Hall of Great Whales
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New Brunswick Museum Saint John

4.2
·476 reviews·Saint John, Canada

Discover New Brunswick's history, science, and art, featuring the impressive Hall of Great Whales and a fun kids' zone.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration.

CrowdLow
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Hall of Great Whales

New Brunswick Museum Saint John

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration.

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover New Brunswick's history, science, and art, featuring the impressive Hall of Great Whales and a fun kids' zone.

4.2
(476 reviews)

"More interesting than I taught; a surprise for me to be into it. Worth the price."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Renovation Status

Confirm which exhibits are open before you go, as renovations can affect access. :informationdeskperson:

Reduced Admission

Ask about potential discounts if sections are closed due to renovations. 🎟️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.2 · 475 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hall of Great Whales

Hall of Great Whales

Main Exhibition Hall

Marvel at the impressive skeletons and learn about the marine giants of the Atlantic. A must-see for all ages!

New Brunswick History Exhibits

New Brunswick History Exhibits

Various Galleries

Discover the rich past of the province, from early settlements to maritime heritage. Engaging displays for history buffs.

Art Collections

Art Collections

Art Galleries

Explore a surprising collection of art that even non-art enthusiasts found captivating. A pleasant surprise awaits!

Children's Play Area

Children's Play Area

Top Floor

A fantastic space for kids with puppet shows, toys, and a mini library. A guaranteed hit for families!

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Planning Your Visit

Renovations & Access

Parts of the museum are undergoing renovations, impacting access to certain floors. Check their website for the latest updates on closures and any potential admission discounts before your visit. Reddit

Plan Your Visit Time

While some visitors found the museum a bit small, others spent a good hour exploring. Consider pairing your visit with other Saint John attractions to make a full day of it. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration.
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good for families with kids.
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Restored footage from c. 1920 of pedestrians walking the streets of Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. - Footage frame rate increased, upscaled and “colorized” by HistoryColored using AI technology. - Canada Footage originally from: [Fire-Fighting in Saint John, New Brunswick], Library and Archives - #History #canada #newbrunswick #restored #historicalfootage
@historycolored
15.5K likes • 786.3K views

Check Renovation Status

Confirm which exhibits are open before you go, as renovations can affect access. Reddit :informationdeskperson:

Reduced Admission

Ask about potential discounts if sections are closed due to renovations. Reddit 🎟️

You need to add New Brunswick to your summer travel bucket list! ✨ 📌Save this post for Canada travel inspo! We recently visited the province of New Brunswick, for a summer getaway. This coastal province needs to be on your radar. Here are 7 incredible summer activities you can’t miss when visiting New Brunswick: 1️⃣ Walton Glen Gorge Falls: Located in Saint Martins Parish, this hike leads to an ep...
@wellnesstravelled
13.3K likes • 328.4K views
In April 1842, Gesner’s Museum of Natural History opened to the public in Robertson's brick building on Prince William Street in Saint John. It was acquired and moved to the Saint John Mechanics' Institute in 1846, then taken over by the Natural History Society of New Brunswick in 1890. The collections of these precursors of the New Brunswick Museum were incorporated as “The Provincial Museum” by...
nbm_mnb
31 likes • 444 views

Read the Displays

Most exhibit info is printed; bring your reading glasses if needed! :eyeglasses:

Kid-Friendly Fun

The top floor has a great play area with puppets and toys for children. :child:

Earlier this month, the New Brunswick Museum project team took to the road and embarked on a Community Engagement Tour. Over the course of five days, the team travelled to eight cities across the province—Saint John, Fredericton, Edmunston, Campbellton, Bathurst, Caraquet, Miramichi, Moncton—to engage with citizens and learn how the design of the new @nbm_mnb can better serve New Brunswickers and ...
diamondschmittarchitects
1 likes • 525 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Renovation Status

Confirm which exhibits are open before you go, as renovations can affect access. Reddit :informationdeskperson:

Reduced Admission

Ask about potential discounts if sections are closed due to renovations. Reddit 🎟️

Read the Displays

Most exhibit info is printed; bring your reading glasses if needed! :eyeglasses:

Kid-Friendly Fun

The top floor has a great play area with puppets and toys for children. :child:

Explore Uptown Saint John

Pair your museum visit with nearby shops and eateries. :shopping_bags:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(476 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the New Brunswick Museum to be a worthwhile stop, especially for its engaging Hall of Great Whales and historical exhibits. While some areas may be under renovation, the museum offers a good glimpse into the province's past and a delightful play area for children. Some guests noted the layout could be confusing and exhibit information is text-heavy.

