Reviews of New Bedford Whaling Museum (Museum)

lina moniz

I loved because my dad remembered how the men in Portugal hunted for the whales back then, in those little boats. He is 83 now (81 when we went) and he was like our personal tour guide. It was interesting to see the video after that showed them hunting exactly as the story he told us minutes before...

Barry Chow

Impressive, professional, and educational, a wide range of exhibits relating whales, whaling and New Bedford, suitable for kids and adults. Comfortable, cozy theater showing topical short films all day. Street parking near the museum are 1 hour only. Garage parking nearby. An unique experience.

Anmarie Defusco

Wow this place is bigger than it looks. Very educational, and a great spot light for this community. Set in histiric New Bedford, the cobblestone streets, brick and stone buildings; its a gem. From fine art to a whaling exploration boat for kids, pristine artifacts and historical facts an awesome experience.

Emerson Constant

Every time you go there, there is something new and exciting

Van Jones

Great museum on whaling. All that I saw was ship whaling. Nothing that I saw on shore whaling that was prevalent in many parts of the country.

Giselle C

Great Museum exhibits and people

Stephen Kelly

The whale skeleton alone us worth the visit but so much more. A forgotten piece of American history lie within the doorsteps.

Joanne Chaplin

A lovely museum! I'm glad we took the opportunity to visit while in the area!

Horace Azasse

I love whales.

Pavel Morozov

One of the bast museums I visited. Not too big, compare NYC or DC museums, but organized thoughtfully and nicely and definetely deserves a visit.

Paul Gibula

Great.

Sheila Adams

Amazing museum!

Herbert Brown

Beautiful place kids will love it family place for sure

Kevin Geremia

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is incredible! It's right on the harbor so it's perfect spot. From Providence it was only a 25 minute drive. There is parking on the street that's not limited to 1 hour (weekends only) but there are plenty of places to park near the museum. When you enter you see three massive whales to your left. You can't miss them. Admission is $17.00 for adults and $7.00 for kids. There are 3 levels and each has a different theme. There is a ship on the main floor called Lagoda. There is an observation deck on the top floor outside so you can see the harbor (actually there's 2 binoculars). There's an area dediated to Paul Cuffe, whalers from the Azores and even a whale heart that kids can climb into (but not on). If you're in the area this museum is worth the trip. There's an existing house that accompanies the museum. And the surrounding area has some great shops and restaurants.

mythsis Little Farie

Very interesting place. We enjoyed our visit.

Sean Myers

Amazing museum. Top notch exhibits, and very well done. It covers a touchy topic with professionalism. Also has a great gift shop.

Amy Loreck

It is great for all ages and interests. Even though it's a "whaling" museum, the focus is more on the whales themselves and sailing/nautical history. I am a whale lover and I enjoy this place.

Kate Sibya

Great experience, I hadn't been since I was in grade school, sorry I waited so long to come back. Spent 4 awesome hours there with my husband and still didn't get to see everything we wanted. We'll definitely be back!

David Ferkinhoff

Fantastic museum. Lots of different things to see. I've heard of a model ship in a bottle before, but one in a building big enough to walk on!

Darlene Dupras

Plan to spend several hours. Extremely informative. Lots of tourists form different states. Beautiful function room with great views of the harbor. Wedding being set up.

Daryl Lucas

Excellent way to learn about our whaling history.

Eric debronsky

much larger and more interesting than I though it was going to be . I suggest anyone in the area to go to it .

Peter Duquette

amazing displays! diggs deep into regional history! SO MUCH to see!

Kathleen Domenicucci

Excellent learning experience about whales. The only issue I had was their gift shop was on the expensive side

Matt Balent

Very interesting exhibits from a mostly forgotten part of US history.

Yvonne Conforti

Good place! Learned a lot!

Joy R

Worth a trip to learn about the whaling industry, and to learn about New Bedford history.

Rick Porteus

Superb, world-class museum by all measures. More than just whaling. Many unique treasures.

