As with all things 2020 there is little to do because of social distancing and the shutdowns, altering life in ways I couldnt have imagine a year ago. Yet here we are. Opportunities such as a visit to the PEM helps to allow activities to partake in, otherwise its quarantine at home and the occasional venture out to a restaurant while outdoors. As the weather changes and it starts becoming cooler, this last option will be less appealing.As we arrive to the front door, we are asked if we are from outside New England. If the answer is no, we can proceed forward. Then its further screening questions. With satisfactory answers, you can proceed forward to the desk to purchase your tickets. We bought general admission, then tickets to the Salem Witch Trials exhibit and Salem Stories exhibit.We were able to see the museum in a days time, with exception to the Yin Yu Tang home and one of the exhibit sections. We were growing tired with sore soles, and decided to leave an hour early for the restaurant in the Salem Sound Square before the dinner rush.The Salem Witch Trials Exhibit was timed, and you had approximately 1 hour. This was not enough time, as there was much to read. Most of the exhibit were documents, but to see primary sources from the Witch Trials of 1692 was fascinating. I could have spent the day in this one exhibit, absorbing everything before me. There are several artifacts from chests, a halberd, a door and windows from one of the first Salem Homes. However, to see boards from the Salem Jail which held the accused, was chilling. Such simple objects were a part of such misery, many do not realize that several people died in the jails while waiting to finish their own trials. They were not convicted but nonetheless, victims of the hysteria.There is so much more to this museum. Salem was a major trade hub for America. Memories of my father telling me anecdotes about salem ship building and trade; there were so many ships from Salem in Chinese ports of trade, that the Chinese thought Salem was a country. Salem was a major shipbuilding port also, after the revolution sailors and shipowners created trade routes across the world, bringing world goods to American shores. This history is forgotten, it had contributed to the building of Salem (just walk through the McIntire district with the Federal style mansions). The rest of the museum is a reminder of this history, this is what made Salem what it is today.The staff are friendly and helpful, courteous. The museum is clean. With social distancing requirements, the museum can be a bit if a maze as traffic is being tightly directed. One exhibit, the Fashion and Design, was accessable through either an elevator, or you had to go a certain direction through several exhibits. A staff member resigned to us that it was easier to guide visitors themselves rather than attempt with giving directions.

My goodness this museum was amazing. Went on 10/24 the measures taken to limit the amount of guests and keep the building sanitary were top notch. I missed out on two exhibits because they were an additional charge and sold out but the rest of the museum was still so much. I ended up spending about 4 hours in here. The staff was incredibly friendly and still willing to answer questions and have a conversation with you.

Very nice museum, interesting and well maintained. A little expensive considering that enterance into the Yin Yu Tang House is not included in the museum price and must be purchased separately. Still very fascinating and worth the trip for those who are interested in Chinese exports, history, art, etc. A lot of the pieces are quite amazing to look at.

Absolutely beautiful museum, I only took a star off because I dont like heights and the layout on the upper floors was difficult for me.The staff was amazingly friendly, the place is CLEAN and they enforce mask mandates. Such an amazing experience, seriously check it out. If you have no fear of heights then make it 5 stars!

Well maintained museum and top of the line artifacts. Great exhibits. I have been to almost every major museum in NYC and this museum has a little of everything. Its a great museum to see if you want to combine different museums into one. however if you already been to many, this museum will not intrigue you. Its not worth the $20 admission

The oldest continuing running and collecting museum in the USA! The very first exhibit we entered an older gentleman thanked us for visiting the museum- I thought that was so sweet.One thing I suggest- plan to spend at least 3 hours to see the entire museum. We had tickets to enter at 3 pm but the museum closed at 5. We ended up arriving at 2:30 and they let us in early but we felt very rushed to see everything before closing- we were able to do it but really 3 hours would have been the best option.They don’t have a coat check but they have hangers to hold your coat so if you’re not afraid of someone stealing your coat that’s definitely an option for you.Also: we got interrogated before being able to enter. A man outside asked if we had been traveling out of state, what time our scheduled time slot was, etc.We also had to show proof of negative Covid - 19 test before entering the museum/ which we were glad about because we had taken the test especially for our Massachusetts visit and no one had asked for them at all.

Absolutely enjoyed our visit. The museum was totally up on the cleaning protocols. It was spotless inside, hand sanitizer everywhere, one way walking paths, wave to open doors, tissues to touch button etc. Staff was very friendly and helpful. The Witch Trials exhibition was great, well curated. FYI you need a timed ticket to enter and you only get 30 minutes inside that exhibit.

