Introduction to the Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem, Massachusetts, is one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States, with roots tracing back to 1799. This historic institution has an impressive collection of art, cultural artifacts, and exhibits that span centuries and continents. While Salem is often recognized for its 17th-century witch trials, The Peabody Essex Museum offers a broader and richer perspective on the town’s deep maritime history, global connections, and artistic significance. For visitors in Salem, PEM provides an enriching cultural experience that deepens any trip to this storied New England town.
Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply exploring Salem’s diverse heritage, the Peabody Essex Museum provides a comprehensive, immersive experience. The museum has undergone several significant expansions over the years and continues to captivate visitors with its varied collections and innovative exhibitions. Let’s explore what makes PEM a must-see for tourists.
A Brief History of the Peabody Essex Museum
The Peabody Essex Museum’s origins lie in the formation of the East India Marine Society in 1799. This society, made up of Salem ship captains, collected objects, artworks, and curiosities from their global adventures. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Salem was a thriving hub of maritime trade, particularly with Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The society’s members—required to have sailed beyond Cape Horn or the Cape of Good Hope—accumulated collections from distant cultures that would form the museum’s core
In 1992, a merger between the Peabody Museum of Salem, which focused on maritime history, and the Essex Institute, which held local historical collections, created the Peabody Essex Museum. This merger united global art and history with regional New England heritage, allowing PEM to present a holistic view of both local and international culture
The museum underwent a major expansion in 2003, featuring a stunning new wing designed by Moshe Safdie. This expansion significantly increased the museum’s exhibition space, allowing it to host more rotating exhibits and enhance its educational programming
Exhibits and Collections
The Peabody Essex Museum collection comprises more than 1.8 million works of art and cultural artifacts. Its diverse strengths ensure that every visitor finds something of interest.
1. Maritime Art and History
Given its origins, PEM is renowned for its world-class collection of maritime art and history. Salem’s connections to global trade in the 18th and 19th centuries are reflected in exhibits showcasing ships, tools, navigational charts, and paintings that document this critical period. PEM’s Phillips Library contains rich documents related to maritime history, including ship logs and rare charts
2. Asian Export Art
The Peabody Essex Museum holds one of the largest collections of Asian export art in the U.S., showcasing pieces specifically crafted in China, Japan, and India for Western markets. This includes furniture, textiles, and ceramics that demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship and the cultural exchange between East and West during the height of the global trade era
3. Native American and Indigenous Art
The museum’s Native American and Indigenous art collections highlight the creativity and cultural traditions of Indigenous communities from across the Americas. These collections are displayed and interpreted in collaboration with Native communities to ensure respectful and accurate representation
4. American Decorative Arts
PEM boasts an extensive collection of American decorative arts, particularly furniture, ceramics, textiles, and silver from New England. This includes furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries, exemplifying the craftsmanship and cultural values of early America
5. Contemporary Art
PEM also appeals to modern art lovers with its focus on contemporary art. The museum frequently hosts thought-provoking, interdisciplinary exhibitions, often blending visual arts with science and culture to challenge visitors’ perceptions of modern life
The Yin Yu Tang House
One of the museum’s most unique features is the Yin Yu Tang House, a 200-year-old Chinese home that was transported from Anhui Province, China, and meticulously reassembled in Salem. This Qing dynasty merchant’s home offers visitors a rare and intimate glimpse into traditional Chinese domestic life
The museum collaborated with Chinese officials and descendants of the house’s original inhabitants to ensure the authenticity of this immersive exhibit
Rotating Exhibitions
The Peabody Essex Museum is known for its rotating exhibitions that span a wide array of topics, from fashion and environmental art to global culture and design. These exhibits often feature loans from other institutions, making PEM a dynamic and ever-changing cultural experience. Examples of past exhibitions include “Nature’s Nation: American Art and Environment”, which explored how American artists have engaged with the natural world, and “Fashion and Design”, which examined global fashion trends
Special Programs and Events
PEM offers a variety of programs and events designed for visitors of all ages. These range from family-friendly workshops to lectures and panel discussions. The museum hosts annual events such as the Lunar New Year Celebration, which features cultural performances and activities, and “Late Night” events, where visitors can explore the galleries after hours while enjoying live music and refreshments
During the Halloween season, PEM organizes “Eerie Events,” blending the town’s reputation for the supernatural with art and history
Educational Outreach and Community Involvement
PEM is dedicated to education, offering resources and programs for local schools, such as field trips, lesson plans, and professional development for educators. These programs are designed to inspire creativity and encourage critical thinking in students. The museum also prioritizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring its collections and programs represent a wide range of voices and perspectives
Practical Information for Visitors
For tourists planning a visit to PEM, here’s the essential information:
- Location: 161 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts.
- Hours: Open from Thursday to Monday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and on select holidays.
- Admission: General admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $12 for students. Children under 16 can enter for free. Admission to the Yin Yu Tang House requires a timed reservation and costs an additional $6.
- Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, and wheelchairs are available upon request. Assistive listening devices are offered for tours and programs.
