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Peabody Essex Museum

East India Square, 161 Essex Street, Salem, MA 01970
866-745-1876
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Ranked #2 of 42 attractions in Salem
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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406 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
7 attraction reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 22, 2013 NEW

This was a nice, quiet, relaxing time to view the exhibits. Some areas closed for renovations, but understand the process. Disappointed to find no local historical exhibits related to the witch trials, although many documents are housed there. With all the mis-information being related at other venues in the city, thought the factual story would be told at the Peabody... More

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See 9 more reviews by sHIRLEY B for Salem
Boston, Massachusetts
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

Always impressed with the exhibits.Well curated with a wide variety from historical to contemporary and with wonderful programs. Impressed at the recent Nick Cave soundsuit exhibit and program.

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Boston, Massachusetts
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

Great, educational experience. Provides great art and artifacts reflecting the maritime history of Salem and early America, including its trade with the Far East. Also includes contemporary pieces which make it a great variety. The facilities are fresh and pleasant to stroll. My 15 year-old son and 20 year-old daugther were more than engaged with the quality and breadth of... More

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Lexington, Massachusetts
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 15, 2013

The Peabody Essex Museum in Salem has a complete Chinese Farm House that was moved, stone by stone, from China. Their permanent collection is oriented to Salem, MA as famous historical shipping town with trade to the Orient.

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chicago, IL
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

If you are in the Salem area and looking for things to do, go to the Peabody Essex museum and pay the extra $5 for admission to the Chinese house. It is well worth it (use the audio guide). The rest of the permanent collection is also interesting -- artifacts and art from New England and its maritime trading partners.

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Quatre Bornes
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 4, 2013

It's not a huge museum but very interesting. Good documentary video on display; good food from the foodcourt.

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See 4 more reviews by MalaQuatreBornes for Salem
Mesquite
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5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 3, 2013

The Peabody Essex Museum may not be the main tourist attraction in Salem, but it should be. My husband and I purchased tickets to the Yin Yu Tang, a Chinese merchant's house from the 1800s, in addition to the regular museum tickets. We were quite impressed with everything from the museum's architecture to the variety of galleries -- each one... More

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Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 1, 2013

The museum featured chinese artifacts as wells as maritime and early american artifacts. It had a great display of artifacts that myself and my teenage son really enjoyed. We also got the chance to tour three of the early Salem homes from the 1600's, 1700's and 1800's. What a great tour. It's amazing to see the attributes still used in... More

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See 2 more reviews by Laurakrz for Salem
Gloucester, Massachusetts
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
26 attraction reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 24, 2013

The Chinese house was my favorite exhibit. It is a reassembled house sent from China to this location. It is amazing! The museum is light and airy with big wide staircases and lots of room to move about and explore. Well worth the visit!

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Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2013

PEM is never disappointing in the traditional museum setting. Very contemporary with lots of topics, artifacts, and objects to check out. The Yin Yu Tang house was a highlight.

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See 4 more reviews by taysalyn for Salem

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