Ohhh this museum has a special place in my heart. It’s so well set up, and explains every aspect of whaling history so so well for locals and tourists. The set up was easy to follow during COVID and they had sanitizing stations almost at every corner. It was both impeccable and also interesting. Lots of cool stories, facts and set ups. And don’t forget the rooftop to lookout over Nantucket!

The Whaling Museum is a well curated collection of Nantuckets Whaling History. Educational and informative, the interactive exhibits are good for keeping the children engaged, and with the 3-D barcodes, everyones mobile phone becomes a personal, self-guided audio tour.

Great whaling museum (also sad when you see how many whales were killed).Don’t forget to go up the roof for a nice view of the harbour.Interesting fact: the skeleton of the whale hanging from the ceiling is from a whale which died because infection from one rotten tooth (you can see that one tooth is missing).

Great for kidsRooftop view is beautifulWonderful collection on Nantucket whaling

Very interesting step back in time. Home of the last known oil press used for whaling! Id recommend spending at least 60-90 minutes and bring a pair of headphones for the included audio tour which you can listen to on your phone. Due to Covid-19 masks are required to be worn at all times. Masks are provided at no additional charge and theres hand sanitizer stations through out.

Super cool to walk through. While the process is extremely graphic and outlawed it is having to learn about this old profession and how it was performed 200 years ago

This is a beautiful museum. The artifacts and history of this place is just amazing. The different displays are just incredible and The staff are historians themselves and are very friendly and go threw the history and the stories through the years with you and answer any questions you have and show you through the place.I definately reccomend this stop if your visiting Nantucket Island.

Beautiful place to visit and enjoy while visiting the island

Beautiful, interesting, engaging! Enthusiastic Executive Director, marvelous staff! (The Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum, by contrast, was a MASSIVE DISAPPOINTMENT-too bad that the Whaling Museum’s people don’t take it over and throw the Basket Museum’s Board of Directors out on their keisters!).

The last known remaining whale oil press, beautifully preserved and documented. Highly recommended.

Very interesting. Educating. Represents history of Nantucket.

The whaling museum is a must see if you are visiting nantucket. The rich history of the town is clearly and concisely explained in all of the exhibits here. The grounds and building are the remains of the old candle factory and the smells and architecture of the building are gorgeous. There are many presentations that cover many different parts of the islands rich history. If you go please get to the top observation deck and see all of downtown Nantucket from a birds eye view. The whole history of the island is explained and the helpful staff can give you many recommendations on where to eat and place to visit for more history .

I loved this wonderful place the staff took the time to answer everything I asked and that was very kind of them. If you love history you will love the Nantucket Whaling Museum you can get a guide or not.

We weren’t able to make it in due to a very upset baby and didn’t have a great experience under these circumstances but managment addressed our concerns and made it right. I hope to visit again at some point and get the opportunity to see this museum.

Well designed. Informative. Engaging!

Clean, neat, well organized and lots of things to look at. You must see the rooftop view! Really nice museum.

I was able to use my military ID. Thank you so much. You have a beautiful exhibit

We stopped here not knowing what to expect but it turned out to be a highlight of our time on Nantucket. The docents give wonderful presentations. The staff is helpful and the views from the roof top are wonderful. We highly recommend this stop.

Excellent collection and presentations. So much to take in and learn about how Nantucket influenced American history

New experience. Wonderful! Spent 3 hours visiting exhibitions and oral presentations

We really enjoyed this museum.

Fun to visit if you havent been there. Great history, but probably not a more than once thing. Go to the roof for some nice views!

Very nice experience the exhibits were great and you learn the story of whaling in Nantucket

Lovely museum that describes impact of whaling trade on Nuntucket and it development from a small agrarian community to a powerhouse economy that was one of the engine of American economy through 17th and first half of 18th century. Its 3 levels are full of interesting artifacts and roof walk which is not to be missed.

Well worth a visit and buy the $5 extra ticket and go and see some beautiful houses.

A must visit if you are in Nantucket. Make sure you go early, as your admission grants you access to other places around town.The museum isnt a celebration of whaling itself, but a celebration of the brave men who risked their lives on the ocean in pursuit of their American dream.They have amazing displays throughout of ingenuity and amazing craftsmanship. It truly is a must see.I would recommend you read In the Heart of the Sea before going as well. It will give you an even greater appreciation for the museum.

Very informative museum about whaling and history of the nantukets - well displayed

Worth going

A must see while visiting. Showed a whole different side of history and Nantucket

This one of a kind museum chronicles the global whaling industry that centered around Nantucket. A great number and variety of artifacts that illustrate the life of a whaler and strikes awe into any observer. From intricate scrimshaw to entire whaling boats. Some stories are best told through remnants of the time, like an iron harpoon twisted as if it were a piece of string... A room sized oil press, a whale skeleton, and other large exhibits that breathe life and scale into the stories of this bygone era and paint a thought provoking commentary on mans eager domination of these once abundant, majestic beasts in the pursuit of a temporal, now defunct industry.

