Location: Nantucket
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Top 10 Museums in Nantucket, Massachusetts (MA)
Windswept beaches, sand dunes, blinking lighthouses and a charming pace of life await on this 50-square mile island. The world's former top whaling port is now designated a National Historic District. Leave the car and take the shuttle or bike around. Seaside cottages, old whaling captains' mansions and historic harbors contain quaint inns, boutique stores, chowder shacks and upscale dining delights. Swim, surf or load up the tackle for Nantucket's excellent striper, bluefish and bonito fishing.
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1. Peter Foulger Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
2. Loines Observatory
3. Whaling Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,589 reviews
The Whaling Museum, operated by the Nantucket Historical Association (founded in 1894), is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Featuring permanent and rotating exhibitions in 9 premium galleries, with over a thousand works of art, artifacts and treasures on display, it tells the Island's facinating stories over 4 centuries. Numerous daily programs by our interpreters, childrens' activities in the Discovery Center and intimate spotlight tours compliment the visit. The museum is home to a 46-foot sperm whale skeleton, a massive Fresnel lens, a restored 1847 candle factory and a relaxing, fully-accessible rooftop deck offers stunning views of Nantucket harbor. Maximize your visit by going to our 9 historic homes and sites which are open to the public.
Reviewed By jldun
This was our first time at the whaling musem and it did not disappoint. From the whale skeleton when you first walk in to all the artifacts and information on whaling, including watching one of the staff dipping candles, it was a great learning tool and was also fun. The view of the harbor from the top is amazing. We chose to purchase the full pass that gave us access to several historic homes and properties and we are glad we did. We ended up walking to the places, but you can catch a Wave bus if it's too much walking. All the tour guides at the facilities were great and eager to share their knowledge. The other nice thing is that once you purchase the pass, you can use it over the course of days/weeks, so we split it up over 3 days. Highly recommend stopping here to learn about life on Nantucket before it became a tourist attraction.
4. Maria Mitchell Association
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Operating an Aquarium, Natural Science Museum, two Observatories and a Historic House, the Nantucket Maria Mitchell Association (MMA) is a private non-profit organization located on the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Aquarium: Locally-collected specimens are on exhibit. Displays are always changing and include anything from seahorses to octopuses to sharks! Get a “feel” for the local ecosystem at our touch tank, home to crabs, clams, baby horseshoe crabs, and more! Great for kids and adults alike! Natural Science Museum: A cross between a classic natural history museum, a zoo, and a science center, the Maria Mitchell Natural Science Museum is a great place to learn about the plants, animals, and birds of Nantucket. See live turtles and snakes! Loines Observatory: See distant planets, stars, galaxies and more through a telescope! Stargazing nights with our expert astronomers are a unique way to spend an evening enjoying Nantucket's clear and dark skies! Check our website for specific information about Stargazing dates and times. Historic Mitchell House: Take a trip back in time to 1800s Nantucket! Built in 1790, this typical Quaker house was acquired by the Mitchell family in 1818. The home became a museum in 1903 when the Maria Mitchell Association’s founders acquired the house to preserve the legacy of Maria Mitchell herself.
5. Egan Maritime's Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
In the 19th Century, hundreds of ships passed by Nantucket Island each day, all navigating without the benefit of modern nautical technology. Unpredictable storms, dense fog and strong currents often caught even the most experienced sailors off guard. Treacherous shoals and inclement weather led to over 700 shipwrecks in the surrounding waters of Nantucket, causing the area to be dubbed "a graveyard of the Atlantic."The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum preserves the memory of those Islanders who risked their lives to save shipwrecked mariners. These men served in organizations devoted to maritime rescue, such as the Massachusetts Humane Society, United States Life-Saving Service and the United States Coast Guard. The Nantucket Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum is located at 158 Polpis Road, just 3.5 miles from Nantucket Town. The museum can easily be reached by car, NRTA Shuttle/Polpis Route or by the Polpis Bike Path.
Reviewed By JWbel - Nantucket, United States
Compact site celebrates the history of lifesaving on Nantucket and much more about Nantucket's involvement with the sea outside of its whaling history. Dramatic rescues from wrecked sailing vessels, the story of the wreck of the Andria Doria off the coast and much more related to the maritime history of Nantucket. Located beside a salt marsh creek, it is a delightful place to spend some leisurely time. Well-informed docents explain the exhibits. There are also a number of audio-visual presentations which tell.a variety of historical stories. It's a couple of miles out of town on the Polpid Road but can easily be reached by a NRTA bus.
6. Made On Nantucket
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
7. Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By elitetrav
I enjoyed learning more about the history and seeing the work of various island weavers. I also enjoyed that the Museum is promoting the education of basket making in the Nantucket style to keep the tradition alive. The museum offers great events and lectures as well.
8. Sutherland Studio
Daniel Sutherland's photographs present fossilized frames of Nantucket Island's majestic nature. For its visitors it represents a moment in time and for its inhabitants the poetry of a precious and protected place unlike most on the planet. Studio/Gallery open by appointment.
9. Petty Folk Art and Carving
Formerly Nantucket Carving & Folk Art. Hand carved quarter boards, Commercial signs, house numbers. Specializing in restoration of wooden signs. Call for drop off and pick up. Folk art gallery, ship models, whales and more. Located 7C Hanabea Lane. Nantucket.
10. Quidley & Company
When visiting the galleries of Quidley & Company you will find exceptional paintings by today’s finest contemporary and traditional artists. Committed to building collections of distinction, Quidley & Company works with integrity, transparency, and discretion to fulfill clients’ needs and visions, and offers a full range of art-related services. Visit us in Naples, Nantucket, Westport or online.
