Holiday Happenings - Salem, MA

Art Museum Salem MA | Peabody Essex Museum PEM

Discover world-renowned art and culture at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), America’s oldest continuously operating museum and one of New England’s largest art institutions. Located in downtown Salem at 161 Essex Street, this spectacular museum welcomes holiday visitors with 850,000 works spanning cultures and centuries, including the remarkable Yin Yu Tang—a 200-year-old Chinese merchant’s house that has been reassembled inside the museum. With 130,000 square feet of gallery space, 24 historic properties, and changing exhibitions throughout the year, PEM offers an enriching cultural experience perfect for warming up during holiday shopping or discovering Salem’s artistic treasures.

World-Class Collections Across Cultures & Time

The Peabody Essex Museum’s extraordinary collections feature American, Asian, African, Native American, Oceanic, and maritime art from ancient times to contemporary works. Founded in 1799 by Salem sea captains who collected treasures during their global voyages, the PEM now houses one of the finest collections of Asian art in the United States, including exceptional works from Japan, China, Korea, and India. The maritime collection documents Salem’s seafaring legacy, while American decorative art galleries feature centuries of New England craftsmanship.

The museum’s most unique treasure is Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home, an authentic late Qing dynasty house transported from China’s Anhui Province and meticulously reassembled in Salem. This architectural marvel—the only example of Chinese domestic architecture on display in the United States—requires separate timed reservations, which are included with general admission. The museum campus also encompasses historic gardens and properties throughout Salem, including National Historic Landmark buildings that preserve early American architecture.

PEM’s photography collection ranks among the most significant museum holdings nationwide, comprising over 850,000 images dating back to the invention of photography in 1840. Contemporary and historic exhibitions rotate regularly, ensuring fresh experiences for repeat visitors throughout the holiday season.

Visit During the Holiday Season

Address: 161 Essex Street (corner of Essex and New Liberty Streets)
Salem, MA 01970

Holiday Hours:
Thursday-Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Open holiday Mondays
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day

Admission:
Adults: $25
Seniors: $12
Students (with ID): $12
Children 16 and under: FREE
Salem residents: FREE (with proof of residency)

Contact:
Phone: (978) 745-9500
Website: pem.org

Amenities:

• Atrium Café: Enjoy entrees, soups, sandwiches, and beverages in the light-filled atrium. Features locally-sourced ingredients and gluten-free options. Members receive 10% discount.
• Museum Shop: Curated selection of gifts, books, and merchandise inspired by PEM’s collections and exhibitions. Perfect for unique holiday gifts.
• Marine Hall Mercantile: Second shop location at 177 Essex Street featuring nautical items, games, and Salem-themed products.

Head to downtown Salem this weekend to support Small Business Saturday and Museum Store Sunday! Or shop online and enjoy free shipping on purchases over $100. (Excludes oversize items.) In-store pickup is available on all orders – just click “curbside pickup” at checkout.

Marine Hall Mercantile

177 Essex Street
Open Wednesday–Monday, 10 am–4 pm

PEM Shop

161 Essex Street
Open Thursday–Monday, 10 am–5 pm

Extra shopping days: Tuesday & Wednesday, December 16–17 and
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 23–24, 11 am–3 pm

Brick Box Pop-Up Shop

135 Essex Street
Open Friday–Sunday, 10 am–4 pm

Your purchase directly supports the Peabody Essex Museum.

Visitor Information:

• All-day admission allows multiple visits throughout operating hours
• Typical visit: 2+ hours recommended
• Yin Yu Tang tours are included with admission (separate timed reservation required)
• Guided and self-guided tours available
• Spanish-language tours offered
• Accessible facilities
• Strollers welcome in galleries
• Coat check available for large bags

Parking:
Museum Place Garage (New Liberty Street)
South Harbor Garage (Congress Street)
Municipal lot (St. Peter Street)
Limited street parking near Salem Common

Public Transportation:
MBTA Commuter Rail to Salem Station (5-minute walk)
Bus routes 450, 455, 459 serve downtown Salem

Holiday Happenings Supporting Sponsor

The Peabody Essex Museum is proud to support Holiday Happenings as a Supporting Sponsor, enriching Salem’s cultural landscape during the holiday season and beyond.