When you’re not enjoying the outdoors or for days when inclement weather strikes, here’s a list of museums and indoor activities on Nantucket!
Museums, Galleries and Exhibits
Nantucket Whaling Museum
508.228.1894 | nha.org
Rebuilt in 2005, the Nantucket Whaling Museum is operated by the Nantucket Historical Association. The museum features a restored 1847 candle factory, exhibition space, a rooftop observation deck overlooking Nantucket Harbor and a full 46-foot sperm whale skeleton. There are numerous daily programs, children’s activities in the Discovery Center and off-site tours of historic homes and sites.
Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum – Egan Maritime Institute
508.228.1885 | eganmaritime.org
The Shipwreck & Lifesaving Museum offers exhibits that show the history of Nantucket’s famous shipwrecks and rescues, life-saving equipment, life at a life-saving station, and the work of the modern day US Coast Guard. Check their website for annual exhibits that are great for both children and adults.
Nantucket Atheneum
508.228.1110 | nantucketatheneum.org
The Atheneum was established in 1834 and became the island’s first public library in 1900. Enjoy free internet access, adult and children’s programs, lectures and festivals. The historic building showcases original artworks and artifacts that celebrate its history.
Maria Mitchell Observatory
508.228.9198 | mariamitchell.org
The MMA hosts a variety of programs and classes for eager scientists of all ages throughout the summer. Be sure to check out their calendar for all the great opportunities for nature walks and astronomical observations at their Loines Observatory.
Arts
Artists Association of Nantucket
508.228.0294 | nantucketarts.org
The AAN is a local nonprofit that works to celebrate and encourage the art community on island. They put together incredible events throughout the year, but be sure to check out their full schedule online or follow @ackartists for the latest gallery events, opening and pop-ups all year long.
Nantucket Arts Council
508.325.8588 | nantucketartscouncil.org
Supporting the arts on Nantucket since 1973, the council hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including their very popular Downtown Celebrity Concerts.
Almanack Arts Colony
Almanack Arts invites emerging artists doing groundbreaking work to come and live on the farm and escape the pressures of the commercial world at the precise point in their career when they can benefit most from the solitude, the focused study, and the mentorship that the colony provides.
Theaters
Nantucket Dreamland
508.332.4822 | nantucketdreamland.org
Hosting some of the island’s most wonderful events year-round, the Dreamland is the island’s go-to for viewings of the latest movies and live theater for kids and adults. It also has a great calendar of unique events worth checking out.
White Heron Theatre
508.228.2156 | whiteherontheatre.org
Founded in New York and reborn on Nantucket, the White Heron Theatre works with multiple premier art organizations to bring productions to life. Enjoy beautiful live performances, with local and national talent, comedy shows & much more.
Theatre Workshop of Nantucket
508.228.4305 | theatrenantucket.org
For over 60 years the Theatre Workshop has been providing island residents and visitors with some extraordinary productions, all produced and performed by local Nantucket talent.
On the Isle ‘Sconset Actor’s Colony
On the Isle is the living legacy of the ‘Sconset Actor’s Colony, producing plays, musical theater, children’s performances, and theatrical events using local, island-wide talent from the ages of eight to eighty-something