We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Whaling Museum

15 Broad Street, P.O. Box 1016, Nantucket, MA 02554
508-228-1894
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #1 of 46 attractions in Nantucket
Type: Specialty Museums, Museums
Activities: Group tours/walking tour
Description: The history of Nantucket's whaling industry and artifacts are exhibited at this museum.
Write a Review

211 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    155
    45
    3
    8
    0
Date Rating
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
15 helpful votes 15 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 16, 2013 NEW

It would be difficult to understand Nantucket without understandin it's history and how it came to be what it is now, and the best place to find out is the Wahling Museum.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by jjtarqad for Nantucket
Mission Viejo, California
Top Contributor
125 reviews 125 reviews
36 attraction reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
57 helpful votes 57 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 16, 2013 NEW

went in to check it out and stayed 2 hours. the films are first class and the exhibits are wonderful. you wont be sorry

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by john s for Nantucket
Rhode Island
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
22 attraction reviews
Reviews in 29 cities Reviews in 29 cities
46 helpful votes 46 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed June 14, 2013 NEW

We certainly learned a lot about whaling. Nice small museum. Allow one hour to tour, more if you attend a lecture.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by Lauryc for Nantucket
Boston, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
91 reviews 91 reviews
23 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 14, 2013 NEW

Nantucket's Whaling Museum is definitely worth exploring. The island's history, its Quaker roots and its economic rise and fall are expertly explained with videos and displays. Who knew that the Macy and Folger families were from Nantucket? Perhaps even more interesting are the artifacts related to the whaling industry, which was the source of Nantucket's wealth in the 19th century.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 3 more reviews by Irish_Harry for Nantucket
Houston, TX
Top Contributor
81 reviews 81 reviews
32 attraction reviews
Reviews in 36 cities Reviews in 36 cities
33 helpful votes 33 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 13, 2013 NEW via mobile

We also met both our Nantucket Historical society walking tours at the museum. Well worth the time!!!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by PegJohnston for Nantucket
Tennessee
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
10 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 12, 2013 NEW

My daughter and I visited Nantucket recently and found this museum to be absolutely fascinating. The rise and fall of the whaling industry was a huge factor in the history of this island. We stayed here at least an hour longer than expected --- it's a great stop for first-time visitors to Nantucket.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Cazenovia, New York
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 11, 2013

Brings you back in time when Nantucket was the whaling center of the world. Thoroughly intriguing, I highly recommend to any 1st time visitor to Nantucket!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 6 more reviews by pforinger for Nantucket
NHATeam, Public Relations Manager at Whaling Museum, responded to this review
June 17, 2013

Thank you so much for your review of your visit to the Whaling Museum last year. We're happy to hear that you enjoyed experiencing the rich history of the island and we agree that it's a fantastic place to get an overview of not only the whaling industry, but the culture of Nantucket as well. Thank you so much for... More

Providence RI
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
2 of 5 stars Reviewed June 9, 2013

Ok nothing special glad it's there I guess went on a suggestion I could have found better things to do with my time

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Mike R for Nantucket
NHATeam, Public Relations Manager at Whaling Museum, responded to this review
June 11, 2013

Dear Mike, Thank you for your review of the Whaling Museum. With a full list of signature daily programs, such as the Nantucket film by Ric Burns, the Whale Hunt presentation and the Essex Gam, we hope to provide all of our museum visitors with a truly special and unique experience. We hope that you join us again soon and... More

Saint Augustine, Florida
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 7, 2013

This state-of-the-art museum has all of the history with contemporary bells and whistles to capture the attention of visitors of all ages. A great introduction to the island and worthy of repeating. The museum shop is a must!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by seawitchflorida for Nantucket
NHATeam, Public Relations Manager at Whaling Museum, responded to this review
June 17, 2013

Thank you so much for your review of your recent trip to the Whaling Museum. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed the combination of artifacts and modern technology that helps to bring the rich history of Nantucket to life. We're glad you were able to check out our gorgeous Museum Shop, filled with the perfect nautical and Nantucket-themed gifts... More

Newtown Square, Pennsylvania
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed June 5, 2013

This is a "Must" while in Nantucket. Helps you to understand the real Nantucket, how it has grown and changed. Plus, it has the best view of Nantucket from the roof deck. Staff is wonderful.

Was this review helpful? Yes
NHATeam, Public Relations Manager at Whaling Museum, responded to this review
June 17, 2013

Thank you so much for your review. We're so glad to hear that our signature programming and vast collection of artifacts helped to pain a picture of Nantucket's rich history for you during your visit. We agree- the newly renovated rooftop observation deck's unparalleled views of the harbor are not to be missed! Thank you so much for your visit... More

Travelers who viewed Whaling Museum also viewed

 

Been to Whaling Museum? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Whaling Museum, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing