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All 65 Salem Attractions »

Peabody Essex Museum

East India Square, Salem, MA 01970
866-745-1876
Ranked #1 of 36 attractions in Salem
4.5 of 5 stars 162 Reviews
Type: History Museums, Specialty Museums, Museums, Art Museums
Owner description: The museum's collections include American art and architecture and outstanding Asian, Asian Export, Native American, African, Oceanic, Maritime, and...... more » Owner description: The museum's collections include American art and architecture and outstanding Asian, Asian Export, Native American, African, Oceanic, Maritime, and Photography collections. In addition to its collections, the museum offers changing exhibitions and a hands-on education center. The museum campus features numerous parks, period gardens, and 24 historic properties, including Yin Yu Tang, the only example of Chinese vernacular architecture on display in the United States. « less
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162 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    127
    23
    5
    3
    4
Date Rating
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
2 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 26, 2012 NEW

oldest and one of the best museums in the country, especially it you have any interest in history at all. More

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Warwick, Rhode Island
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2012

Son Wedding Reception at Peabody Essex...Great Museum More

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See 3 more reviews by billheren for Salem
Georgetown, Massachusetts
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 17, 2012

I wasn't expecting such a beautiful, interesting and large museum outside of the city. I consider this a don't miss. Be sure to tour the Yin Yu Tang! It is amazing how you can be transported somewhere so quickly. Extremely well done! Need to revisit soon. More

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Boston
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

we go to the PEM about 2x / year. they have very well curated, interactive exhibitions on the 1st floor and their standing collection of American and Far East art and artifacts are also impressive. cafe is ok, nothing special. nice gift shop. very accessible museum in a lovely building More

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Wilmington, Delaware
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 16, 2012

Too much to see in one day! helpful staff. Great store. They packed and shipped my purchases and everthing arrived quickly and was fine. Well packed, nothing broken. Hope to go back when I'm traveling in that direction. More

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See 2 more reviews by Linda W for Salem
Salem, Massachusetts
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2012

Liked the american furniture and ship models. Did not get to see the Japanese house, they closed it early due to function that evening. Felt the price was a high for value received. do not go to this museum if you expect to see or hear anything about Salem history. More

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See 7 more reviews by Dalesid for Salem
Canton, Ohio
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

Salem is Halloween all year round, but this Museum brings you back to not only the cultural Maritime history of Salem, but to some great exhibits. Friendly staff, and pretty decent food available without having to leave the museum. More

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See 2 more reviews by P_Wizzle50168 for Salem
Perth, Australia
Senior Contributor
38 reviews 38 reviews
Reviews in 16 cities Reviews in 16 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 11, 2012

Well worth a visit - the exhibits were interesting and different to many of the other museums we have visited - even my 7 year old was fully engaged. I particularly liked the Chinese House, the interactive exhibits, and the presentation of sailing artifacts. I am not much of a museum buff but I would recommend this one. More

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Cape May, NJ
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2012

For those who make the annual pilgrimage to Salem for Halloween, this museum serves as a nice respite from the barrage of witch trial hoopla. The exhibitions are thoughtful and enjoyable. More

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See 5 more reviews by Will K for Salem
Boston
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2012

It is ever changing with artifacts that are of interest to young and old. It is well run, reasonably priced and parking is close by. More

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