had it to do over, I would go for 2 hours in the morning, go out for lunch and then come back and do another 1 to 2 hours. They give you a sticker so you can come in and out. Everytime we turned a corner there was a whole new room with completely different things to see and learn than the last. It really isn't just about whaling, but really covers all sorts of topics about the whole region at the time whaling was going on and seafaring town culture. Your ticket also covers the Seamen's Bethel and Mariner's home right across the street. I'm so disappointed we weren't able to spend more time in those places. But overall - Just super!!

Our tour group went to the whaling museum which is one of the best I have ever been to. The docents are knowledgeable & anxious to answer questions. The facility is spotless, Covid sensitive, and really enjoyable. This is a “5 star” museum!

We visited this museum during our visit to the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, of which the visitor center is just next door to the museum. This museum is very informative of the whaling history and its spatial and chronicle impact on the city as well as the outside world. You might find it interesting especially if you are into history and/or voyage around the world. Besides the main museum building, the museum also has a few interesting satellite sites which worth spending some time (We visited an off-site panorama exhibition, which is eye opening). I would recommend this place if you are going to visit New Bedford. A trivia fact: one of the whale skeletons on exhibition is still dripping oil after decades.

Excellent presentation of whaling back in the day. Excellent exhibits of various paintings, drawings, artifacts, glassware, scrimshaw, whale skeletons, bones etc. we spent more than 5 hours there and need to go back to see the rest. There was metered street parking. I suggest you start at the top floor3rd) and work your way down. The museum cover whaling around the world.

Had a wonderful time visiting -- the exhibits helped us learn about whaling. The model of the whaling boat was really interesting, and the art and exhibits and scrimshaw helped us understand what whaling life was about. Definitely worth a few hours to get an immersion in this part of our nation's history

This is the best whaling museum to visit. The historic. collections, stories of the cultures that thrived on whaling making New Bedford the #1 fishing port in the US. What a wonderful surprise for our friends visiting from CA and TX as we opted to go off the Cape for a day. Dennis P was our tour guide and he’s incredible, what a treasure. Tour was 11 am, we could have spent two days at this museum. My husband grew up in a nearby town so he was delighted to share this New Bedford gem followed by a wonderful seafood lunch at a nearby restaurant just a stroll away.

Sadly this did not live up to the hype. It seemed really quiet but they had no audio tours available. I was shocked at how much the museum romanitized whaling but had a noticeable lack of what is being done now to help save and increase the whale population. The museum is laid out in a very erratic way. It’s a very grown up museum, I was happy not to have children to try and entertain.

Friendly, historical and educational museum with excellent and knowledgeable docents. Find an assortment of excellent interactive displays, videos, maritime and marine exhibits and conservation, whales A thru Z, New Bedford's local rich history and much more. Ages 3 to 100 would be entertained. Definitely worthy of a visit if you are in the area and if not, would make a point to visit this fun venue, to learn the impact this city had on our American and world culture.

Huge variety of information available and some great individual exhibits. Kept our family including 3teenagers fascinated for 2+ hours.

There was so much to see and experience at this museum in New Bedford, MA. (I actually climbed into a model of a blue whale's heart!) There was an entire room dedicate to the art of scrimshaw. There was also a massive actual sized (I believe) whaling vessel in one room which also contained a lengthy and informative video. We actually needed more time to see everything. Definitely a must see if visiting New Bedford.

Very nice museum. Multiple artifacts and exhibits. There is a large whaling ship you can walk on and explore. Beautiful harbor views from the top floor. We made a trip just to see this and it was worth it. New Bedford is a cute city with cobblestone streets.

Fun place to visit for people of all ages. Much bigger than I had expected.
The staff are super informative and friendly.

The children loved climbing inside a full-size replica of a whale's heart. The whale skeletons were also spectacular. They even have a large replica of a whaling ship that kids can explore. There was also a lot of information, art, and culture for adults

If you've ever wanted to travel to a true New England Town go to New Bedford Massachusetts with its cobblestone streets, micro breweries, and fresh seafood from fishing boats that bring in the catch each day.Located in the heart of downtown, in the National Historic Park is the New Bedford whaling museum.It tells the history of the whaling fleets, and how New Bedford developed as a melting pot for immigrants from around the world ,including being part of the Underground Railroad that offered slaves freedom. You get a unique opportunity to get a glimpse of Americana all within easy driving distance of Boston.A affordable family day trip you should not miss.

The museum is close by to so many areas and easy to find in New Bedford. Easy on and off access to 195. Ample on street and paid lot parking available. Many interesting shops and restaurants close by.
Visit your local public library be for you go to see if they have the discount card available which can save a small group (up to 4) 50% off the admission fee.
While some of their exhibits have been there for a while this museum works very hard to up grade them, and to add new and interesting exhibits. We were here about 1.5 years ago and this time they had many new exhibits we had not seen.
Many unique pieces to see and a great place to learn about whaling and the impact of whaling on the local community. The whaling ship alone makes for a great experience.
Make sure you have plenty of time to take in all that is offered.
Be sure to visit the third floor and experience the rooftop view.

