Peabody Essex Museum
About
The Peabody Essex Museum traces its roots to the East India Marine Society, founded by Salem's seafarers in 1799, making it the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States. Today PEM holds extensive collections spanning art of many cultures and periods, maritime history, natural history, and design. The museum is noted for its architectural integration of historic buildings with a modern wing designed to bring natural light into the galleries. Salem's cultural identity is deeply tied to PEM, which also maintains the Phillips Library in Rowley for archival research.
Subject Areas
Best For
Hours of Operation
Closed Monday through Wednesday. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Hours change seasonally — verify before visiting.
Admission
Paid admissionGeneral admission required. Children 12 and under free. Salem resident, senior, and member discounts available.
✓ Membership available
North American Reciprocal Museum Association
The North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association links over 1,000 museums, science centers, botanical gardens, and cultural institutions across the US and Canada. Members receive free or discounted admission at participating institutions.
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