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JOIN US

July 11 | 5:30 PM

Celebrate the summer with NBWM at the annual Harbor Lights Benefit! Gather in support of the Museum’s mission at our signature fundraiser. It’s a festive evening rooted in community and purpose.

 

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Visit NBWM

Ignite your curiosity and discover the vibrant stories of our region through an interactive journey into art, history, and science. From massive whale skeletons to hands-on maritime adventures, it’s a family-friendly experience that truly brings the spirit of exploration to life.

 

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Visit NBWM

At the New Bedford Whaling Museum, we like things big—step aboard the Lagoda, the world’s largest half-scale model of a whaling bark. Then walk beneath full whale skeletons of four species—right, blue, humpback, and sperm—to experience their immense scale and compare their unique forms.

 

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Proteanna: Susan Heideman

Artist Susan Heideman explores organic, ocean-inspired forms that evoke both real and imagined invertebrate life, suggesting primordial creatures drifting in deep waters. Her Proteanna series features vibrant, large-scale, hand-embroidered works layered with paintings and constructions, creating richly textured, almost three-dimensional environments that immerse viewers in an imaginative underwater world.

 

On View: May 29 - November 1, 2026

 

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Open Doors

The New Bedford Whaling Museum is poised to create a premier Welcome and Exhibition Center for future generations. By expanding galleries, community spaces, and program areas, we will spark curiosity and connect with the community.

 

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Upcoming Programs

Celebrate dynamic public programs with live music, gallery talks, artist demos, and hands-on activities inspired by our exhibitions—creating connection, creativity, and the vibrant culture of our region.

 

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Image Credit: Hugh Fanning

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Forging Independence - Building a Nation

This exhibition introduces invites visitors to form connections between historical events and pressing issues of today, to consider what ideas are embodied in the terms and ideas of Independence and Nationhood.

 

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New 3D film!

Shark Kingdom

Shark heroes and conservationists Jess Cramp, Liv Rose and Cristina Zenato lead this epic family adventure into the kingdom of sharks, where we’ll come face to face with these ancient and awe-inspiring animals and learn how our future is intertwined with theirs.

 

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Upcoming Programs

Summer at the NBWM

June 28, 2026 - August 30, 2026

Enhance your visit to the Whaling Museum with special drop-in activities, squid dissections, and 3D movies! See the full schedule for activities throughout July and August.

Join us for a hands-on cyanotype (sunprint) photography workshop led by Marina Dawn Wells, PhD, curator of the exhibition “Look pleasant, please”: Early Portrait Photography in New Bedford on view at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

An evening of creativity, music, and family fun awaits at the New Bedford Whaling Museum! During AHA! Night: Kids Rule!, families are invited to explore the Museum, create art, and enjoy live performances by New England’s beloved Toe Jam Puppet Band.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 11, as the New Bedford Whaling Museum hosts its annual summer fundraiser. Join us to celebrate the season and support the Museum’s programs and educational initiatives.

Tickets

Online ticketing is now our primary method of selling admission. Discounted admission tickets can only be purchased onsite.

Museum & 3D Movie Price
Adults $28
Seniors (65+) $26
Youth $18
Museum Members $4

 

Museum Only Price
Adults $24
Senior (65+) $22
Youth $14
Museum Members FREE

 

Hours

Open: Mon–Sun, 9am–5pm.

Become a Member

Members enjoy free admission year-round and many other benefits. Before you purchase your admission ticket, CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER!

Extend Your Admission

Bundle your visit to the New Bedford Whaling Museum with admission to either the Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum or the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center to save at both attractions. Buy or learn more at our Admission Desk.

Guides
Plan your visit using the Museum's Visitors Guide (also available in Chinese, French, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish).

Download the Bloomberg Connects app for our gallery guide including audio, images, video, and an interactive map.

Exhibitions

Museum Store

Online ticketing is now our primary method of selling admission.

Adventures at sea, science, history, art, cookbooks, kids' books, and more — the Museum store has something for all the book lovers on your list.

Choose from prints available at 1000 Museums, or request prints of artworks in our collection.

Shop all of our gifts. The Museum store has hundreds of items available, you're sure to find the perfect gift for that special someone on your list!