Very interesting, had a nice experience. Very strict COVID-19 procedures which I found good and super clean. Only took off one star because I expected there to be a little more for the price. Some sections were closed due to COVID-19.

Spent $40 in advance on 2 tickets only to be told we couldn’t go in even though the day I was there, PA was a low risk state. Not one other museum, hotel, store in Salem turned us away. Was told I’d get a refund in 48 hours. 5 days later and still haven’t gotten it.Don’t waste your time or money.

Must visit. Visited post renovation and post they opened the new extended museum is a great place to spend the day. Requires two or three visits to take in the glory that PEM has to offer.On this particular visit got to contribute to an installation that was being created.

Great Museum in the heart of Salem. Lots of exhibits. The witch trials exhibit was very interesting with documents and belongings dating back to the 1600s

AMAZING museum. Went there on a freshman high school Chinese class trip last year and we explored many exhibits related to Chinese history including sculptures, dresses, and a real house, taken and imported from China. That was probably the main attraction, and it was so authentic, it makes you feel like you’re really in ancient China. Unique experience. Truly beautiful!

Very informative. Felt safe with cleaning staff wiping door handles and tables consistently. Security ensures proper mask wearing. Thank you!!

Very nice museum. Worth the price of admission. Self guided tours.

Does this place need my review? It’s a world class museum. I brought my 5 kids, aged 8-18. They didn’t live everything and were sad the nature exhibit was closed. But it’s COVID, and this museum is responding very well. The Chinese house was so fascinating and the docent/security guard inside made it even more interesting. Like any art museum, I had to keep the kids close and move them past some inappropriate content, but that’s life with kids. We were able to utilize a partner museum membership. We will be back. Thank you!

Staff are friendly and informative and exhibits are excellent. It can be confusing to find your way around, so be sure to get a map.

Beautiful museum! Really thorough, unique and beautiful exhibits. Be aware though they are very serious about COVID screening and ask to see tested results if you travel from a different state.

Fun place, great exhibits. Had a lovely afternoon.

Came two times.Great selections. Nice shopI came all the way from boston using the Amtrak. To see the Agha installation. Just a walking distance! Students discount

Visited the museum during our spring break trip and it was absolutely amazing. Its so much bigger than it appears on the outside, we were always finding new rooms. The art is beautiful and laid out in a way that makes perfect sense. The tickets were discounted with a student ID and we had a great time

Very well thought out. Plan to direct people through during this pandemic. But lots of timed ticketed exhibits. Beautiful exhibits.

Disappointing. We ordered and registered online, only to be turned away at the door because we were from two states away. The fella at the door admitted its very hard to find this information on their website. I completely support their efforts to protect their people. But I recommend they add a pop-up about the entry restrictions to the check out process or send an email at least, to avoid wasting peoples time. We heard the current exhibit was once in a lifetime and made the trip to see it, and got all the way to their front door before being alerted of their entry restrictions. Such a bummer as wed planned our trip around this exhibit. Thank you to the new director for finally sharing these artifacts with the public. I hope this museum will consider sharing the witch trials exhibit again in the future.

Something for everyone!! So many different periods & styles to choose from. Truly world class!

The Witches of Salem exhibit was very informative but dry on entertainment. A tour guide OR informative vocalizing like Asian exhibit has would be better

Such a BEAUTIFUL place!!! lovely staff and absolutely stunning exhibits. I had to run through because my mom and I arrived there at 4ish and they close at 5 but it was still super lovely, would definitely recommend spending more time than I did.

My weekend in Salem was completely ruined by this museum. I bought my $20 ticket in advance but was told I couldn’t enter and they’d be refunding my ticket.Apparently you have to show a negative Covid test at the door, which was not made obvious on their website. Not one person questioned me at the airline, airport, hotel, nothing... only this museum gave me trouble. They were not sympathetic in the slightest. Had I known this rule I would’ve said I came from one of the approved states bordering Massachusetts, because they did absolutely nothing to fact check people.

The PEM has some of the most interesting exhibitions of any museum in the area. I particularly like how they focus on arts, crafts, and design.

I came here for the Yin Yu Tang house, and its quite a neat experience with the self guided tour. The house itself is a great piece of history, but would have loved it more if the upstairs rooms were all viewable. The other exhibits in the museum are interesting as well. The light show one is highly recommended. You roam around or sit in a large room that constantly changes. Would definitely go again.