5 stars for the collections in the museum but i left this museum without any clear understanding of the whaling history in New Bradford. I actually had to google New Bedford whaling history after I left the museum. The museum looked new and fancy yet lacked any sense of cohesion and direction. When we arrived, I had no idea where to start. You begin with whales of today with 3 whale skeletons hanging (impressive and amazing) and some interactive children's exhibits but then it leads you to a rotating exhibit. I thought maybe If I start from the top it would be better so I took the elevator and entered a room bout whaling around the world then entered another room about the pilgrims and the history of the area (very tiny area) which led to many small rooms about scrimshaw. I'm not sure what the plan of whomever curator this hot mess of a museum was but it certainly can use a major overhaul to plan out the exhibits and bring some form of chronological order and grouping information together. It's a shame as the collections are incredible. So many wonderful things to see and learn but highly disorganized. I do hope the museum works on re-doing the collections and highlight why whaling was so important at the time, why new Bradford, and what life was like for early whalers.

Excellent museum about history and industry of which I was not aware. The size of the whaling industry at it's peak and the role of New Bedford was impressive. The museum did a good job of providing visuals in addition to information to keep it interesting. We joined a guided tour. The docent was amiable and informative. (Join the tour if your schedule allows) I would suggest this museum for anyone not familiar with the history of whaling.

Fantastic! I’ve been to many historical marine museums but this one is the best. It intermixes, history, economics, religion, slavery and family into a complete view of New Bedford whaling culture.

Spacious, well laid out museum, with some excellent exhibits on whales, whaling and whaling culture around the world. (Virtually nothing on Moby Dick, however.) Highly recommend the docent led tour.

We spent the whole day looking around at the museum, listening to docent led tours, watching films, as well as going to Kilburn Mill (they provide a shuttle van that can drive you there or you can walk the 15 min) to see the special exhibit with the panorama painting of a voyage around the world, "A Spectacle in Motion". There is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. The gift shop has many nice items and the staff is very friendly. Afterwards we ate at one of the many restaurants that was within walking distance. Parking all day was easy at the Elm St. parking lot. What a find!

More than I expected! Great experience for the young children and adults in our small group. Nice whale and whaling exhibits, plus much info on New Bedford, and some nice painting galleries. We were lucky, but clearly, parking could be a problem. Bring lots of quarters or prepare to download the parking app they use.

This is a huge museum. There's almost an overwhelming amount of artifacts and exhibits. If you can remember it all the museum will teach you lots about the whaling industry and New Bedford itself.

Although this museum is called a whaling museum it is so much more. As our guide Penny advised the museum teaches of the biology, sociology, economics, and history of the whaling industry.
Make sure you take a free guided tour

My wife and are are history buffs, and we have been to many museums. Friends of ours said to visit this one, but we did not have high expectations based upon other whaling museums we had visited in the past. WOW. This place is huge. An entire city block with multiple floors of exhibits. Whaling made New Bedford a very wealthy community in the past, and this museum benefits from having extensive collections, art and history related to New Bedford's "golden age". We strongly recommend this museum to any who are interested in sailing, nautical and maritime history, marine biology and sea life. A half day is barely enough time to race through all the exhibits, you could easily spend an entire day here.

The history of whaling is depicted. Lots of steps in the museum and 2 hour parking on a narrow cobblestone street outside the museum. Lots to look at in the museum and tours are available. People working in the museum are polite and helpful. Gift shop is available by admission desk. Overall good experience.

Great overview of whaling for children and adults! There is an amazing scrimshaw collection, neat science with full skeletons hanging from above, as well as whaling technology and a history of whaling in New Bedford and from around the world. Well-worth the visit!

Although the lay out of the museum can be a bit confusing, it also adds to the adventure. The history of men verses whale in a number of attractive displays. They show the move from hunting them down to protect and preserve the mighty beasts.
Most of all the children might like the fact that here and there a sign says " Please touch" And the 50% of life seize whaling boat forms the perfect place to be either a pirate or a whale hunter.
What I liked best is the gorgeous collection of scrimshaw. It is a place to go to more than one time; I have the idea that I did not see all tere is.

Awesome collection and knowledgeable staff, especially our guide Cody, who had so many great stories about the exhibits. Thanks Cody!

If you enjoy history, this is the place. I learned so much about the whaling industry and that period of American history. You could spend ore than a day. Great exhibits. Beautiful replicas and actual huge whale skeletons.

Enjoyed a visit with our two granddaughters, ages 9 & 11. The whale skeletons suspended over the main lobby were fascinating to the girls. There is a wide variety of whaling related items displayed throughout the museum, along with several docents to ask and answer questions. Scrimshaw, rope and knot tying, paintings, ship records, scale model whaling ships, etc. are shown in just enough numbers so as not to be overwhelmed.

