The New Bedford Whaling Museum is set to launch a transformative $32 million expansion with a new 20,000-square-foot Welcome and Exhibition Center opening in fall 2026. This project will introduce a striking new entrance, an expanded gift shop, and a glass-enclosed community gathering space, all designed to create a more welcoming environment. A central feature will be a 6,000-square-foot second-floor gallery—one of the largest of its kind in southern New England—designed to host major traveling exhibitions and showcase significant works from the museum’s collection, including the historic Grand Panorama of a Whaling Voyage 'Round the World.

This expansion reflects the museum’s long-term vision to spark curiosity, deepen community engagement, and elevate New Bedford as a cultural destination. With enhanced exhibition space and collaborative programming with major institutions, the museum aims to broaden its reach and impact. Improved pedestrian access across William Street will strengthen the connection between the existing museum complex and the new facility, while the project is expected to significantly boost tourism and contribute to the region’s economic vitality.