Peabody Essex Museum

The Peabody Essex Museum, known as PEM, is Salem’s museum of art and culture and one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the country. Its collections and exhibitions range from art and culture of China, Japan and beyond to the history of the Salem witch trials, including original trial artifacts, as well as nature and science. Highlights include Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year-old Chinese house that was moved to the museum and can be toured.

The museum has spent more than 220 years collecting and showcasing art from around the world. Recent exhibitions have featured artist Isamu Noguchi and a library show on Salem printer Ezekiel Russell, who helped publish the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Beyond the galleries, PEM offers a family-friendly interactive center, a museum shop, a cafe and restaurant, and tours of historic houses and gardens around Salem. School programs use hands-on, inquiry-based teaching.

What to Know

• Groups of 10 or more receive reduced rates, with guided and self-guided tours available.
• The museum is wheelchair accessible except for the historic houses, and Yin Yu Tang has limited access.
• Salem is reachable by MBTA commuter rail from North Station, a short walk from the museum.
• PEM’s spaces can be booked for private functions and meetings.