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New Bedford Whaling Museum, New Bedford

4.8

#1 of 25 in Things to do in New Bedford

Specialty Museum Museum Must See

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The New Bedford Whaling Museum is world's most comprehensive museum devoted to the global story of whales, whaling and the cultural history of the region. A cornerstone attraction within New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and a Park partner, the Museum is located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in the heart of the city's historic downtown. The museum’s 20 galleries of maritime art and science exhibits include five whale skeletons and the world’s largest ship model, Lagoda, which visitors may climb aboard. The Museum’s collections number in excess of 750,000 items, including the world’s largest collections of scrimshaw, whaling logbooks and journals. The Museum Store carries a large inventory of books on maritime, whaling, and local history topics, as well as unique gifts related to the collection. Wheelchair accessible. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

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New Bedford Whaling Museum Reviews

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TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

808 reviews

Google

4.7

facebook

4.7

13 likes

• By Lou V

  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.  more »

• By KerryGarber

  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...  more »

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Google

• By 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!

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• By 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

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