Reviews of Whaling Museum (Museum)

Geoffrey Brackman

Must visit! They do a fantastic job both with the exhibits and the live presentations. I go every year and spend hours taking it all in. Never gets old!!

Frederick Dreibholz

Great museum

Calli Wise

Great family museum, could easily spent 1-3 hours here. The history is well explained and engaging.

Cheryl Hojnacki

this is a very interesting and informative Museum.. well kept clean friendly staff

Parker Johnson

Very nice museum, lots of different attractions and ways to experience the space. The storytellers about the old whaling expeditions are very worth listening to. Added bonus, the roof has a great view of the harbor and the surrounding town.

Clark Kugler

The staff presentations made this an education and enjoyable visit and worth the trip.

Tom Blakeley

Loved the displays and presentation. Hidden gem: the rooftop!

Velma Pridemore

Informative and historical

jeff hebert

Excellent presentation of the history of Natucket Whaling. Highly recommended.

Maria Savastio

The Whaling Museum is a "must see" when visiting ACK. It's an absolute institution and the exhibits are incredibly thoughtful. The full whale skeleton is not to be missed - a great family destination!

Christopher Sand

The best darn whaling museum I've ever been to! All kidding aside, it's the best (and really only) good activity in town if it's a rainy day

Claire White

Excellent, world class, AAM accredited museum. The sperm whale skeleton and the souvenirs from whaling voyages are particularly cool objects and the scrimshaw gallery in particular is extremely well-curated. Excellent lectures and community programs as well.

Brice Russell

Amazing life of the whalers

Elizabeth Lamb

Great fun on a cold rainy May day. Good exhibits.

Thomas Zickell

I loved this wonderful place the staff took the time to answer everything I asked and that was very kind of them. If you love history you will love the Nantucket Whaling Museum you can get a guide or not.

Jacob M

nice museum to visit on a rainy day, provides a good history of the whaling industry and its ties to nantuckey

Junior Freitas

Awesome place to visit.

sharon cicchetti

Wonderful overview of whaling history in a place that was a center for over one hundred years!

Susanne Duclon

Bones of small whale.hang over top of a whaling boat. Scrimshaw collection, history of founding fathers, whaling, connection to Moby dick. Amazing

Michael Suchenski

Great family activity.

Gerry Charest

Great place good to do on a rainy day.

Michael Rein

You'll need a strong stomach!

Eric Teschke

Get time learning some more history of the island and it's awsome past

Bob McDowell

Great experience!

Ben Mattison

Great museum! We have gone again and again. Don’t miss the children’s room if you are there with kids.

Janet Skertich

Great place.

Tom Withgott

Guides have a wonderful breath of topical info which they gladly share.

SHANEL rae

Ok

Tom Taylor

Very interesting and educational.

Maryanne Dolci

Nice museum with alot of interesting artifacts

Mark Hewes

Splendid presentation.

Jason Chagas

Air conditioned museum with a decent collection of navigation instruments including some very old ones.

hilda teran-franklin

New experience. Wonderful! Spent 3 hours visiting exhibitions and oral presentations

Jim Mansfield

Super informative, fantastic museum. A must see...

Michael Joseph

Fun to visit if you haven't been there. Great history, but probably not a more than once thing. Go to the roof for some nice views!

Joe Bergmann

This museum was super interesting when I was expecting another boring history lesson. The employees were kind and knowledgeable. There was a great presentation on the voyage of a whale hunting crew which kept us engaged as well. The museum includes artifacts of Nantucket from the whaling days, has a full whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, and other fascinating exhibits throughout. This was the highlight of my trip to Nantucket.

Han-Yang Lo

Museum is really well done. Exhibits are very informative and provide a lot of context about Nantucket and whaling. The Whale Hunt and Essex Gam narrated programs were fantastic! Karen was a great story teller.

Bob Rose

A must visit if you are in Nantucket. Make sure you go early, as your admission grants you access to other places around town. The museum isn't a celebration of whaling itself, but a celebration of the brave men who risked their lives on the ocean in pursuit of their American dream. They have amazing displays throughout of ingenuity and amazing craftsmanship. It truly is a must see. I would recommend you read In the Heart of the Sea before going as well. It will give you an even greater appreciation for the museum.