This unassuming museum is spacious well lit with many exhibits offering plenty of information and history. Special funky exhibits including the starlit room of ship figureheads and a full Chinese house(at a very slight additional price on top of the cost of admission)The Marine art and history is a not to be missed. China, Japan and Polynesian history and culture are decently represented here. There are enclaves where one can sit while the computer explains the charming particulars of a given piece on display.Do linger among the ship models and the paintings of this bustling city. The loving detail of each piece is so humbling and can overwhelm you. They speak of their passion, their knowledge and their intimate relationship with the sea. You can almost smell the patina of the sea in these objects.I loved the heady intimacy and flavor of the museums collection. You know these are local contributions from local families whose ancestors lived and built this city.Well run. Well maintained with friendly staff that clearly show a love of this place. Its not the MFA but far easier size to get through on a rainy Sunday. Even its gift shop is fun.Its local charm still lingers and haunts me even after I left and headed home. I still have the taste of the experience in my mind. And in such an old and charming part of the city. Within walking distance of other attractions. Stay....and linger. Its worth the jaunt.Definitely support this museum to the fullest.

Finally have a through Witch Trials exhibit, and the Salem stories was very interesting along with all of the foreign influence and artifacts.

Beautiful exhibits laid out in a beautiful way. Some truly unique pieces that really tie in art and history. I learned a great deal about the opium trade and found the museum a factual place of information. The salem witch paper exhibition was informative and very real. Im grateful for the time and attention to detail. And of course, exit thru the gift shop, its a good one!

Great space, very clean, following all Covid-19 safety rules and regulations. All of the doors have automatic sensors on them and the staff is super friendly!

Beautiful but something where closed because of COVID-19

A great museum of maritime history, trade, and wealth. Learned a few things, especially about the history of opiods. The laser light room was amazing! The staff and volunteers were friendly. Worth the visit!

I was extremely impressed with this small town has a very impressive museum. I would strongly suggest!!!

As always the special exhibit was exactly that! A wonderful and comprehensive showing of the many styles of an abstract impressionist. The new wing is thoughtfully staged and the marine exhibit was especially beautiful!

Chinese house and the exhibits were lovely.

Can this place get a massive acknowledgement for actively practicing covid-19 safety precautions, offering an extensively well curated and diverse installations, and updating their presentations and expectations rapidly to reflect the daily changes of the pandemic? Wow! Way to go rocks stars!Lets highlight somethings that are particularly reassuring and engaging!- Timed tickets bought in advance or on arrival. If theres not a high demand tickets can be adjusted to a different day!- Admittance allowed reflective of COVID-19 travel restrictions!** If you are coming from out of state check your travel restrictions!!!***While waiting in line multiple groups were turned away due to travel restrictions.. Super bummer... BUT 100% APPROPRIATE!- The museum is updated and large enough to feel safe and engaged in all exhibits without feeling nervous about close contact.- Signage and exhibits have been updated to reflect covid-19... One way stair cases and door ways.-Waving hands to open the door! This is honestly the best. Its pretty cool and I hope other spaces adopt this technology.- Appropriate and respectful language practiced in exhibits. This is big.Overall Id say this could easily the best place to visit during a visit!

The art on display is interesting but also extremely varied. There is a lot to see but it never got boring. The museum does a good job of mixing up static displays of art with interactive experiences. I spent several hours here and feel like there was much more i didnt get to see!

Very beautiful and huge! Well kept staff is very nice.

Didnt have time to experience everything they have to offer. What I did get to see was awesome and the Chinese House self guided tour was my favorite part.

Joke of staff, ignorant and uniformed. Heavy discrimination issues, tons of safety violations and like to keep it under wraps. Not worth the money.

We went to salem for the first time on the 21st then we heard this museum was worth a trip back. We were told how to purchase tickets from one of the staff working the museum and not once were we told about supplying negative covid testing if you are from out of state. And that information is not “hard to find” on their website it is non existent. The staff telling us how to buy the tickets knew we were from out of state and not once did that come up.Because we were not told we would be turned away, we returned on the 22nd just for the museum from an hour and a half away. Then we get to the door to be told we cant go in. That is ridiculous, it needs to be advertised and staff needs to be trained to give out that information to travelers before purchases.Refunds are so frequent that they have a person outside solely for refunds. No sympathy was displayed from either staff member that day. when we told them that was not told to us by THEIR STAFF who told us to buy them in the 1st place they had no response.

World class museum. You could spend many hours. But a little pricey if you only have a couple of hours. I would like to go back when I have more time.

Such a beautiful museum with a wide range of collections from all of the world. My favorite is the Maritime and the Japanese art exhibits. One day I hope to visit the Chinese house on the property.

