Exhibitions on view
Exhibition
The Salem Witch Trials 1692
Ongoing
Exhibition
Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World
Opens September 13, 2025
Exhibition
Knowing Nature: Stories of the Boreal Forest
On view through September 27, 2026
September events
PEM Pals: Moon Cake Celebration
Friday, September 5 | 10:30–11:30 am
Join us for a reading of A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin. This whimsical book tells a heartwarming story about the phases of the moon — and a favorite holiday snack.
Members-only Opening: Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World
Wednesday, September 10 | 7–10 pm
Members and East India Marine Associates are invited to a private preview and cocktail reception celebrating the opening of the new exhibition. Hear remarks from the organizing curators and enjoy a cocktail and light bites.
ECOC Lecture: Protecting North America’s Bird Nursery
Friday, September 12 | 6:30–9 pm
Delve into the boreal forest as a vital biome for birds and other wildlife with Jeff Wells, Vice President for Boreal Conservation at the National Audubon Society.
From Singapore to Salem: A Conversation with Andrew Gn
Saturday, September 13 | 2–3 pm
Learn what inspires and creatively motivates internationally renowned fashion designer Andrew Gn and hear how the Asian Civilisations Museum partnered with PEM to bring this extraordinary selection of works from Singapore to Salem.
Forest Bathing and Nature Weaving
Sunday, September 14 | 2–4 pm
Ground yourself and celebrate the abundance of nature in the Ropes Mansion Garden with forest therapy guide Nadine Mazzola. Then, create a nature weaving that you can take home with you, and join others in creating an ephemeral community nature weaving.
Curator-Led Tour of Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World
Thursday, September 18 | 1–2 pm
Join our fashion curator for a behind-the-scenes look into the exhibition and learn how Gn’s works display a convergence of Asian and Western influences.
Members-only Tour: Andrew Gn
Monday, September 22 | 10–11 am
Join fellow members for a guided tour of Andrew Gn: Fashioning the World. A PEM guide will lead you through the exhibition, offering their insights and helping you deepen your understanding of what’s on view.
October events
Curator-Led Tour: The Salem Witch Trials 1692
Monday, October 6 | 9–10:30 am
Explore the extraordinary series of events between June 1692 and March 1693 that led to the deaths of 25 innocent women, men and children who were wrongfully convicted of crimes.
Indigenous Peoples' Day Drop-In
Monday, October 13 | 11 am–3 pm
Contribute to a large-scale, woven paper mural inspired by wampum belts and learn about the history of this traditional art form practiced by Northeastern Indigenous nations such as the Wampanoag and Narragansett peoples.
Haunted Histories: Condemned
Thursday, October 16–Saturday, October 18 | 6–10 pm
Step inside our historic homes to hear chilling tales of murder and mystery! Enter a prison existing in liminal space, holding murderers, cult leaders and madmen.
Virtual Workshop: The Salem Witch Trials 1692 & Bill Crisafi
Thursday, October 23 | 7–8:30 pm
Join us for a seasonal virtual art making workshop, featuring the campy, eerie talents of illustrator and artist Bill Crisafi and get an exclusive look at The Salem Witch Trials 1692 exhibition.
Hocus Pocus Recreation at Historic Ropes Mansion
Thursday, October 23–Monday, November 3 | 318 Essex Street
See the exterior of our historic home decorated in the style of the classic Salem-based film Hocus Pocus and take a selfie outside!
Walking Tours
Walking Tour
Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders and Literary Legends
Follow our expert guides into the dark side of Salem history and walk through landmarks of 1692, plus the site of a gruesome murder that made headlines in 1830 and inspired Edgar Allan Poe.
Walking Tour
Brick by Brick: Salem's Hidden Architectural Stories
Meet the hidden figures who built and lived in PEM properties like the John Ward House, the Ropes Mansion and the Daniel Bray House, and learn about Salem landmarks.
Tour
Ropes Mansion
During weekends through October, tour this iconic historic property. (Fun fact: Did you know the exterior was Allison’s house in Hocus Pocus?).
Tour
Witch Trials Walk
Journey through the museum and to sites around Salem to hear compelling stories about the witch trials from PEM curators and local experts.
Tour
PEM in an Hour
Hit the highlights of PEM’s globetrotting collection. Available in English and Spanish.
Know before you go: October FAQs
The Halloween season brings roughly one million visitors to the city every October. Expect crowds, plan ahead and take public transportation whenever possible.
Parking downtown can be limited, especially during October. We suggest that you arrive early, carpool, take an Uber or hop on the MBTA commuter rail. If you plan to drive, take a look at the available parking options here.
When you purchase a general admission ticket, visitors will be able to find restrooms available throughout the museum. The nearest public porta-potties are located next to the National Park Service Center off of Armory Park, across the street from the museum’s main entrance. The full list of Salem’s public restroom access can be found here.
Read about our options at pem.org/access and fill out our Accommodation and Accessibility form if you’d like to request a wheelchair, sign language assistance or other resources during your visit. PEM is certified Sensory Inclusive and partners with KultureCity.
Head down to 318 Essex Street to see the exterior of our historic Ropes Mansion decorated in the style of the classic ‘90s film from October 23 through November 3. Snap a selfie and tag @peabodyessex! To tour the interior, please purchase tickets HERE.
Visitors who enjoy reading and exploring in detail may spend up to an hour in The Salem Witch Trials 1692. Since this is a smaller gallery space, we encourage you to try our Witch Trials Walk, too. This audio-guided walking tour offers an in-depth explanation of the infamous events of 1692 and takes you through historic sites around downtown Salem.
Yes! You’re more than welcome to step out of the museum and head back inside the galleries before we close. Last re-entry is at 4:45 pm. Just be sure to keep your admissions tag with you.
We have family-friendly drop-in art making every weekend. Visit the Create Space Studios from 3–4:30 pm on Fridays or 1–3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays for seasonal art activities! Kids are also encouraged to touch and explore every day in The Pod.
Yes, we have a two day pass available and it can be purchased at the Admissions Desk. The days must be consecutive for entry. This pass is not available for purchase online.
Tickets to Yin Yu Tang are available to reserve in-person and online HERE.
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