Alex Livingston

Wonderful history of Nantucket whaling

Justin

Really enjoyed this museum. Gives a great historical recount of the Nantucket whaling industry.

Trever Belden

It was a good museum, I recommend doing this if you visit.

Josilyn Burkett

I went there with my family. We learned lots and had fun

Blaise Vitale

Everything you ever wanted to know about whaling. The whaling and scrimshaw exhibits were excellent. The exhibits became less unique as you ascended the museum. Having a whole room dedicated to Maria Mitchell seemed excessive. Nantucket seems a bit obsessed about tooting their own history. She had nothing to do with whaling and except for discovering a comet, she wasn't particularly relevant - except for Nantucketers. Definitely try to see the whaling presentation. Most of the movies weren't particularly interesting.

John Toomasian

Classic Jewel of Nantucket. World class whaling museum with authentic artifacts from the era. Worth a half day visit.

Amelia Payne

Seems like an well curated Museum with lots of awesome artifacts. I just wish I had gotten to spend more time here. Definitely recommend.

Brandt Keckler

Lillte pricey.

pardis zahedi

This museum was definitely the highlight of my trip to Nantucket! It provided a very thorough history of whalers from the island and put the industry within a global context, with creative and informational displays. I especially loved the story-telling element, with devoted volunteers who explained the history to visitors. This museum is a very good value for money, with a $20 ticket, you can visit several other heritage sites on the island. I only have one small suggestion: I would have liked to see a bit more about the history of the natives of Nantucket and their influence on whaling. The displayed text indicated that they also hunted whales, and this is perhaps something the museum could expand upon?

June Gough

Very interesting museum learn much from there.my very first time

Ken Moskowitz

Went to get in out of the rain, and we stayed over two hours. The presentations are fascinating. Moby Dick is made real. One presentation includes excerpts of a silent movie a real whale hunt. Scrimshaw, history, artifacts. Plus access to two other buildings on the Island.

paul hoffman

Nantucket history at its best

Erin Collard

We stopped here not knowing what to expect but it turned out to be a highlight of our time on Nantucket. The docents give wonderful presentations. The staff is helpful and the views from the roof top are wonderful. We highly recommend this stop.

Barbara Jayne Mills

Very informative, great way to spend the afternoon. Amazing history of Nantucket

John Mandeville

Very enlightening.

Irina Sarah Cueni

Very informative museum about whaling and history of the nantukets - well displayed

Jeff Maxwell

Great experience, lots of interesting facts and knowledge about the whaling industry ,lots of artifacts and a real understanding of how the tools and equipment were used. Overall my family and I had a great time and will go back.

Dan D

clean, super-informing, well worth the cost. The film is good, but try to catch the live presentation.

Richard Murray

An interesting slice of history.

Joan-Ellen Messina

Always an enjoyable visit. New exhibit well done, with fun photo booth, for your souvenir.

Jeremy Hazen

This museum is really great. Anyone who goes to Nantucket should check it out!

Sandra Fisher

Dachau book in whaling display?

Christy Freeman

Very cool piece of history. A must see when you go to Nantucket

Chris Skaar

Really interesting and a great view of the town from the roof.

Becky Wyble

We loved the museum. We have family ties and they were very happy to help us to see family pictures. We will go back as it was very interesting. The people working were so great.

Edward Marshburn

A whale of a good time.

Mary Ann Forster

Really enjoyed the movie about the history of Nantucket. Very interesting.

Amy Lems

Nantucket history at its best.

Frank Poole

Too pricey need to.drop.tue price down 20.00 a person

P Ferwerda

We really enjoyed the museum, from the details of people's lives, to the place of whaling in the community, to the impact of the settlers on the Wampoag, the presence of a vibrant ex-slave community, the impact of Quakerism, all the way to the story of the present day sperm whale whose skeleton is there. Watching the clock mechanism was fascinating. The scale of the oil press was impressive. After walking the streets and docks the rooftop view was great. All in all a great time that helped us connect with those who have gone before.

