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
October events
Sinister Streets: Witch Trials, Murders & Literary Legends
Thursdays–Mondays through November
Journey into the dark side of Salem history with our expert guides in this new walking tour.
Witch Trials Walking Tour
Journey through the museum and to sites around Salem to hear compelling stories about the witch trials in our self-guided audio walking tour.
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.
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.
Drop-In Art: Fabric Scrap Rope Baskets
Every Friday in October | 3–4:30 pm
Sustainability can be practical and beautiful! Repurpose fabric scraps and rope into a colorful, one-of-a-kind woven basket.
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.
Drop-in Art: Haunted Historic Houses
Weekends in October | 1–3 pm
Tap into the mystical and spooky side of Salem as you create a haunted house shadow puppet inspired by PEM’s historic houses.
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
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
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.
Keep exploring
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Behind the scenes of our collection highlights tour
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