Andrew Croan

I I learned so much, what a cool place to visit. If I wasn't with my young child I could have spent all day here.

tim g

Very interesting, I actually learned a lot even though I have lived nearby my entire life.

Jessica Spauone

So much fun

TT Tansey

Unfortunately the big wall display had been taken down. Disappointed as it was reason we came.

Lucas Sinclair

Good place for kids, and when I went there there was a blue whale Hart that you could go inside of. Overalll, really fun museum.

Lester Allen

Facinating history! Great displays, authentic fun, interesting.

Dea Hoover

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.

Dennis Charolle

It's a great piece of a very important piece of New England history. A little mishmash as to how it's laid out but otherwise really cool.

Mark Gregory

Wish we had more time. Fantastic, a high light of our trip

ytim08

A lot of information about whaling and whales in general. Would recommend a visit to anyone!

John Eckert

Good fun for adults and kids.

Alyssa Perkins

Friendly staff. This museum was great very educational and perfect for kids. There is even a big boat in the middle of the museum and whale skeletons on the ceiling when you walk in. If you haven't taken your kids here you should. I think they would love it.

Melissa Salermo

Has a ton of interesting information and displays. It will take a few hours to go through it all.

Ed Davizon

Vas collection, tours.

Tim Delaney

Worth the trip! Amazing ship replica, whale skeletons and much more.

J.Scott Sibya

Amazing, fasanating and comprehensive. I hope to return very soon to explore more of this jewel.

Conrad Sienkiewicz

It's a whale of a museum! THAR SHE BLOWS!!!

Larry Krainson

Surprisingly good and very enjoyable museum. Be prepared to spend 2 to 3 or more hours there.

Valerie Goyette

Had a great x with my daughter an her friend.. learned a lot About the history of whaling and the artifacts where fascinating..got there late..but they honored our tickets to come back to get thru the whole museum.. My great great grandfather was a whaler..and I'm proud of that as they had to back in the day..i bought an old whaling harpoon hanging over my tv..although I'm proud of the man an men i never met..I'm so grateful that xs have changed and they don't kill whales anymore.

Olga Brichto

Great place with kids

Tim Ross

Lots to see.give yourself plenty of time. Very interesting.

Dale Weerts

We were very surprised at how nice of a museum this was. There was so much to look at that it really takes more than on visit. The best part was the rebuilding of a whaling ship. One of the museum workers took us below deck and shared many interesting stories about the whaling ships and industry. New Bedford has a very historical feel to it. It's hard to believe that some of these places have existed for almost 250 years. There are also some great shops located across the street. We bought a fishing boat replica which is one of our favorite momentos.

reney l

Call me Ishmael! I grew up in New Bedford and have visited this museum since childhood. Everytime I go, there is something new to see. The view of New Bedford Harbor from the top floor is stunning and not to be missed. Oh, if those walls could talk. Tickets are very reasonable considering you get access to 3 sites. Plan to stay the whole day and take your time, you will not be disappointed.

Nancy F.

Took the audio self tour. Very worth it.

Billie Anderson

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.

Candy Woody

Very nice

Yvon Theriault PEng

While in New Bedford, attending the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium (and the Ropeless workshop), I visited the New Bedford Whaling Museum ($17), not far from the New Bedford Harbour Hotel. I started my visit on the top floor for a nice view of the harbour. Then I move down. Personally, it turned out to be a real learning experience. Finally I watched the documentary "Plastic Oceans" in their amphitheatre.

Linda Phillips

Our first visit. A wonderful museum with lots to see. Loved the big ship and the knot exhibit. The scrimshaw display is extensive and beautiful. There is so much to see that we will go back!

Jo-Ellen Courtney

Many aspects of whaling are to be discovered. Spent two hours there. Want to go back to see more.

Ken Marshall

Great tour guide (local university student) and some really big whale skeletons (that are still exuding oil!) Only had 2.5 hours here, wish I had a couple more. Also, the second floor has a balcony with a great view of the harbor!

