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Map of New Bedford, Massachusetts

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A one-star review became the museum's best-selling hoodie

New Bedford, Massachusetts · 27 July 2026

One star, no live whales. They agreed and cashed in.

The New Bedford Whaling Museum in Massachusetts once received a one-star Google review calling it the "worst aquarium ever." The museum did not argue. It printed the line on hoodies, tees and tote bags instead. The reviewer had a point, technically. The institution holds artifacts from the region's whaling era, along with a giant whale skeleton, and no live marine animals whatsoever. "We do not have live whales here," said Annelise Conway, the museum's Chief Engagement Officer. "So we are actually the worst aquarium ever." The merchandise has sold out several times and reached local news. Last week a staffer wore the hoodie to a real aquarium, calling the situation awkward. Visitors online rushed to defend the place, noting the ship you can board indoors and the skeletons overhead. The city was once known as "the city that lit the world" for its whale oil. Now it lights up the merch table.

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