Good place to explore different cultures and learn history.If you are Bank of America user, you get free entry the first weekend of every month.Strongly recommend to pay extra 6 dollars to visit Old Chinese house, you will be amazed. The security would explain if you actively ask questions.I would say this museum takes about half a day to spend your precious time.

Great place to spend the afternoon. Good discounts for students and others. Wide range of exhibits, with a range of cultures and time periods represented. There are some kid friendly areas, with a whole area for young kids crafts and other ways to entertain them. I didnt have trouble parking on the street nearby, but I could imagine it being hard to find parking. It seems like they change out the exhibits often, I look forward to going again in the future.

What impressed me the most is probably the lobster carved out of ivory (see photo). Truly marvelous

I love this museum. Always changing, engaging and thought provoking. Lots of activities for kids too. Lovely for a day outing. Great gift shop, more local stuff than other mall-y museum stores.

Had a great time at PEM today! I always view the website before hand to check out what exhibits may interest me. I went today planning on two exhibits and ended up loving five of them! Not to mention, it was a free weekend admission this weekend, so that was a nice surprise! Also, as a professional in the field, I totally appreciated their tribute and acknowledgement of the opioid crisis and their informational media display of the history behind the opium war. Also, we very much enjoyed the experiential clay exhibit! Great job PEM!

Friendly staff. Salem Witch Trials exhibit is a must see. Only place that actually inquired about our travel/Corona status so felt very safe about their procedures.

I traveled to Salem with my family from PA. The day we were traveling PA was a lower-risk state; therefore, we were not required to obtain a covid test. We wanted to see the museum after a few days we were in Salem. We were in line to get in and were asked where we were from. I said “PA” and the employee said our state is no longer a lower risk state and asked if we have a negative covid test result. We did not since the day we traveled from PA we were a “lower risk state” which i explained to him. We were not allowed to go in.

Every shop in Salem open for business but the museum wanted proof I was in MA for 2 weeks or more. Staying with family for almost a month and having them WITH ME wasnt good enough. Glad I didnt fund this place. So worried about precaution but literally anyone from out of state swarming everywhere around them. 0 sense.

Great museum. The Salem Witch trials exhibition is amazing.

Awesome museum and exhibitions. Beautiful architecture and display design. A treasure!

Great mix of international art, local history, and an amazing facility. There’s a cafe in the atrium but a lot of great local options that are very close. Hoping to visit again and check out the China house exhibit!

Im not a big art person so therefore I didnt enjoy it as much as others. This museum doesnt have much to look at as you would think and some exhibits are small compared to others. Its cold throughout the museum and I was lucky I brought a sweater. Some art pieces are interesting and some things are interactive.

What a great time we had at the Peabody Essex museum! The exhibit halls were filled with plenty of interesting things to enjoy. We definitely plan to return, because there was so much to see, it was difficult to take it all in on a single visit. The Chinese house was an extra fee for admission, but well worth it! It was probably my favorite part of the museum! Lots of great “east India company” type of colonial era artifacts... really cool! The city of Salem is such a great weekend / day trip destination! Much more to see and explore than witches! Recommended!

A wonderful museum in a great location. Well curated, fascinating exhibits. A nice easy flow throughout-

Visited the 1692 Witches Trials. Very moving to see the handwritten documents.

Lived less than 20min away for over 25 years and never knew what a hidden gem this museum is. Very clean and some amazing pieces. Highly recommend stopping by.

I cannot wait to come back and see the whole place again.

Very interesting and goes on and on. Well worth the admittance fee. Especially loved the fashion display.

A beautiful place to visit

The museum is a wonderful place to visit. The building itself is an interesting place. The exhibit areas are spacious and well lit. The collection ranges from more traditional art to some very contemporary works. It is easy to get lost in time here. It is on our schedule the next time we are in Salem.

The Peabody Essex museum could be easily overlooks given its proximity to Boston and New York and that would be a mistake. This museum houses a collection of maritime art as related to the east India trade art that you can find in no other East Coast museum. In addition, today we saw the Hans Hoffmann exhibit which has given me a whole new appreciation for the artist-teacher.

If you do nothing else in Salem, go here.

Came the first weekend it opened with covid precautions in place. The museum itself has great exhibits, my favorite being the Chinese house! As of now, you can walk through the entire first floor of the house and listen to audio recordings describing each room and its purpose. The covid precautions they have put in place are exemplary and very hygienic. Hand sanitizer everywhere and limiting the amount of people in each exhibit so there werent tons of people in each room. Highly recommend if visiting Salem!

Many interesting items and bits of history on display, but the museum lacked a cohesive theme or narrative.

