The museum's whale skeleton belonged to a sperm whale that stranded on the island of Nantucket in 1998.
The building was originally a factory where spermaceti, the waxy substance from sperm whale heads, was refined into smokeless candles.
The museum holds a permanent collection of over 1,000 pieces of scrimshaw, representing one of the largest displays in the world.
It preserves the original 1847 brick structure of the candle factory, which survived the Great Fire of 1846.
The museum's research library contains thousands of rare documents, including original captains' logs and whaling accounts from the 1700s and 1800s.
The Nantucket Whaling Museum is housed in a former candle factory built in 1847, showcasing the island's history as a global 19th-century whaling hub. Its centerpiece is a 46-foot skeleton of an adult sperm whale suspended from the ceiling in the Gosnell Hall. The museum maintains an extensive collection of whaling artifacts, including scrimshaw, logbooks, and original whale-oil lamps. Exhibits trace the rise and fall of the industry, detailing the technological advancements of the fleet and the social impact on the local community. Visitors can explore the preserved candle house equipment, which produced spermaceti wax for high-quality candles. The rooftop observation deck provides panoramic views of Nantucket Harbor and the surrounding town. The museum also hosts a significant collection of maritime art, depicting voyages and life at sea. Educational displays highlight the stories of the crew, including those aboard the whaleship Essex, which inspired Herman Melville's Moby-Dick. The property is operated by the Nantucket Historical Association and serves as the primary repository for island artifacts.
Directly underneath the suspended sperm whale skeleton in the Gosnell Hall.
Visit the rooftop deck during clear weather for the best vantage point of the harbor.
Check the museum's calendar for daily guided tours and talks, which are often included with admission.
Allow extra time to browse the extensive research library if you are interested in genealogy or maritime records.
Do not attempt to park a vehicle directly on Broad Street, as public parking is extremely limited; use designated town lots instead.
Open daily during the peak summer season; operates on a reduced schedule during winter months.
Maintain a quiet volume and refrain from touching artifacts; photography is permitted without flash.
