Halloween in Salem Starts Here
Begin your adventure at PEM with walking tours, eerie events and the only authentic collection of witch trials objects in Salem.
Exhibitions on view
Exhibition
The Salem Witch Trials 1692
Ongoing
Exhibition
Isamu Noguchi: "I am not a designer"
On view September 19, 2026–January 3, 2027
Exhibition
Salem Stories
Ongoing
Exhibition
East India Marine Hall
On view through January 2, 2030
Halloween night 2026 marks 100 years since the death of the incomparable escape artist Harry Houdini.
A new installation taking place in our Main Atrium from September 3 until November 2, 2026 tells the story of Houdini's visit to PEM and Salem in 1906, including a poster advertising his performance and a pair of handcuffs that caught his attention in the museum.
A limited number of visitors can join us on October 31 to watch magician Anton Andresen recreate a little of Houdini's magic. Tickets coming soon.
Fall Events
EVENT
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Creepy Crawler Relief Prints
September 11 at 3:00 pm
available 2 more dates/times until September 25 at 3:00 pm
EVENT
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks
September 12 at 1:00 pm
available 5 more dates/times until September 27 at 1:00 pm
EVENT
Bat House Making at Ropes Mansion Garden
September 12 at 2:00 pm
EVENT
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms
October 2 at 3:00 pm
available 4 more dates/times until October 30 at 3:00 pm
EVENT
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
October 3 at 1:00 pm
available 9 more dates/times until November 1 at 1:00 pm
EVENT
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
October 21 at 10:00 am
available 11 more dates/times until November 1 at 10:00 am
EVENT
Virtual Creative Foundations: Bill Crisafi
October 22 at 7:00 pm
EVENT
PEM Presents: Nosferatu with Live Orchestra
October 24 at 1:00 pm
available 1 more date/time
EVENT
Salem 400+ Film Screening: The Witch
October 25 at 1:00 pm
EVENT
Houdini Halloween Magic Show and Curator Talk
October 31 at 11:00 am
Salem Walking Tours
Walking Tour
Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders and Literary Legends
Tours run at select times Thursdays-Mondays through Sunday, November 17.
Walking Tour
Brick by Brick: Salem's Hidden Architectural Stories
Tours run at select times Thursdays-Mondays through Sunday, November 17.
Walking Tour
Sinister Streets & Salem Stories
Tours run at select times Thursdays-Mondays through November 6.
Tour
Ropes Mansion Self-Guided Tour
Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am–4 pm through October 18
Walking Tour
Salem Witch Trials Walk Self-Guided Tour
This tour is available year-round and takes place both inside the museum and outside the museum.
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, you will have access to restrooms 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 (they are generally installed in late August). The full list for 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. Read our full ticketing policies.
We have family-friendly drop-in art making every weekend. Visit the Create Space Studios of check out the Main Atrium 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.
Tickets to Yin Yu Tang are available to reserve in person and online HERE.