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Peabody Essex Museum (PEM)

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Hours:Hours Vary see below
Ages:Toddlers, Kids, Teens, Adults
In/Outdoor:Indoor
Cost:$$ see below
Category:Museums
Other Ideas: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum; MIT Museum; Discovery Museum; Edward M. Kennedy (EMK) Institute for the U.S. Senate; Old State House Museum


peabody essex museum pem photoA museum of international art and cultural history that the whole family can enjoy. Lots of interactive children's activities and special events.

There are many reasons to come to PEM. Sometimes, looking at a work of art with someone special by your side is all the motivation you need.

Sitting in the light-filled Atrium, watching the expression on a child's face as she makes a collage — each experience is worth the trip. PEM is the place to come for enjoyment, enrichment, sharing with family and friends, and creative stimulation. Open year-round.

Check out family activities link for the frequent programs & special Essex Museum Family Activities.

Interesting Exhibits

View the exhibition schedule to find out about popular exhibits.

Idea Studios
PEM's Idea Studios are a spacious new art education center designed to bring art, culture, and nature together for adults and children. The Art and Nature Center features self-guided, interactive experiences about art and the natural world. The Art Studio is open every Saturday for public programs, artists’ demonstrations, and changing exhibitions. The engaging Media Studio, alway open, gives adults and children access to a broad array of knowledge relating to the museum’s collections.

PEM’s Art & Nature Center was highlighted as a 'Don’t Miss' experience in Child Magazine’s feature article 'The Ten Best Art Museums for Kids' in March 2006.

Yin Yu Tang: A Chinese House
**Additional $6 fee - separate from admission**
Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year- old Chinese house, was brought to America and reassembled at the Peabody Essex Museum. Enter the Huang family ancestral home to gain a rare perspective on Chinese art, architecture, and culture.

Timed tickets ($6) are required to visit Yin Yu Tang. Tickets for 30-minute visits on weekdays, are included in museum admission, subject to availability. Tickets obtained on site must be used the same day.

Tips for Touring Yin Yu Tang:

Yin Yu Tang is outdoors and is cool in fall and winter.

Backpacks and umbrellas are not permitted in the museum or in the house. You must check these belongings in the coat room.

Strollers are not permitted in Yin Yu Tang; you may leave them with our staff at the entrance to
the house.

Free audioguides are available at the information desk and should be obtained prior to your ticket time.

Visit our Listing on FamilyZip for photos, insider tips and more information.

HOURS↑ top

Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10 am until 5 pm;
Open the third Thursday of every month 10 am-9:00 pm.
Closed Mondays except holidays - view schedule
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day


COST↑ top

Adults $20, seniors $18, students (with ID) $12, Youth (16 and under)
Salem, Mass. residents (with ID) admitted free.
For late nights, $12 after 5 pm
Members admitted free to all sites.


WEBSITE↑ top

www.pem.org

LOCATION↑ top

East India Square, Salem, MA, 01970 map
Phone: 978-745-9500

By car
Take Route 128 North. NOTE: I-95 and Route 128 North share the same loop around Boston. When I-95 and Route 128 North divide, stay on Route 128 North, to Exit 25A. Take 114 East into Salem, following signs for the Peabody Essex Museum and Rte. 114. Approximately one mile after entering Salem, you will cross an overpass. As you come off the overpass, take the exit on your right. This puts you on Route 107/Bridge St. Go straight through the light and take your second right, onto St Peter St. Go left at the stop sign and right onto New Liberty St. The museum is straight ahead and a parking garage is on your right.

Parking
You may use the parking garage on New Liberty St. In addition, there is a municipal parking lot on nearby St. Peter St., and a smaller garage on Derby Street, at the corner of Hawthorne Blvd. and Derby St., three blocks from the museum. Limited on-street parking is available around Salem Common and at two-hour meters.

By train
Take the MBTA Commuter Rail (Newburyport/Rockport line) from Boston’s North Station or other points, to Salem station-a five-minute walk from the museum. Go up the steps to street level, cross Bridge Street, and walk down Washington Street. Go left on Essex St. to the end of the pedestrian mall.

By bus
From Boston, board the No. 450 or No. 455 bus at Haymarket Square.

By ferry
From Boston, board Salem Ferry at Central Wharf (New England Aquarium Whale Watch booth) for a relaxing 50-minute trip aboard a high-speed catamaran. Ferry docks at the Blaney Street Wharf on Salem's historic waterfront-a short walk or cab ride from the museum. Eight round trips daily, June 15-October 31. For rates and schedule, call 978-741-0220 or go to www.salemferry.com.

TIPS↑ top

  • From 10:00am to 11:00am and 2:30 to 3:30 daily, Yin Yu Tang is unavailable to the general audience due to scheduled school group and adult group visits.
REVIEWS↑ top

5-starIdea Studios
What a great idea! Had a great time this weekend. Look forward to going back
5-starMore than meets the eye
This is such a pleasant place to spend an afternoon. We've found great activities and books way in the back of the activity center. The cafe is also great -- not too pricey, and the best soup I've ever had (apparently made by the chef at the Hawthorne Hotel!) Chocolate milk & milk are practically at school lunch prices. Even free lockers for coats! On weekends you can do an art project that you'd pay big bucks for at some studio. We've seen some of the performances and they were excellent. The shop also has gorgeous stuff!

RELATED LINKS↑ top

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