Was a great museam. I especially enjoyed the ancient Chinese history and culture. We brought our kids but it wasnt a good place for them. Also FYI the cafe was a very expensive place for lunch.

My memory from 30+ years ago might be faulty, buy it seemed better then. If I could give it 2 1/2, I would have.

Great place to come visit...see some history and art

Paid $20 to get in on top of $100 for covid tests and then was told had to pay again to see any exhibits. Complete money grab for absolutely nothing at all.

Strange items to look at. My wife and I didnt have much time because we had to catch a plane. We only spent about 40 minutes walking through the exhibits. The items on display were not really.our thing but it was on the Boston Go Card so we thought we would check it out. Lots of Japanese displays. We saw some hands on displays for children.

The Chinese Lunar New Year event was standing room only. Just one of the many events this wonderful organization holds. Their collection is massive, and you should check often as nearly all their presentations are dynamic. Shifting, but wonderful - treasures of the past in an unexpected place! Salem? The witch place Salem? Oh - yes. I would say the PEM is the one place you absolutely must visit while in town.

I don’t know. I know everyone raves about it but I thought it was “ok”. The place is difficult to follow in my opinion. I found the art in some areas to be interesting and other areas seemed almost empty. It’s ok. I wouldn’t say not to come but it isn’t one of the top things we saw while in Salem even though it’s ranked so highly. Just my opinion.

On the smaller side for a museum that cost $20 an adult, but with the Chinese House that cant be found else where in the US, almost worth the price. If you want to learn more about that part of Chinese culture, you will.

The House Exhibit was awesome.Really interesting to be able to walk through and see the different rooms.

As a small museum, it finds its specialization. For me, the most interesting part of this museum is that it finds the historical Salem as a port and its connection with China and Japan and the rest of Asia. The museum has two of sections demonstrated the vessels used at that time and people life, it also introduces the Asian art. I thin this museum find the right angle: port and trade, and use it as theme to get the collection and the display

Huge place where you can easily kill a lot of time. They have a complimentary coat check and locker area so you do not have to carry around anything. It was gorgeous. So many different art installments, the variety was amazing. We spent about 2 hours here just reading everything and gawking. If you are in Salem please go to this museum.

An excellent museum with a fascinating range of art and artefacts. The new extension is stunning!

This place was absolutely amazing! I would definitely recommend it as a full day trip. This art museum was mainly American and west Asian art (which I absolutely love) and had an adorable gift shop!

Beautiful, spacious museum. Plenty of COVID precautions

Quiet, gracious and full of art and learning. This is one of our favorite places

I went here for one of their after hours events and it was lovely! This museum works really hard to have engaging exhibits. They just finished construction, which Im very excited to see!

Too crowded and everything is sold out because of covid. So not really worth it this year

The PEM is just amazing. A close relationship with China has resulted in exhibits including the first time items from the Forbidden City were shown outside of China. There is an entire 19th century merchants home in a courtyard. Recently a new wing has expanded the space.

I had no idea this place was so vast- its easy to spend the whole day here! Very cool exhibits ranging across a wide variety of topics. Definitely worth the visit.

Wish there was more content and clear direction.

Lots of cool things to see and do here. Alot of fun for all ages.

Phenomenal museum. Unique and memorable.

An inspirational museum -- rotating exhibits and maritime art/artifacts. Well worth the admission; you could spend several days here. Exhibits are engaging for older children, too.

Very beautiful and open architecture. On a weekend there were staff just past the entrance to help you find something. There is a coat check, no backpacks allowed. The fashion exhibit in particular was outstanding. This is my favorite museum in the greater Boston area!

Very interesting museum mostly about Asian art. Arrive early and you can book a free tour to three historic houses to see their architecture and lifestyle in different centuries.

Collection is wonderful. Safety of visitors is exceedingly well done

I was pleasantly surprised by the variety, quality and beauty of the exhibits. I went on a docent tour which was very informative and thought provoking. I cant believe that I have never been here before. This is a must see when visiting Salem!

Beautiful collection of American arts. I was able to get it for free because BOA (thank you!). I would recommend this to others who are visiting the area.

Great exhibit of art reflecting the interaction of mankind and environment.Japan exhibit was very interesting too.

Really cool and nice. New wing is awesome, definitely go check it out. Allow yourself extra extra time to find parking if youre driving in, especially in late September into October. Dont count on the garages, they will be full. Salem is generally packed this time of the year. Have fun!

Very disappointed that the Peabody part has moved out of the home until Aug. Nice. Tho, that the building is being used for children. I am a Peabody so I was sad to miss it.