I always enjoy spending time at the Whaling Museum. They do a very good job of telling the history of Nantucket, and bring in some very interesting off-Island exhibits. Its well worth a visit when you are on the Island.

The museum was an amazing primer on the history of the economic boom of whaling in America. It has many interesting exhibits, information on how people on Nantucket lived, and scrim shaw depicted the stories of the times. It was a very engaging experience!

What a spectacular place to see this history of Nantucket

I am a huge nerd for maritime history and may or may not have wanted to go to Nantucket just to see the historical whaling stuff there. I just knew this museum had to be my first stop. I was kind of afraid that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations after making the long journey out to the island, but I definitely wasn’t disappointed on my visit at all! Admission may seem a little steep at 20 dollars, but with that ticket you get access to other historical sites around town. Even without that, though, I feel like it was 20 dollars well spent. The museum workers were very knowledgeable and the interactive presentations were super cool! At a minimum, you MUST listen in on “the hunt”. It’s not actually a requirement, of course, but it is too interesting and cool to pass up. The museum also has a huge collection of skrimshaw pieces, which are basically carved whale teeth/bone. I could’ve spent hours just looking at the intricate detail in each piece. Also, the rooftop view is to die for. You can stand up on the roof for as long as you want watching ferries pull into and out of the harbor, or lean on the railing and pretend like you’re a whaler’s wife watching for your husband’s ship to return. Anyway, this is hands down the coolest place on the island! Definitely check it out!

Very interesting museum learn much from there.my very first time

Attended a wedding here and was able to walk around and see and learn about the history of whaling in Nantucket. Great place to visit. Tons of people information. The exhibits are in great condition.

Excellent for adults. My 5 year old was bored.

Great tour amazing exhibits. Nice views from the roof terrace.

Must visit! They do a fantastic job both with the exhibits and the live presentations. I go every year and spend hours taking it all in. Never gets old!!

Interesting place including candle exhibit.

So much information! Is bigger than it looks from the outside. Great view from the 3rd floor balcony!

Very cool place! Great for a family activity. Really interesting exhibits and very informative. Also, really enjoyed the video they had playing that told you all about the history. Its one of those places that each time you went I think youd learn something new. Definitely a neat place to check out!

Best place on earth

I am so glad to have seen the whaling museum before my days are gone. They have no whales that are alive there which was a bit of a bummer. They do have ropes and scrimshaw though and u can smell a bakery.

This museum was super interesting when I was expecting another boring history lesson. The employees were kind and knowledgeable. There was a great presentation on the voyage of a whale hunting crew which kept us engaged as well. The museum includes artifacts of Nantucket from the whaling days, has a full whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, and other fascinating exhibits throughout. This was the highlight of my trip to Nantucket.

Nice place with a lot of history.

Great, informative place about whaling.

Small but very informative. They had a great collection of old and antiquated fishing items that were native to Nantucket and the whaling industry here. They also had a full 16-foot skeleton of a sperm whale on display that hangs from the ceiling. The admission is a little steep at $20/adult but overall a really nice museum.

You probably won’t spend the whole day here but it is a very interesting and well-curated selection of items related to the island’s whaling history. I’d recommend it to anyone with an hour or two to spare in Nantucket.

A must visit if you in Nantucket the best place to see the history of whale hunting

Really interesting and laid out really well. We love the huge clock tower workings and the lighthouse lens. A bit expensive but it IS Nantucket. I would visit again

A really nice little Museum about local whaling history, very informative and interesting, but for what it is, and for the relatively little time you spend there (~1.5-2h), it is REALLY expensive. For the same price I could go to the Met in NY for 3 days.

Very nice museum, lots of different attractions and ways to experience the space. The storytellers about the old whaling expeditions are very worth listening to. Added bonus, the roof has a great view of the harbor and the surrounding town.

Excellent roof sight seeing!!

You gotta go! I enjoy learning and history and this place you get both. It’s not cheesy presentations-the layout is fantastic and they have a cheeky little gift shop. Bring the kids and then swing by or, The Whale for a cocktail after.

Awesome place to visit.

Wonderful museum quality exhibits, multi level experience. Wonder staff. Do it!

Very cool place. Great place to be able to learn about the whaling history of Nantucket as well as get the opportunity to see cool art that was made from whale skin back in the day when Nantucket was making a living by whaling. Great presentation with the ticket and then can go on the rooftop.

The museum changed some programs since we visited them a few years ago. Still clean, Efficient, well managed with lots of frequent presentations. Fascinating Art exhibition on 2nd floor was a nice bonus. They need to add a cafe nextdoors for the senior visitors, soon, instead of the pompous super overpriced souvenir shop. Very popular destination. We spent over 4 hours during our 3rd visit.

Excellent presentations especially talk about the Essex and the scrimmage exhibit and be sure to go to rooftop for views!

Nice, was having some work done. Great kids section

Interesting museum, knowledgeable, enthusiastic staff. Lots of fun!

