New Bedford Whaling Museum Admission

Surrounded by cobblestone streets overlooking the harbor, Whaling Museum is an easy walk from near-by hotels and restaurants. Park at a two-hour street meter or in the Elm Street Garage. If coming by water, a launch from Pope's Island Marina will connect you with the shore. Free motorcoach parking is available in the Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot, 532 Acushnet Avenue.

The Whaling Museum's copper-covered cupola is visible from many points downtown and from the waterfront. Enter the Museum at the corner of William St. and Johnny Cake Hill. Our friendly Admissions Desk staff will be happy to offer suggestions on how to make the most of your visit based on your interests.

Tour the Museum on your own, or take one of the public guided tours offered throughout the year. Rent an audio handset at the Admissions Desk to enjoy tours narrated by curators and other experts. A printed visitors' guide will help you navigate through the Museum. Stroll through galleries devoted to whale ecology and conservation, the dramatic history of whaling and its impact, regional social and economic history, and fine and decorative art. Use your mobile phone to bring exhibits to life through augmented reality technology. Place your NFC-enabled Android phone on NFC tags to get expanded content delivered instantly to the palm of your hand.

You'll marvel at massive whale skeletons, America's longest painting, and the world's largest collection of historical scrimshaw. Climb aboard a half scale model of a 19th century whaling vessel - the Lagoda -the world's largest ship model! Enjoy an exceptional view of the working waterfront from Harbor View Gallery on the upper level.

Enjoy hands-on learning for all ages throughout the Museum and in the 3,000 sq. ft Casa dos Botes Discovery Center, where you can row an Azorean whaleboat, set sail, spot a whale from the top mast, and learn about navigation. The Discovery Center honors the legacy and heritage of the Portuguese Community. ("Casa dos Botes" is Portuguese for "boat house.")

Browse the children’s gift kiosk in the Discovery Center (open in the summer and for some public school holidays.) Any day we're open, shop for the perfect souvenir in The White Whale gift shop, located next to the Admissions Desk. You'll find a good selection of books, clothing, toys, jewelry, and gift items.

Don't miss the Museum's maritime exhibits in the historic Mariners' Home on Johnny Cake Hill. Mariners' Home admission is included in your Whaling Museum ticket price. Right next door is the Seamen's Bethel, made famous in Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick. (Bethel admission is by donation.)

Ready for a break? Try one of the outstanding restaurants and cafes located within a few blocks of the museum. Didn't see everything? Come back tomorrow - your Whaling Museum admission receipt is good for two consecutive days.