Balaraj Menon

It's a very nice museum to visit with kids. As someone else mentioned, there's a lot to read, but it's all very engaging. Our tour guide, Don, gave us a succinct overview of the museum and its artifacts. Plan to spend around 1.5-2 hours here. Also, the tickets give you access to 5-6 other historical places in Nantucket, all of which are within walking distance.

Brian H.

It's ok if you have nothing better to do.

Amanda Fackrell

This place exceeded my expectations. They provide a wide variety of information about the whaling times spanning from the whales themselves, boats and harpoons used - up to beautiful paintings of whaling ships and the history of area during this time. If you like reading and learning some unique information, I recommend setting 2hr+ aside to enjoy this well put together museum. There is so much to see - and the entry fee is good for 2 days.

Chuck Ernst

Best history lesson for a family on holiday on the Island. Kids love interactive experience.

Jorge Cuellar

Small but very informative. They had a great collection of old and antiquated fishing items that were native to Nantucket and the whaling industry here. They also had a full 16-foot skeleton of a sperm whale on display that hangs from the ceiling. The admission is a little steep at $20/adult but overall a really nice museum.

Michele Villani

Really interesting and laid out really well. We love the huge clock tower workings and the lighthouse lens. A bit expensive but it IS Nantucket. I would visit again

Debby Kassay

Absolutely AWESOME! Spent almost 3 hours here - could have spent a few more. Very knowledgeable staff and Docents. Highly recommend it.

Dorothy Zara

If you want to know more about island history this is the perfect place for you. It not big museum but it is very interesting. In the end of the year they decorate a lot of Christmas trees inside museum and they organize Christmas cocktails.

James Scott

You probably won’t spend the whole day here but it is a very interesting and well-curated selection of items related to the island’s whaling history. I’d recommend it to anyone with an hour or two to spare in Nantucket.

Maria Di Giovanni

More than I expected. This museum broadly encompasses every aspect of life on the island.

larry kedes

Great artifacts, storytelling docent, small space.

Kimberly Ramsay

Such an educational and interesting museum! My kids and I both enjoyed it. Just the right amount of hands on activities. We all learned something new!

Tristan Stevens-King

Very friendly staff, decent price that gets you into other museums/site around the main town. I’d say this should be you’re first attraction to go to after arriving. You can learn about Nantucket’s great history and see a lot of artifacts which bring that history to life. They have a sperm whale skeleton which, if I remember correctly, washed ashore in 1998. That now hangs above the biggest room. Additionally, they used its products like the head fluid to show genuine examples of the products that Nantucket produced 150 years ago. Definitely worth a visit.

rdetriquet

One of the best museums I have been to. A true insight into the historic whaling community.

Wilford Fuqua

Interesting

JohnTrojack T

Outstanding programs.

Madeline Dempsey

Great tour amazing exhibits. Nice views from the roof terrace.

K P

I enjoy going to this museum every time I visit the island, you learn a little more each time.

Vance Ely

Small cool stop to see how Nantucket got it's start.

Shandelle G

Very cool place! Great for a family activity. Really interesting exhibits and very informative. Also, really enjoyed the video they had playing that told you all about the history. It's one of those places that each time you went I think you'd learn something new. Definitely a neat place to check out!

Chris Easter

Great museum! Excellent taste of traditional Nantucket!

Micah Strode

A must Visit!

Joel Peterson

You gotta go! I enjoy learning and history and this place you get both. It’s not cheesy presentations-the layout is fantastic and they have a cheeky little gift shop. Bring the kids and then swing by or, The Whale for a cocktail after.

Ann Vincent

Always interesting, would recommend.

Edward Colbert

One of the best museums I've ever visited.

Doug Lockyer

Everything you need to know about this industry, nice exhibits, well laid out in a not crowded space. Excellent for children.

Patrick McCormack

Great museum. Very interesting and one of the few places to visit in Nantucket. Staff is very friendly.