Taj Overton

Cool place

Valentin Ulibarri

Very interesting and informative place to visit

Martin Kipp

Very cool place. Must see if you are in the neighborhood. The history is depressing as we think of the slaughter but at the time ...this was cutting edge stuff and these were brave mofo's.

Monica Renaud

I remember visiting on an elementary school trip and was pleasantly surprised by how updated it is and all there is to see. History displays, library room, science, art galleries, even a discovery room for small children. There is also a beautiful top floor room that overlooks the waterfront. Really a great day for my 10, 12 year olds. I suppose that's why for our family of four the fee was almost $50.

Stephanie Nault

My first visit and we loved the history. The Docent was amazing and knowledgeable, sharing interesting details and life like exploration of whaling. The structure and flow of the museum are beautiful!!! We will return for more enjoyment and allow more time! Thank you

Rob Ekstrom

New fresh and updated. You could spend hours and still be interested by everything to learn. Tours, informative films, a half sized historic boat, local history and everything youd want to know about whales and the whaling industry's history

Josue Perez

Nice place to visit and find out more about the whaling history of the area.

Robert Gomes

Beautiful and a nice place for the family to go

Simon H - UK

Truly excellent museum in superb surroundings. Fascinating history of the whaling industry with incredible collection of original artefacts and memorabilia. Great for kids as life size skeletons, whale biology & hands on exhibits including a half size replica scale model of a whaling ship to explore. The guided tour was excellent (thanks Cody) There is lots to see in the historical cobbled streets around the museum too. You can easily pass the best part of a day here - in fact the ticket is good for 2 days as there is so much to see. Thank you for a highly memorable, enjoyable and informative visit.

Miranda Regan

Worth the money! Lots of things to see even more than just whaling.

antoni The penguin

It's pretty cool

Paul Mouratidis

Great museum! Great history on display!

Tim Cason

Interesting part of history

Raymond Cardoza

Pleasantly surprised at how informative and how well this place is run. All the staff were upbeat, super polite and really welcoming. Cute, well stocked gift shop with reasonable prices. Great place to visit with lots of nearby restaurants.

Julio Toro

Awesome place

Samuel Watson

An excellent museum! I’m very appreciative that they offer substantial veterans discounts at this location. Parking is available on the street or in nearby garages. Very informative and good for all ages! The museum offers a complete look at whaling and its history across the globe. It does highlight New Bedford’s history but not to the extent that other areas are neglected. I will be back!

Kij Greenwood

Interesting chapter of local history

Steve Curran

This is an excellent museum that describes and shows the history of the whaling industry. It also has lots of info about whales and conservation efforts. There's also a lot to be seen regarding the history of industry in New Bedford. Highly recommend it.

Stellar Luna

Great way to spend a rainy day in New Bedford. Allow for a few hours to take everything in. And be sure to watch the mini play put on by local artists covering what life was like as a whaler.

Vicki Aubrey

Full of EARLY! FASCINATING artifacts beautifully displayed. Their scrimshaw collection must be the largest in the world. Loved it.

Art Layton

Unique look at a forgotten part of US history.

Jonathan Leo Connor

So much more than whaling. You won't believe the amount of interesting things you have to look at! Even if you aren't interested in whaling, there is plenty to fascinate the historian or scientist in you!

Dennis Brew

Great place to visit and it's a pity more people don't know about this gem in downtown New Bedford. Spent three hours there and still didn't see all of it. Will definitely go back to see the rest.

Dmitry Slootskin

Probably most interesting place in town, must see 1/4 mile long painting

Russell Young

In depth and varied history

Eric Salamon

Nice place for families for a few hours. There are enough interactive exhibits to keep the kids interested. My boys (7 yrs and 12 yrs) had a blast. The cost for adult nonmembers its fairly high for what the museum offers but the low admission for children can offset that. Plenty of street parking on weekends. If you live in the general area you should go here from time to time since whaling was such an important part of southern New Englands past.