Family friendly and it tells you the whole history of the island

Very friendly staff, decent price that gets you into other museums/site around the main town. I’d say this should be you’re first attraction to go to after arriving. You can learn about Nantucket’s great history and see a lot of artifacts which bring that history to life. They have a sperm whale skeleton which, if I remember correctly, washed ashore in 1998. That now hangs above the biggest room. Additionally, they used its products like the head fluid to show genuine examples of the products that Nantucket produced 150 years ago. Definitely worth a visit.

The best darn whaling museum Ive ever been to!All kidding aside, its the best (and really only) good activity in town if its a rainy day

Its a very nice museum to visit with kids. As someone else mentioned, theres a lot to read, but its all very engaging. Our tour guide, Don, gave us a succinct overview of the museum and its artifacts. Plan to spend around 1.5-2 hours here. Also, the tickets give you access to 5-6 other historical places in Nantucket, all of which are within walking distance.

If youre into history a great place to go.

Maybe not worth admission, but if money isnt a factor, then go, its very informative and a great landmark. Cant go to Nantucket without knowing its history

Excellent exhibits. Hugh the docent is an excellent guide.

Air conditioned museum with a decent collection of navigation instruments including some very old ones.

Interesting place.

Attended a wedding on the rooftop. Gorgeous views

Best history lesson for a family on holiday on the Island. Kids love interactive experience.

Super-helpful staff. Lizs account of the voyage of the Essex was a special treat.

I could spend the whole day here. So much to learn.....

The Whaling Museum is a must see when visiting ACK. Its an absolute institution and the exhibits are incredibly thoughtful. The full whale skeleton is not to be missed - a great family destination!

Excellent exhibits and talks. Dont miss the rooftop

Very informative, great way to spend the afternoon. Amazing history of Nantucket

Classic Jewel of Nantucket. World class whaling museum with authentic artifacts from the era. Worth a half day visit.

Emily Gilmore was the best tour guide I could have asked for! 10/10 would recommend her

Absolutely AWESOME! Spent almost 3 hours here - could have spent a few more. Very knowledgeable staff and Docents.Highly recommend it.

We loved the museum. We have family ties and they were very happy to help us to see family pictures. We will go back as it was very interesting. The people working were so great.

Great exhibits, but loved the informational tour and guide who brought the place to life. Not boring or slow paced, his stories and demonstrations had the group lingering at each area asking many questions as he dragged them into the next area. Like the best teacher you ever had. Really good at giving the feeling of the times, challenges, dangers, and economics of the sailors, captains, settlers of Nantucket.

Guides have a wonderful breath of topical info which they gladly share.

I like it there

Interesting facts about wh as ling and life during that time

Read the book in the heart of the sea by Nathaniel Philbrick, excellent true story and overall description of whaling and Nantucket in 1819. The whaling museum contains artifacts, information, and live presentations from this era and more

Nice museum with alot of interesting artifacts

Absolutely loved the museum and looking at the artifacts and learning about them. Had a wonderful time.

Really enjoyed this museum. Gives a great historical recount of the Nantucket whaling industry.

Very interesting and a glimpse into the past.

Excellent presentation of the history of Natucket Whaling. Highly recommended.

Really interesting and a great view of the town from the roof.

There is a slight admission charge. However everything in here was historical. I thoroughly enjoyed walking through this Museum, there were numerous items I had never seen before and I was quite pleased with that. They did have a live storyteller presentation that lasted about 20 minutes that went into the history of whaling and the routes that were taken. If you are ever in Nantucket this is a must-stop location its well worth the time.

Great small museum that tells the gory details about Nantuckets key industry. The visitor service assistants are a wealth of information, they offer have lots of talks and presentations, I left feeling very informed. It does celebrate the whaling industry a little too much, given how violent and destructive it was, but I suppose that it is Nantucketers celebrating Nantucket. In the end, I would visit it again--plus a ticket allows you into multiple other historic sites, well worth the $20 dollars.

Great museum of local history in historic building, also the starting point for a great historical walking tour. Dont miss it.

They continue to change special exhibits which is fantastic. That said, i always find a new trinket of information / art / storytelling everytime i visit. And the docents (islanders, interns, etc) are friendly and never intrusive. A must visit when on island. Even for residents!

I only intended to spend a short time here but it ended up being a couple of hours as it was so fascinating.

We really enjoyed the museum, from the details of peoples lives, to the place of whaling in the community, to the impact of the settlers on the Wampoag, the presence of a vibrant ex-slave community, the impact of Quakerism, all the way to the story of the present day sperm whale whose skeleton is there. Watching the clock mechanism was fascinating. The scale of the oil press was impressive. After walking the streets and docks the rooftop view was great. All in all a great time that helped us connect with those who have gone before.

Museum is really well done. Exhibits are very informative and provide a lot of context about Nantucket and whaling. The Whale Hunt and Essex Gam narrated programs were fantastic! Karen was a great story teller.