New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks!

New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! (NBAM) is located in the beautiful Seaport Cultural District in historic downtown New Bedford at 608 Pleasant Street. NBAM offers a rotating schedule of engaging exhibitions from artists around the corner and across the ocean, there’s always something exciting and thought-provoking to see. Linger, learn, and appreciate art and artistic expression strolling through the Museum’s galleries and virtual galleries online. You’ll discover new delights as you explore the Museum’s home, a former bank that creates a unique and unusual setting for art.

Contemporary and historic art, as well as local, national, and international artists, have been displayed. A great schedule of virtual programs such as lectures, artist talks, and inspired performances add depth and context to your experience of the art.

In partnership with the New Bedford Free Public Library, we showcase rotating works from their extensive collection in our galleries. New Bedford’s wealthy and cultured history is reflected in the many world-class works the collection holds. In the digital Fiber Optic Center® New Media Gallery, you’ll find a rotating contemporary perspective featuring local and national artists.

The Museum strives to offer dynamic and interactive educational opportunities. Our virtual art workshops and outreach programs run the gamut. We provide hands-on creative experiences led by professional artists and art educators. Many of our programs are free or supported by financial assistance for students in need. Our bright purple artMOBILE vans travel across the city every summer bringing free art activities to thousands at playgrounds and community centers. And we offer outdoor clay workshops and you can connect right into our amazing digital media lab!

On April 1, 2014, the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) approved New Bedford’s application to establish a state-designated cultural district in its downtown. With New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! nestled right within the heart of the Seaport Cultural District, it features 49 cultural attractions, 29 creative economy businesses 12 art galleries with a diverse representation of art forms.

New Bedford Art Museum/ArtWorks! invites you to experience the art at the heart of the south coast. The Museum is proud to participate in Mass Cultural Council’s EBT Card to Culture, the most comprehensive effort of its kind in the nation to open doors to arts and cultural experiences for low-income families. We also offer free admission to EBT cardholders through Museums for All, a national access program, that encourages individuals of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum habits. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, the Museum offers free admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel including National Guard and Reserve and their families through Blue Star Museums.