- Amenities: PEM has a café serving meals and snacks, and a gift shop offering art-inspired items.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the Peabody Essex Museum is a journey through global art, history, and culture. Whether you’re interested in Salem’s maritime past, fascinated by Asian art, or intrigued by contemporary creativity, PEM has something for everyone. Its exhibitions, events, and educational programs create an enriching experience that deepens visitors’ understanding of the world. No trip to Salem is complete without stepping into the Peabody Essex Museum, where the past meets the present in a celebration of global artistic achievement.
Questions and Answers
What is the Yin Yu Tang House?
The Yin Yu Tang House is a 200-year-old Chinese merchant’s house that was dismantled in China and reassembled at PEM. It offers a rare glimpse into traditional Chinese domestic life during the Qing dynasty. Visitors must book timed tickets to see this exhibit.
Is the Peabody Essex Museum accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, PEM is fully accessible. Wheelchairs are available upon request, and assistive listening devices are offered for tours and programs.
Can I bring food into the museum?
Outside food is not allowed, but PEM has a café where visitors can enjoy meals and snacks.
What other attractions are nearby?
Salem Witch Museum – About a 5-minute walk from PEM, this museum offers exhibits and reenactments focused on the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.
The House of the Seven Gables – A 10-minute walk from PEM, this historic site inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne’s famous novel and features a 17th-century mansion and gardens.
Salem Maritime National Historic Site – Located near PEM, this waterfront site includes historic wharves and buildings that highlight Salem’s role in international trade.
The Witch House (Jonathan Corwin House) – A 5-minute walk from PEM, it’s the only building in Salem directly connected to the Witch Trials, as it was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin.
Essex Street Pedestrian Mall – Right outside PEM, this pedestrian-only street is full of shops, restaurants, and local businesses, ideal for shopping or dining.
Salem Common – A historic public park just a short walk from PEM, perfect for a relaxing stroll after a museum visit.
Ropes Mansion and Garden – A 5-minute walk from PEM, this colonial mansion and garden are open for visitors to explore.
Salem Wax Museum of Witches and Seafarers – A small wax museum a short walk from PEM, featuring figures from both the Salem Witch Trials and maritime history.
Old Burying Point Cemetery – One of the oldest cemeteries in the U.S., a 5-minute walk from PEM, with graves of notable Salem figures involved in the witch trials.
The Salem Witch Trials Memorial – Located adjacent to the Old Burying Point Cemetery, this memorial honors the 20 victims of the 1692 Salem Witch Trials.
Reviews of the Peabody Essex Museum
“The Peabody Essex Museum offers a diverse and intriguing collection within its beautifully lit galleries. Artifacts from the Salem Witch Trials give visitors a connection to the city’s notorious 17th-century history, while its extensive maritime exhibits showcase Salem’s past as a key port city. The museum also boasts a stunning fashion collection, and during certain exhibitions, features the fashion legacy of icons like Iris Apfel, whose unique style has captivated many. After exploring, visitors can relax in the museum’s atrium café, which offers a pleasant spot to recharge.”
“I had some extra time, so I decided to visit the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM). Arriving just an hour before closing, I managed to get a discounted admission but had to speed through the exhibits a bit. The variety of art was impressive. There were captivating exhibits from Japan, China, and India—the Indian art collection particularly stood out since it’s something I haven’t seen much of in other museums. Alongside these cultural displays, the “Black Atlantic” exhibit was fascinating, offering a unique perspective that I truly appreciated for its depth and representation of African and African diasporic experiences, which is rarely seen to that extent in museums. One of the open gallery spaces even reminded me of the museums in Paris, adding to the charm of the experience. Although I had to rush, visiting PEM is something you won’t regret. If I had more time, I easily could have spent an extra 45 minutes exploring the rich variety of exhibits.”
“In a town where witchcraft tourism reigns supreme, we were pleasantly surprised to discover such a world-class museum as the Peabody Essex Museum. It offers an incredible variety of exhibits, but the highlight has to be the Qing-era Yin Yu Tang House, a centuries-old Chinese home that has been carefully reconstructed piece by piece. It’s an absolute must-see (but be sure to prebook as entry is limited).We were also thrilled to find a rich collection of Native American art, which is notably absent from many major Boston museums. Of course, we couldn’t miss the museum’s exhibits on the 1692 Salem Witch Trials, which cover this infamous chapter of the town’s history. This museum is definitely worth a return visit next time we’re in the area!”
“thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM). The exhibits are thoughtfully curated and presented, with many interactive elements that truly engage visitors and encourage reflection. While I didn’t have time to participate in any of the museum’s programming, there were plenty of intriguing and fun options available throughout the day. One feature I really appreciated was the flexibility of re-entry. You can leave the museum and return later the same day without repaying, as long as you hold onto the tag they give you. This allowed me to explore the museum for a few hours in the morning, take a break for lunch, and come back in the afternoon to continue my visit.If you’re planning a trip to Salem, I highly recommend stopping by the Peabody Essex Museum—it’s definitely worth the visit!”
Photos of the Peabody Essex Museum
References
- “Peabody Essex Museum.” Official Website of the Peabody Essex Museum.
- Peabody Essex Museum. Wikipedia Entry. Updated 2023.
- “History of the Peabody Essex Museum.” PEM Official Website.