PEM's campus has more than a dozen noted historic structures, along with numerous gardens and greenspaces. Come explore a few in our new seasonal Salem walking tours that take you inside these properties. Or take a self-guided tour of historic Ropes Mansion from May–October and explore at your own pace.
Available Tours
Brick by Brick: Salem's Hidden Architectural Stories
Thursdays–Mondays through November 23, 2025
Join us for a walking tour featuring architectural treasures from PEM’s collection! Explore Salem’s notable structures and examine how building materials and stylistic choices all tell a story of a particular culture, time, place and family.
Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders & Literary Legends
Thursdays–Mondays through November 23, 2025
If you're looking for Salem ghost tours, dare to join us for a behind-the-scenes trip into the dark secrets of the city's past. This history and hauntings of Salem guided walking tour covers the witch trials and a notorious murder in the Gardner-Pingree House, featuring a body that was autopsied three times.
Ropes Mansion Tours
Thursdays–Mondays through October 19, 2025
This historic home at 318 Essex Street was built in 1727 and had a starring role in 1993 in Hocus Pocus as Allison's house. Today, the home’s furnishings depict the lives of the three sisters who renovated it in the 1890s. Hocus Pocus tours of Salem, MA won't take you inside, but our self-guided tours will! The garden is free to explore year-round.
FAQs
Brick by Brick and Sinister Streets Walking Tours are indoor/outdoor tours. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. We’ll see you rain or shine!
These tours involve walking around 1.5 miles, standing on hard surfaces and the use of stairs. Historic structures are not ADA accessible. Strollers may be used on the tours, but may not be brought into any of the historic structures. Historic houses may include areas of low lighting and uneven surfaces. Assisted listening devices are available, and tour guides will use microphones.
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.
All permanent exhibitions, including most special exhibitions, are included in your general admission ticket. Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese Home is also included in the general admission price but requires a separate timed reservation. PEM's Ropes Mansion is open seasonally on weekends for self-guided tours. Timed reservations are required.
Please visit pem.org/accessibility to see our full range of services.
Head down to 318 Essex Street to see the exterior of our historic Ropes Mansion decorated in the style of the classic ‘90s film through November 3. Snap a selfie and tag @peabodyessex! To tour the interior, please purchase tickets here.
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