Ethan L

The museum changed some programs since we visited them a few years ago. Still clean, Efficient, well managed with lots of frequent presentations. Fascinating Art exhibition on 2nd floor was a nice bonus. They need to add a cafe nextdoors for the senior visitors, soon, instead of the pompous super overpriced souvenir shop. Very popular destination. We spent over 4 hours during our 3rd visit.

Neill Silva

I could spend the whole day here. So much to learn.....

Elvis D'Souza

The museum was an amazing primer on the history of the economic boom of whaling in America. It has many interesting exhibits, information on how people on Nantucket lived, and scrim shaw depicted the stories of the times. It was a very engaging experience!

Nicole Reidel

Beautiful museum. Encompasses the history of Nantucket, not limited to just the whaling industry.

Joe Limbaugh

Wonderful museum quality exhibits, multi level experience. Wonder staff. Do it!

Mike Downing

A great museum to learn about the whaling industry.

Chris Guzer

Well worth a visit and buy the $5 extra ticket and go and see some beautiful houses.

Jack Stotler

Loved this place. So much detail and a great gift shop to boot

Chris Cross

Excellent displays and lectures!

stacey austin

Absolutely loved the museum and looking at the artifacts and learning about them. Had a wonderful time.

Francis OBrien

interesting museum, knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff. Lots of fun!

Russell Littlecreek

Great local natural history museum on whaling. Storyteller was fascinating!

Edgar Vigil

Had our wedding there and it was magical! Everyone loved the venue and the whole thing was fantastic!

Tommy Bender

A cute little meuseum with an impressive attention to detail.

Erin Ellis

I am a huge nerd for maritime history and may or may not have wanted to go to Nantucket just to see the historical whaling stuff there. I just knew this museum had to be my first stop. I was kind of afraid that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations after making the long journey out to the island, but I definitely wasn’t disappointed on my visit at all! Admission may seem a little steep at 20 dollars, but with that ticket you get access to other historical sites around town. Even without that, though, I feel like it was 20 dollars well spent. The museum workers were very knowledgeable and the interactive presentations were super cool! At a minimum, you MUST listen in on “the hunt”. It’s not actually a requirement, of course, but it is too interesting and cool to pass up. The museum also has a huge collection of skrimshaw pieces, which are basically carved whale teeth/bone. I could’ve spent hours just looking at the intricate detail in each piece. Also, the rooftop view is to die for. You can stand up on the roof for as long as you want watching ferries pull into and out of the harbor, or lean on the railing and pretend like you’re a whaler’s wife watching for your husband’s ship to return. Anyway, this is hands down the coolest place on the island! Definitely check it out!

Jack Pryor

I am so glad to have seen the whaling museum before my days are gone. They have no whales that are alive there which was a bit of a bummer. They do have ropes and scrimshaw though and u can smell a bakery.

M Ki

A really nice little Museum about local whaling history, very informative and interesting, but for what it is, and for the relatively little time you spend there (~1.5-2h), it is REALLY expensive. For the same price I could go to the Met in NY for 3 days.

Roger Wilde

Interesting facts about wh as ling and life during that time

yoon chay

Great place to learn about whaling

Svetlana Pribytkova

It was great time spent there! Any the giant whale’s skeleton is amazing

Gary Couture

Loved the visit and highly recommend

Peruano Extraviado

Really cool place with lot's of information and tours of the whaling industry. Even if, like me, you love whales, you will find the information about whales and the whale industry really really interesting. If you are in Nantucket don't miss the museum!

Kay Baggs

So much information! Is bigger than it looks from the outside. Great view from the 3rd floor balcony!

Gordon Pattison

Must visit location when you are on Nantucket. Gives you the history of whaling on Nantucket and whaling in general which is such an important part of the island's history.

cisco zap

Very cool place. Great place to be able to learn about the whaling history of Nantucket as well as get the opportunity to see cool art that was made from whale

Gail Anderson

Very informative, the Male guide (sorry didn't get his name) was knowledgeable and had a good sense of humor!