Rex Tien

A really incredible experience. The museum is HUGE and so worth it. You will learn more than you thought was possible about whale biology, the lives of the whalers and the culture that surrounded whaling, the artistic and industrial uses of whale products and the historical significance of the enterprise. Good for kids too, as there are plenty of multisensory experiences like seeing through a whale's eyes and smelling samples of various whale oils. Perhaps the highlight of the museum is the scale model of the whaling ship that you can actually board. Everything is presented with historical accuracy but through a lens of modern conservationism. Highly recommend visiting!

Jerilin Buzzetta

Fun rainy day field trip from Providence! Worth the visit if you’re into local/nautical history.

Tanya Koller

A fabulous little gym hidden within the quaint city of New Bedford. Lots of interesting and fun facts about the whaling industry. Beautiful artifacts and gorgeous views from the observation deck.

Patty Hoban

Very interesting tour guide was excellent and had an incredible breadth of knowledge.

J Pro

Very interesting museum, definitely worth to visit. Their blue whale skeleton still drips oil from the bones! (The poor whale was hit by a boat and died 2010 I think). The tour was very informative and the gentleman who did the tour was very friendly and enthusiastic. I also loved the souvenir shop. They sell good quality souvenirs (porcelain, books, jewellery, keychains etc.)

Erin Brouillette

Lovely gem of a museum in downtown New Bedford. Lots of historical items related to the area and it's long history in the fishing and the old whaling industry. The most unexpected piece was the full size ship inside. It's not actually the full size of the actual sailing ship but it takes up a huge room and you get to wander all over it and see the details of an actual whaling ship. Very cool trip for kids and adults alike!

kristen koseski

This charming museum has been a favorite with our family for 3 generations. So much local history showcased in a way that it appeals to all ages. Wonderful exhibits sprinkled with things the kids can crawl through (a giant heart), climb on (a ship's model) and touch. A fun afternoon for the entire family

Anya Zakiewicz

A really nice museum; really enjoyed the exhibits and atmosphere. I heard music here and that was great as well. We were attending the New Bedford Folk Festival, and I always look forward to spending some time at this museum.

Nora Spratt

The Calvineers visited for the North Atlantic Right Whale Conortium and had a great time! Sadly we didn't get to see all of the museum's exhibits, but I would surly love to come back.

Joe Gerdes

Learned a great deal about the area's whaling history-

Violeta Pozo

It's surprisingly big and full of history. Loved the volunteer guide Cody. He was knowledgeable and kept us interested with the history of whaling.

Mike Jan

Excellent place to visit but make sure you are wearing your walking shoes

Ken Oliver

Excellent the ambience is welcome in the history is great the entire area is nice

Janet Karr

The exhibits were very good, the librarian very knowledgeable, and the docents were very helpful. All in all a good experience.

LCD PLASMA INSTALLATION

So much to see. Have to carve out a good part of your day to read everything. I will definitely be back as I was limited today by 2hr Free street parking. Next time up to Cape I will make time to come back.

Cathy Faughnan

We did a tour with Cody and it was awesome. We learned so much about the history of whaling and New Bedford. What a great young man, so happy that young people are willing to share history about such an important time in our nations past!! Museum is amazing and the theater is a unique space to rest your feet and learn more.

Ahmed Archambault

A great, local museum which holds the rich whaling history of the city of New Bedford. Never a dull moment in that museum and definitely enjoyed myself. It's a great place to visit if you have a couple hours to spare, and the kids would love it!

George Smith

Nice museum with lots of whaling history. Good exhibits the kids will like.

Peter Juziuk

Always worth a stop to explore!

Topher ORourke

Such a great place to visit. Great for kids

Kyaa Heller

Well worth a visit, educational, great exhibits and staff.

Ronald Arruda

A must see if you in the south coast of mass

James Weckesser

Great place to visit, but move your car every 2 hours or you'll get a ticket like I did.

Antone Pauline

If you like whaling history check this place out. A lot of whailing artifacts and even a whailing ship inside the museum.

