Treasures of the Peabody Essex Museum

Discover a world of art and culture on this tour of PEM’s highlights. See Asian Export, American, Maritime, Native American, Oceanic, Indian Art and more. Ideal for first-time visitors.
Length: One hour

Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese House

Yin Yu Tang, ancestral home of the Huang family, was relocated to the Peabody Essex Museum in 2003. Its dismantling, re-erection and preservation constitute a landmark collaboration between Chinese and American architects, artisans, conservators, engineers and museum experts.

Groups may visit Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese House daily at 10 am. A maximum of 25 people may tour the house at one time. Larger groups will be divided accordingly.
Length: 30 minutes+

East Meets West

Compare and contrast the architecture, decorative art and daily life of Chinese and American merchant families in the 19th century by visiting Yin Yu Tang and the Gardner-Pingree House.
Length: One hour

Asian Export Art

Explore PEM’s renowned collections of art made in China, Japan and India for the European and American markets.
Length: 45 minutes

A Big, Wide World of Art

Take a “tour around the world” to see how nature and culture influence the art people create.
Length: 45 minutes

The Beauty of Everyday Objects

Bowls, fans, jewelry, chairs and more…see how household objects gain powerful meaning through the use of color, form and decoration.
Length: 45 minutes

Contemporary Connections

Artists are influenced by time, place and culture. See how contemporary art reflects earlier artistic traditions.
Length: 45 minutes

Phenomenal Women

Inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem Phenomenal Women, this tour invites you to discover the stories behind works of art at PEM that feature or were created by women.
Length: 45 minutes

Portraits at PEM

Portraits bring together the artist, subject and viewer. Examine portraits from a variety of countries and cultures.
Length: 45 minutes

Tales from the Sea

Explore maritime art through objects that celebrate the grandeur of the sea and express seafaring life.
Length: 45 minutes

A Sense of Place

Decorative Art in Early New England—Explore objects that reflect the tastes of New Englanders in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Length: 45 minutes

A Point in Time: 1692

We remember 1692 for Salem’s witchcraft trials, but what was happening elsewhere? Compare and contrast art created in the late 17th century.
Length: 45 minutes

Art and Architecture of Salem

Compare and contrast American architecture and decorative arts on this tour of PEM’s historic houses.
Length: One hour

Tour a Special Exhibition

An experienced docent introduces your group to a current special exhibition. Special exhibitions may require an additional fee.
Length: 30 minutes to one hour.

Tour the Museum’s Period Gardens

From May through September, groups may visit one or a combination of PEM’s gardens with the museum’s gardener to discuss historic landscaping. Please allow two hours for this walking tour.

Custom Tours and Curatorial Services

Group visits can be tailored to meet your special needs and interests. PEM Curatorial staff provide guided tours, slide talks and behind-the-scenes tours. Curatorial services are subject to availability and are priced upon request.

Self-guided Visits
Groups may choose to visit the galleries without a docent. Groups will not have access to Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese House or the Historic Houses. Please contact the Group Tour Department at least one week prior to schedule your visit.

Catering and Dining Options
The Bartlett Gallery offers a unique setting for an elegant group luncheon. This private gallery displays some of the finest porcelain from PEM’s Asian export art collection. Between 16 and 90 people can be comfortably accommodated for a seated lunch. Larger groups can be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

Please contact the Group Tour Department for a selection of lunch or tea menu options provided by our exclusive caterer. Arrangements must be made at least three weeks in advance.