Lovely place to visit. Boats, whales, ropes, and stuff made with human hair 😬. Gift shop and nice surroundings to walk and grab a quick bite. Two hour parking right outside the doors, free

This museum has just about everything you want or need to know about whaling present and past. There’s a real whale skeleton hanging at the entrance.

I wasn’t sure I wanted to go here do to my feelings about this appalling part of our history. However, my husband wanted to go, and since we actually found a parking place, we went. It was terrific, and very well done. The exhibits are so well presented, and the whale skeletons amazing. I recommend all of you who feel as I do about this to give this museum a shot. Allow a couple of hours at least, and don’t miss the observation deck! There is a parking garage nearby, but the height is limited to 6’3”.

Far exceeded my expectations. Great mix of Local history and the importance of whaling, world wide whaling industry culture and impact, ocean ecology, as well as fabulous artwork exhibits including incredible scrimshaw.

Many helpful information, a lot of illustrative material, very interesting movie in the theatre! If possible, take 2-3 hours for your visit (it is also possible with less).

This museum is unique. It deals with the history of whaling and how it made New Bedford one of the richest cities in the country. In the entry area they have 3 whale skeletons mounted from the ceiling. The building is on a hillside & the entry is on the 2nd floor, which is at street level. So, you are at eye level with the whales when you enter. There are displays of household materials, goods & furniture from the early 19th century donated from homes of wealthy local merchants. Other displays show what was kept in sailors' sea chests, and the knots used on whaling ships - I never learned these knots in Boy Scouts! On the upper floor is a whaling ship (I think it is a 3/4 scale model). You can climb all over the boat and there is a balcony all around the room showing the history of the boat and how whaling was conducted.

Over all, if you are going to New Bedford and want to learn about this part of American history, the museum would be a good stop. Disadvantage is on-street parking, but there is a parking deck about 3 blocks away. There is no wi-fi, the cost is reasonable, and take the opportunity to talk with the docents around the building (many are in costume).

Came here with my two elementary aged kids today (Saturday) after we found we had no plans for the day. We lucked out that today happened to be their annual evening gala so we were only charged half price (Yay!) since they closed the ship display early and they had banquet tables all over being set up.

I got audio tours for myself and the kids (age 6 & 7) and they were interested for about 20-30 minutes before they were done. It was only $3/each and they learned something so I think it was a good investment. We got through the entrance with the 3 whale bones displayed and then through the model of the whaling boat. Otherwise they would have just stared at the bones for 10 seconds and left.

Just a note they don’t allow backpacks. I had a slim one on that they let me carry only if I carried it in the front.

My kids have a low attention span. We spent about an hour and a half at the museum.

Just a note- we arrived in New Bedford just after 11am and my kids were HUNGRY. There’s no cafe at the museum, and the nearby pubs (because pub foos is what my kids will eat) don’t open until 11:30am on Saturdays. Quahog Republic Whaler’s Tavern (just around the corner and has typical kids meals) opens at 11:30am, as does the Rose Alley. The Moby Dick Brewing Company doesn’t open til 12pm.

The lobby with the 3 whales (plus 1 calf- you have to look carefully) were pretty cool. There was a model of a whale heart that the kids could climb in that was interesting and then the model whale ship were the highlights.

With my younger kids with lower attention spans, I think this is 4 stars. It would be better for slightly older kids.

Awesome information about the whaling industry…you can go at your on pace. The gift shop was great. I would highly recommend this tour if you are in New Bedford Massachusetts. Don’t forget to go outside on the upper level to view the New Bedford harbor.

I had expected this museum to be about whales and whales only but it placed the whaling history of New England and the town in historical context. how the town distinguished itself from Pilgrims and Puritans to the influence of Quakers who accepted all people - Catholics, Jews, Free Blacks and runaway slaves. I was surprised to find that the abolitionist Frederick Douglass lived in New Bedford. The museum has the largest and most fantastic collection of scrimshaw in the world.

This museum is a great place to spend the morning or afternoon for adults of all ages and children. Do not forget to tell them you are an AAA member or veteran

This museum has been carefully curated
In recent years to exhibit not only the skeletons of whales and the artifacts of whaling and seamanship, but also cultural items and fine art of the period. We forget how much whaling contributed to 19th century life. The Panorama, a giant canvas mural showing the wide world of a whaler’s voyage.
A great visit for children and adults alike, with many shops and restaurants nearby.

I vaguely remember being there over twenty years ago but this museum is now first class and has so much more to offer..Many educational exhibits about whaling around the world, ethnic settlement of New Bedford, how and why the Quakers became great whalers. A little history of religion in colonial times and some about King Philip's War., Very nice gift shop.

An engaging museum for kids of all ages. My younger kids climbed through a life-size model of a blue whale's heart, and my older kids read about the history of whaling in Massachusetts and around the world. I enjoyed the digital presentation of the mural about a whaleman's travels around the world. I also recommend going to the Fisherman's Bethel next door.