Peabody Essex Museum, Salem

4.6

Must see · Art Museum · Museum

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One of the oldest and largest art museums in the U.S., Peabody Essex Museum houses close to 2 million pieces. Originally founded in 1799, the museum now has 22 different buildings. Explore themed exhibits, including art pieces from Africa, Oceania, America, and an extensive collection of Asian art. Check the museum's schedule of events for information on the frequent temporary exhibits, family craft days, and music festivals. Use our Salem travel planner to add Peabody Essex Museum and other attractions to your Salem vacation plans.

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Tours to Peabody Essex Museum

FROM $30 BOOK WITH VIATOR Witch Trials Walking Tour in Salem Witch Trials Walking Tour in Salem

3.9

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

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Peabody Essex Museum reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

2,102 reviews

Google

4.7

By BootstrapNick

Time spent maybe two hours at the museum, busy looking at all the different exhibitions they had. Could have spent more time, but we only had a day to see everything the city has to offer. The staff..... more

Time spent maybe two hours at the museum, busy looking at all the different exhibitions they had. Could have spent more time, but we only had a day to see everything the city has to offer. The staff..... more »
By MarkP115

This is an exceptional and truly eclectic museum in the heart of Salem’s downtown. The shows are invariably interesting and well curated, and the permanent collection is quite good and varied.

This is an exceptional and truly eclectic museum in the heart of Salem’s downtown. The shows are invariably interesting and well curated, and the permanent collection is quite good and varied. more »
By tomcI5541QY

The curation is frenetic and confusing. Historical items are mixed in with newly created objects, and noisy video “testimonials” are piped into many rooms at volume, without regard to relevance to...

The curation is frenetic and confusing. Historical items are mixed in with newly created objects, and noisy video “testimonials” are piped into many rooms at volume, without regard to relevance to... more »

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By Janice Marfiz

The exhibits were amazing to look at. So many different things to learn and see. Different exhibits on different floors was great. Was stopping at the museum on my way through town. Employees were super helpful. The man working in the gift shop was super awesome in picking out gifts for family and friends. The Salem exhibit was interesting to learn about what happened many many years ago.

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By Lisa D

Wonderful museum. The Chinese house is incredible. I loved the eclectic collection of artwork and history and nature. My daughter loved the kids area and artwork as well. The cafe has good food. And the gift shop is one of the best museum shops I’ve ever been too. The parking garage next door has very cheap parking. $1.25 an hour.

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By Heather Rae

I absolutely loved our visit and wished we could have spent all day there. The Chinese house was a place of wonder!!! I loved the art installments. I will definitely be coming back during off season in Salem to spend a lot more time there.

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By J Tan

Beautiful museum with a wide range of art and periods. The special exhibits are always interesting and unique, but there's also the on going exhibits displaying some classical pieces of art. There's a story behind every piece of art and PEM makes a good job telling that story with the information plaques adjacent to each piece. It is also in the heart of Salem so you can make a day trip out of it by visiting the museum and then exploring Salem.

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By Trey

We went for the Salem Witch Trials exhibit. A lot to see and read. The museum is huge with plenty of space to walk around. Small coffee/snack bar inside also. Overall, my wife and I liked it and would go back.

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