Flyout Menu
The Fishing Heritage Center is a must-see destination set within the iconic New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park, just steps from the working waterfront, the Whaling Museum, and many other top attractions.
Thursday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. & by appointment
AHA! Night Hours
The Center is open for extended evening hours the 2nd Thursday of each month for AHA! Night. Check out our upcoming events to learn more.
CLOSED: New Years Day, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
2024 Holiday Closure
Please note: the Center will be closed to the public Thursday, December 26 through Wednesday, January 1. FHC will reopen to the public on Thursday, January 2, at 10am.
2025 Winter Sunday Schedule
Please note: the Center will be closed on Sundays, beginning December 29, 2024 through February 23, 2025.
$8 Adults / $5 Seniors and Students
Children under 12 free / Members always free
Free admission for:
See NB in Three Pass – $18
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center (FHC), New Bedford Art Museum/Artworks! (NBAM), and The Rotch-Jones-Duff House & Garden Museum (RJD) have partnered to offer a joint admission pass for the summer season. Passes may be purchased online in our store, or in person, at any of the three sites, for the discounted rate of just $18. See NB in Three passes may be redeemed through December 31, 2022.
Add-on at New Bedford Whaling Museum
You can also receive discounted admission to the Fishing Heritage Center when you purchase a ticket in-person at the Whaling Museum and add on a visit to the Fishing Heritage Center for an additional $4.
From Providence and points West:
Follow I-195 East into Massachusetts to Exit 15, “Rte. 18 Downtown.” At the first set of lights turn right onto Elm Street. At the second intersection, turn left onto Bethel Street. The Fishing Heritage Center is half a block up on the left.
From Cape Cod and points East:
Follow I-195 West to Exit 15, “Rte. 18 Downtown.” At the first set of lights turn right onto Elm Street. At the second intersection, turn left onto Bethel Street. The Fishing Heritage Center is half a block up on the left.
From Boston and points North:
Follow Rt. 24 South to Exit 12, “Rt. 140, New Bedford.” [Depending on your area of departure you may choose I-93 South to Rt. 24; or, I-95 South to I-93 to Rt. 24; or, I-495 South to Rt. 24.] Follow Rt. 140 to Exit 2 (second ramp), “I-195 East, Cape Cod.” Follow I-195 East about 1 mile to Exit 15, “Rte. 18 Downtown.” At the first set of lights turn right onto Elm Street. At the second intersection, turn left onto Bethel Street. The Fishing Heritage Center is half a block up on the left.
Limited parking is available in the lot adjacent to the building. One hour parking is available on Bethel Street. Additional parking is available at the Elm Street Garage which is located a block and a half from the Center.
The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center is handicap accessible. Accessible parking is available in the parking lot adjacent to the building. Please use parking lot entrance.
