Museums & Attractions
Buzzards Bay Coalition
114 Front Street
(508) 999-6363
Open weekdays 9am-5pm and until 9pm on AHA! Nights.
Buzzards Bay Coaltion is a member supported organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. In 2010 The Coalition opened the Buzzards Bay Center, a landmark project combining historic preservation and green design. A cornerstone of the project is the Richard C. Wheeler Bay Learning Center, dedicated to engaging the public about our relationship to Buzzards Bay. Exhibits include an interactive, 3D model of the Buzzards Bay watershed, aquaria demonstrating the impacts of pollution on water quality, and informational displays about the Bay.
DATMA – Massachusetts Design Art & Technology Institute
336 Acushnet Ave. Suite C
(774) 264 3696
A non-collecting 21st century museum focusing on exhibitions, educational programming, and public outreach, DATMA presents international exhibitions and programs that demonstrate the impact of new technologies in art and design, contributing to educational, economic, and cultural life in the South Coast Region and beyond.
Killburn Mill at Clarks Cove
127 Rodney French Blvd
(774) 263-1830
Located in the south end on the shore of Clarks Cove, the historic Killburn Mill is home to a diverse array of tenants including the Judith Klein Art Gallery and Cove Antiques as well as the winter location for the New Bedford Farmers Market.
Mass Escape
13 North 6th Street
(774) 425-3295
A hands-on mental adventure game. Players are put in a “locked” room and have to use elements of the room to solve a series of puzzles to escape within a set time limit, or having completed a mission. It’s a great activity for family, friends and corporate team building as everyone needs to work together to accomplish the goals and “escape the room.”
New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center
38 Bethel Street
(508) 993-8894
The Fishing Heritage Center tells the story of the nation’s #1 fishing port past, present and future through exhibits, programs, and archives. Offerings include films, talks, demonstrations, performances, group tours, resource center, gift shop, and more. Open Thursday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Admission $5. Free for members and children 12 and under. Open free of charge on AHA nights.
New Bedford Whaling Museum
18 Johnny Cake Hill
(508) 997-0046
The Museum is the largest museum in America devoted to the history of the American whaling industry and its greatest port. Through exhibits, publications, and programs, the Museum brings to life the whaling era and the history of the local area. It houses the most extensive collection of art, artifacts, and manuscripts pertaining to American whaling in the age of sail – late eighteenth century to the early twentieth, when sailing ships dominated merchant trade and whaling. Open daily 9am-5pm; till 9pm Thurs. in the summer.
New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks!
608 Pleasant Street
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02740
Visitor Service: 508-961-3099
Memorial Day through Labor Day: Daily 10am – 5pm. Thursday 10am – 7pm. Labor Day through Memorial Day: Wednesday – Sunday, 12pm – 5pm. Thursday, 12pm – 7pm. Year-round: AHA! Night, 5pm – 9pm.
The New Bedford Art Museum engages the public in experiencing, understanding and appreciating art. Founded in April 1996, the New Bedford Art Museum serves the SouthCoast region’s community members and visitors. Located in the downtown historic district of the City of New Bedford, the Museum is housed in the Anthony J. Catojo Building, formerly a bank. The Museum consists of five galleries. On the first level are the Skylight Gallery, Heritage Gallery and the Upper Vault. On the lower level visit the Community Gallery and Lower Vault, with its distinctive circular safe door. Exhibitions change three times each year and vary in subject matter and artistic medium.
The New Bedford Whaling National Park Visitor Center
33 William Street
(508) 996-4095
Hours 9am-5pm daily
Commemorates a living history and heritage reaching back to New Bedford’s dynamic era as the world’s foremost whaling port during the 19th century. This one of a kind National Park incorporates businesses and homes within the bounds of its historic footprint creating a dynamic experience that blends history and present day.
Painting at Splash
772 Purchase Street
(508) 995-9095
Step-by-step instructions to create your very own masterpiece painting in a very entertaining, relaxing, and fun atmosphere.
Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum
396 County Street
(508) 997-1401
Built in 1834 and attributed to architect Richard Upjohn, this Greek revival residence was designed for Mr. Rotch, a prominent whaling merchant. This house and formal gardens are the best examples of the “brave houses and flowery gardens” described by Herman Melville in Moby-Dick. Open year round. Mon.-Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun. Noon-4pm. Closed major holidays. Admission $5. FREE on AHA! Nights. Email info@rjdmuseum.org
Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
684 Purchase Street
(508) 997-5664 or box-office (508) 994-2900
Historic performing arts center open year-round. Hosts a variety of performances including the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra and children’s educational programs. Zeiterion is a friend of AHA! and on occasion hosts AHA! Night groups.