Matt Luongo

Lots of really interesting information, easily spent 3 hours here

Jon Stansell

If you like Moby Dick, you will love the Bedford whaling museum. It's a wonderful place with lots of artifacts. I would certainly go there to see a piece of history that should not be forgotten.

Aruna Dismont

So much to learn!

Ron Giscombe / Sheila Hawkins

This was the best conducted, most interesting museum tour I have completed, and I have completed tours all over the world. The Guide's local knowledge and the pristine condition of the facility made the tour enjoyable and me anxious for more information....I'll be back. Sheila and Jerry

Nicholas Santos

A shining example of bringing history to life. The exhibits never get too heady, nor do they dumb-down the past. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and friendly. My nephews love this place just as me and my siblings did when we were young (and we still do). Please make time to explore this museum when you visit New Bedford. If you appreciate animals, history, or anything to do with sailing, it's a must.

Chris Horton

Give yourself at least 3 hours to do the audio tour. This place is a lot bigger than it looks plus tour ticket gets you into other places after

Mr RPG_GT

Interesting educative museum.

Jennifer Havard

An amazing look at how my country helped put itself on the map over a hundred years ago.

Ashley T.

This place is awesome.

Bill Christopher

This place was awesome. Lots of great interesting history about the whaling industry. I had no idea how important New Bedford was to the world during that time.

Martin Cohen

Great historic museum. Had an entire days worth of entertainment with the grandkids.

Linda Barros

It is an exquisite museum filled with rich history. It cleary shows the trajectory of many contracted immigrants to come to this country to work in the whaling industry, the picking of strawberries and cranberries. Very touching photos and artifacts displayed that can bring tears to your eyes. Great teaching museum for all ages. The display of tall ships and their history in the port of New Bedford is fantastic. A must visit landmark in New Bedford!

Laura Gammons

I know it was a different time...its just a part of history that makes me sad. I'm glad the whaling industry is disappearing. I appreciate it for what it was and understand that it was done for survival by many, but am glad we have other alternatives now. The museum itself is fabulous. Very well done.

Dave Clark

Very interesting experience for those who are interested in major drivers of society in the 1800s.

Anne Chetwynd

Best place we went on our August vacation to eastern Massachusetts. The tour guide was as knowledgeable as any and very entertaining. We loved it, our kids loved it.

Patricia Butcheck

I love our country's museums. The thread to our past and the way cultures have changed, I"m always fascinated. In this museum, we explored the whaling history of the region. The upstairs observation deck was a special treat. We sat for a while just soaking in the scenery and the summer air. We also toured the Seaman's Bethel as well.

Dave Lupo

Always a treat to go there, especially on Aha night. Great exhibits. Friendly workers.

Jeff Clark

This place is incredible. It has everything and more. A hidden gem that will keep you coming back for more. Not to mention it's location is also historic.

Viera Levitt

This museum not only talks about the whales. There are interesting exhibitions of visual art. Giant whale skeletons are in the main lobby, good place to come with kids.

Jazmine Calderon

New Bedford is known as The City that Lit the World. This historic whaling town is filled with history, beauty and charm. Here are some pictures of The New Bedford Whaling Museum. You can easily sound about three hours here. This museum has a few hands-on art work for kids to enjoy. There's no eating or drinking at the museum; make sure to have the whole family hydrated and fed before visiting. Enjoy!

Eden L Ratliff

It was much more fun then I expected, there is so much to know about whales and so much to see, the place went on forever. Very cool !

Julio Maisonet

My Little Sister and I took Our Nephew's here and they Loved it they want to go back and the History coming out those doors are Amazing.

Jackie Manus

You wouldn’t think you could visit a whaling museum more than once, but I’ve been to this one several times. They do new smaller exhibits sometimes, from history to art, and they’ve got a lot of neat stuff not just on the history of whaling but the area in general. I suggest it to anyone who’s never been before.

Michael C

An amazing must visit! Plan to spend a few hours, this place is huge and great for all ages.