Sheri Brown

Super-helpful staff. Liz's account of the voyage of the Essex was a special treat.

Christopher Wolfe

In 2018, go see the exhibit celebrating Maria Mitchell's 200th birthday.

Eric Nightlinger

Bucketlist check off for sure! Everything you would expect from the world class whaling museum..

Maksym Kurganskyy

Very interesting and informative museum about rich Nantucket history.

Tim White

Make sure to give yourself a few hours. Very interesting live presentation of the whaling process.

PSthefirst1

Great place to see

Kayla Myros

Great small museum that tells the gory details about Nantucket's key industry. The visitor service assistants are a wealth of information, they offer have lots of talks and presentations, I left feeling very informed. It does celebrate the whaling industry a little too much, given how violent and destructive it was, but I suppose that it is Nantucketers celebrating Nantucket. In the end, I would visit it again--plus a ticket allows you into multiple other historic sites, well worth the $20 dollars.

Tommy Rebik

The whaling museum is a must see if you are visiting nantucket. The rich history of the town is clearly and concisely explained in all of the exhibits here. The grounds and building are the remains of the old candle factory and the smells and architecture of the building are gorgeous. There are many presentations that cover many different parts of the island's rich history. If you go please get to the top observation deck and see all of downtown Nantucket from a bird's eye view. The whole history of the island is explained and the helpful staff can give you many recommendations on where to eat and place to visit for more history .

Matthew Boehm

We have been here dozens of times and it never gets old. Great for families and any interested in history.

Soares Aerial Solutions Veteran Owned

Great History! Amazing exhibits!

Patrick J Goar

10/10 would recommend.

John McKee

Great exhibits, but loved the informational tour and guide who brought the place to life. Not boring or slow paced, his stories and demonstrations had the group lingering at each area asking many questions as he dragged them into the next area. Like the best teacher you ever had. Really good at giving the feeling of the times, challenges, dangers, and economics of the sailors, captains, settlers of Nantucket.

Tewa Poole

Very interesting and informative about Nantucket

Julia

Small museum with some interesting artifacts and lots of information. Make sure to catch the multimedia presentation, it was quite interesting!

Peter Madany

Very informative and well maintained museum. Get an all access pass for all the sites on Nantucket

Doris Schilpp

There last yr. Took grandsons this yr. Love it.

Tony Perkins

Amazing museum learned a great deal

Chris Reece

Always fun for children

R Turer

They continue to change special exhibits which is fantastic. That said, i always find a new trinket of information / art / storytelling everytime i visit. And the docents (islanders, interns, etc) are friendly and never intrusive. A must visit when on island. Even for residents!

Rodney Yoswig

There is a slight admission charge. However everything in here was historical. I thoroughly enjoyed walking through this Museum, there were numerous items I had never seen before and I was quite pleased with that. They did have a live storyteller presentation that lasted about 20 minutes that went into the history of whaling and the routes that were taken. If you are ever in Nantucket this is a must-stop location it's well worth the time.

grant geissler

Read the book "in the heart of the sea" by Nathaniel Philbrick, excellent true story and overall description of whaling and Nantucket in 1819. The whaling museum contains artifacts, information, and live presentations from this era and more

Chris MacKethan

Maybe not worth admission, but if money isn't a factor, then go, it's very informative and a great landmark. Can't go to Nantucket without knowing it's history

Tanya Hoefler

Well worth the money. Very interesting. Awesome staff.

Ezra Galen

Emily Gilmore was the best tour guide I could have asked for! 10/10 would recommend her

Shaiky K

For all history fans like myself this is the place to go if you ever want to know the history behind Nantucket. Self walk around timeline that leads into the movie theater and from the movie theater they have another timeline by the guest shop. I personally skipped the other timeline and when straight up for the roof walk. I wasn't expecting the view to be that breathtaking.

Beverley Peet

Interesting place including candle exhibit.

James Redway

Only went to the gist shop to wait for a bus. The prices in that place are so expensive but it's Nantucket. Bus was on time