Peabody Essex Museum

Peabody Essex Museum

If you’re planning a trip to Salem, Massachusetts, one must-visit attraction is the Peabody Essex Museum. This museum is dedicated to art, architecture, and culture, with a focus on the maritime history of New England. It features an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, and historical artifacts from around the world.

Here are some of the things you can do and see at the Peabody Essex Museum:

Explore the Galleries:

The Peabody Essex Museum has over 40 galleries spread over three floors. The galleries showcase the museum’s collections of American and international art, as well as its renowned maritime collection. Visitors can see everything from ancient Chinese art to contemporary photography and explore the history of global trade and commerce.

Take a Tour:

The museum offers guided tours led by knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. These tours are an excellent way to learn more about the museum’s collections and history, and they’re available to both individuals and groups. If you’re interested in a self-guided tour, you can download the museum’s app, which offers audio tours of many of the galleries.

Attend Special Exhibitions:

In addition to its permanent collections, the Peabody Essex Museum also hosts a range of special exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions cover a wide variety of topics, from contemporary art to historical artifacts. Make sure to check the museum’s website to see what exhibitions are on display during your visit.

Check out the Maritime Artifacts:

One of the unique features of the Peabody Essex Museum is its collection of maritime artifacts. The museum has a large collection of ships’ figureheads, which were once a common sight on the bows of ships. These figureheads were often carved in the likeness of historical figures, mythical creatures, or animals. The museum also has an extensive collection of maritime paintings, navigational instruments, and ship models.

Attend a Program or Event:

The Peabody Essex Museum offers a variety of programs and events for visitors of all ages. These programs range from lectures and workshops to film screenings and musical performances. Some events are geared towards families, while others are designed for adults.

Visit Yin Yu Tang:

One of the most unique exhibits at the Peabody Essex Museum is the 200-year-old Chinese house known as Yin Yu Tang. This house was originally built in southeastern China and was transported to the museum in the 1990s. Visitors can explore the house and learn about traditional Chinese architecture and culture.

Shop in the Museum Store:

The museum store offers a range of books, jewelry, and gifts inspired by the museum’s collections. It’s an excellent place to find souvenirs of your visit or to pick up a unique gift for a friend or family member.

Overall, the Peabody Essex Museum is an excellent destination for anyone interested in art, history, and culture. With its extensive collections, engaging exhibitions, and variety of programs and events, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring all the museum has to offer. Make sure to add it to your itinerary if you’re planning a trip to Salem, Massachusetts!