Jake Freyer

This is a surprisingly interesting and detailed museum. It has a wealth of information about the industry, the people it employed, the whales and the products made from them. Importantly, it does a good job justifying itself: it acknowledges that whaling was a cruel and unsustainable practice, but nevertheless critically important to the history and culture of New Bedford—and therefore worth remembering.

Sudaara White

So much information and knowledge here. The staff is so friendly and accommodating. Luckily we arrived and the 60+ kids who were scheduled for the tour cancelled, so we got our own private o e with our small group of kids. Awesome, awesome, awesome place! Be sure to let your kids play inside the whlae heart!

David Dreilinger

Very well done, discovery room great for kids.

Ray Sanford

Great facility with lots of interesting information.

RENEE STEBBINS

Nice, interesting place to visit, good for all ages.

Michael MacDonald

Take the free tour. It's very informative. Pretty cool place to visit, especially with kids.

Andre Santana

Full of interesting exhibits. Lot of history and shows the importance and history of whaling in history.

Ruth

Great history lessons regarding the city & those that lived there. Wonderful informed staff. Highly recommended for anyone in the area whether you are visiting, moving in, or are a long time resident.

Joshua Attardo

Museum was great and very informative. But not great for kids with a guided tour. Was on a field trip with well behaved students. Staff is very up tight and at points rude to the kids, yelling because kids are bouncing ( not jumping) up and down with excitement "don't ever do that in a museum" refusing to move on until every child gave their un divided attention. I was a little floored. Why have kid's on a field trip to your museum if you don't want them there?

Daniel Wolkow

Bigger and better than I imagined. Impressed

Daryl Carpenter

An absolutely stunning, beautiful museum that I seriously need to get back to some day. Features whale skeletons, a half-scale whaling ship model, figureheads, ship models, historical artifacts and paintings, an awesome scrimshaw collection, and plenty of great local history. Really great, enthusiastic curators Even the gift shop is nice! Worth checking out all the exhibits in detail.

Kevin Jacks

We drive up from Virginia to visit the museum and had a wonderful time. My 11 and 7 year olds stayed interested and engaged. I enjoyed it also, mostly the knots and scrimshaw.

working man

Wonderful display of history.

Jose Gibau

Great Workers love the food A family oriented place

Dana lizotte

Really cool for people who love history and biology.

Meredith Alger

My company from Was. State enjoyed our visit. I missed seeing the beautiful oil lamp display I remembered from 15 years ago.

Michael M-

An amazing museum. Well worth seeking out.

john moore

Had a great time. Learned a lot about the local history and long lasting effect the whaling industry has had. Great way to spend an afternoon.

Stanley Scism

It's expensive. You need to have all day, and I didn't.

Max Bleu

See and really experience the history of whaling and it's long lasting consequences. The world's largest model ship which is half the size of a real one. Prices right and very educational. The links to Melville's Moby Dick ate present throughout and you can visit the seamen's bethel across the street along with the Mariners home. The area around the museum with cobblestone roads and slate sidewalks make you feel like you are in New bdford at around the 19th century. Worth a trip without a doubt.

Pam Rainey

Massive amounts of fascinating information, real whale skeletons, an actual moving film of a whale hunt......diaries of whalers, fantastic art collections....one of my favorite places.

merilishuff@gmail.com Blake2012

Haven't been here since I was a young child. Really enjoyed it. Plan to bring the grandkids back at some point.

Barry Pinkowitz

Put it together with the living museum in Mystc and you have a great whaling story

Robert Wordell

This was my fourth visit to this museum. I can't say enough about this place. They have art on display including scrimshaw. They information the history of Whaling in New Bedford. There is a half scale Whaling ship that you can board right in the middle of the museum. Great place to go.

Estela Matta

Its a small but intense museum. It will make a great morning of family fun and adventure, including its own whaling ship you can climb into!

Michael Mendonca

Loved it. I learned so much about the history and development of New Bedford. As well as the recognition of the Portuguese influence in the history of Whaling.