"Can't wait until the 3rd floor is finished. However, just because much is covered over with tarp of the 1st floor and the 3rd floor is closed for renovations, doesn't mean you shouldn't go. My brother and I had a great hour here all the same. The staff member was very nice and informed us before we paid about all the renovations. Also, the price was reduced from $8/adult to $6, so that was nice. Still a lot to see, in a very picturesque area, and thoughtful displays."

Andrew N. Byrne

"I was expecting more but it was decent. They gave me half off because a lot of exhibits were closed and there were signs everywhere saying sections were closed due to building issues and the province and landlord were working on them.

Layout is a little confusing, but there are some cool exhibits on ship building and whales. Come prepared to read because most information is printed on 8.5x11 paper with 12pt font."

Ryan Genereaux

"More interesting than I taught. I'm not into art, but it was really a surprise for me to be into it. Worth the price. If you got children, they got a beautiful place for them with you and crafts."

Martine Pelletier

What People Like

Hall of Great Whales
Children's play area
Historical exhibits

What People Dislike

Renovation closures
Confusing layout
Text-heavy displays

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The New Brunswick Museum is located in Market Square in Uptown Saint John. You can reach it by car, with parking available in the Market Square parkade. Public transit options are also available. TikTok

Yes, there is ample parking available at the Market Square parkade, which is directly connected to the museum. TikTok

Absolutely! The museum is centrally located in Uptown Saint John, making it easily accessible on foot from many hotels and attractions. TikTok

Many visitors enjoy walking around Uptown Saint John to discover its charm. The museum is a great starting point for understanding the city's history. TikTok

While the museum itself is in the city center, the drive along the coast to Saint John offers beautiful views, especially on a clear day. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary, and it's advisable to check the official New Brunswick Museum website for the most current pricing. Some visitors have reported receiving discounts due to ongoing renovations. Reddit

Yes, visitors have noted receiving discounts, especially when certain exhibits or floors are closed for renovations. It's always a good idea to inquire at the ticket counter. Reddit

While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or if you want to secure a specific time slot. Check their website for online ticketing options. Reddit

Opening hours can vary by season and day of the week. Please consult the New Brunswick Museum's official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit. Reddit

The museum strives to be accessible. It's best to contact the museum directly or check their website for specific details on accessibility features and services. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the impressive Hall of Great Whales, the detailed New Brunswick history exhibits, and the surprisingly engaging art collections. The children's play area is also a highlight for families. Reddit

Most visitors spend about an hour to an hour and a half exploring the museum, depending on their interest level and whether renovations are impacting access. Reddit

Yes, the museum has a dedicated children's play area on the top floor with puppets, toys, and a mini library, making it a great spot for families. Reddit

Some visitors find the layout a bit confusing, so it's helpful to grab a map upon entry or ask staff for guidance. Reddit

The museum often hosts special events and temporary exhibitions. Check their official website or social media for the latest announcements. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the museum itself may not have a full-service restaurant, Market Square, where it's located, offers a variety of dining options, from cafes to restaurants. TikTok

Uptown Saint John has many great eateries. Popular spots mentioned include Charlotte Street Bakery, Mimimi, The Zesty Lemon, and Splash Thai Cuisine. TikTok+1

Yes, many restaurants in Uptown Saint John focus on local ingredients and flavors. Explore options like seafood or traditional Maritime dishes. TikTok+1

For more casual bites, consider places like Kim's Fry Time or explore the food court options within Market Square. TikTok

Charlotte Street Bakery in the City Market is frequently praised as one of the best bakeries in town. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed, but it's always best to check the museum's specific policy upon arrival. Tripods or flash photography might be restricted. TikTok

The Hall of Great Whales offers dramatic and imposing subjects. The art galleries can also provide visually interesting compositions. TikTok

Yes, the waterfront area around Market Square and Uptown Saint John offers picturesque views, especially during foggy or sunny weather. TikTok+1

Photography of artifacts is usually permitted for personal use, but be mindful of any signage indicating restrictions. TikTok

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful light. Foggy days can also create a unique, atmospheric mood for photography. TikTok

New Brunswick Museum Saint John (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide