Peabody Essex Museum
161 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Art museumMuseumArtArchitecture
A world-class art museum that happens to be in a town of 45,000, and locals still underrate it. The atrium alone is worth the walk.
Upcoming events
- Fri, Aug 28, 3 PM Cardboard Salem
Celebrate Salem 400+ by helping recreate this extraordinary town using cardboard and mixed media. Add new characters to our ever-evolving street scene!
- Sat, Aug 29, 10 AM Creative Foundations: Chinese Painting Traditions with Yao Desheng
Creative Foundations: Chinese Painting Traditions with Yao Desheng - Event
- Sat, Aug 29, 10 AM Chinese Painting Traditions with Yao Desheng
Join Chinese mason and visiting artist Yao Desheng for a demonstration of traditional techniques related to his work painting designs on the walls of Yin Yu Tang. Curator Yao Wu will introduce the cultural and historical context of Chinese painting and the Yin Yu Tang home. Then, experiment with materials reflecting traditional techniques — such as tile or paper — while guided by Yao Desheng and PEM teaching artists.
- Sat, Aug 29, 1 PM Tube Bugs
Transform paper tubes and other recycled materials into bugs of different shapes and sizes while learning about the anatomy of the insects all around us!
- Sat, Aug 29, 2 PM Living Histories: How Communities Shape What We Remember
In a discussion for the North Shore AAPI Coalition’s Salem 400+ exhibition, Afterimages: Retracing BIPOC Histories, director Rachel TonThat speaks with Erika Lee, Thomas Green and Sarah Kanouse on the gap between written records and living memory, and how regions and communities preserve and pass down history in ways that often differ, particularly in tone, from official archives. Sharing their own experiences, panelists will discuss how oral tradition, community projects and grassroots organizing can help shape a fuller, more accurate picture of the past. The North Shore AAPI Coalition’s community history project was created through collaboration with other members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color) community, with contributions from regional organizations and historians. Their work will be on view in Salem’s Old Town Hall beginning August 24. Explore our other Salem 400+ events.
- Sun, Aug 30, 1 PM Tube Bugs
Transform paper tubes and other recycled materials into bugs of different shapes and sizes while learning about the anatomy of the insects all around us!
- Fri, Sep 4, 10 AM PEM Pals: My First Book of Fancy Letters
Join us for a reading of My First Book of Fancy Letters by Jessica Hische! Did you know letters can be ATHLETIC, BUBBLY or even CREEPY? This colorful alphabet book highlights letters and fonts of all shapes and sizes on the way to exploring some big words. After the reading, be sure to check out PEM’s exhibition Pressing Importance: Salem and the Declaration of Independence to touch some metal type like the kind printers once used in printing presses. Designed for children (5 and under) and their caregivers, PEM Pals aims to engage and excite all of the senses through books, movement, music, art and hands-on activities. Held on the first Friday of the month at 10:30 am.
- Fri, Sep 4, 1 PM Members-Only Tour: Asian Export Art
Members-Only Tour: Asian Export Art - Event
- Fri, Sep 4, 3 PM Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Creepy Crawler Relief Prints
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Creepy Crawler Relief Prints - Event
- Fri, Sep 4, 7 PM ECOC Lecture: Saving Birds to Save the Planet
from The future of birds may seem grim, but surprisingly, from gnatcatchers and waterfowl to select groups of forest songbirds, some bird populations are soaring. Habitats and species that once neared extinction are now multiplying around the world because bird conservation is making things better. In this talk based on his newest book The Return of the Oystercatcher: Saving Birds to Save the Planet, best-selling author and researcher Scott Weidensaul highlights the recovery efforts that are not only preventing declines in bird population, but also helping some birds to thrive, sharing stories of hope and progress in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Weidensaul also recounts the initiatives at the heart of these recoveries. The result is a roadmap of environmental resilience in some of the most unlikely places: a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific, the vast boreal forest that spans Canada, a hereditary estate in England, and a watery wilderness at the edge of a Ukrainian war zone. Weidensaul tells the story of what’s working in bird conservation — and what can work for the rest of the planet. Prior to and following the program, attendees can enjoy a special pop-up display of original artworks featured in the newly released Boreal Wilderlands: Art, Science, and Adventure in Earth’s Greatest Wilderness by wildlife artist and naturalist Rob Mullen. An installation of several works will be on view outside Morse Auditorium from 7-7:30 pm and following the program. A book signing for The Return of the Oystercatcher (April 2026)and Boreal Wilderlands (August 2026) follows the lecture.
- Sat, Sep 5, 10 AM Boreal Wilderland Book Signing and Art Display
Enjoy a special pop-up display of original artworks featured in the newly released book Boreal Wilderlands: Art, Science, and Adventure in Earth’s Greatest Wilderness by wildlife artist and naturalist Rob Mullen. Meet the author, get your copy of the book signed and explore an installation of several works by Mullen and other artists on view outside Morse Auditorium. “This is a truly remarkable book about one of the most important―and little known―landscapes on planet Earth…And it’s never been more powerfully depicted than in these pages.” ―Bill McKibben, author and environmentalist
- Sat, Sep 5, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks - Event
- Sun, Sep 6, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks - Event
- Fri, Sep 11, 3 PM Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Creepy Crawler Relief Prints
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Creepy Crawler Relief Prints - Event
- Sat, Sep 12, 10 AM Studio Saturdays: Nature's Abundance Collages
Studio Saturdays: Nature's Abundance Collages - Event
- Sat, Sep 12, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks - Event
- Sat, Sep 12, 2 PM Bat House Making at Ropes Mansion Garden
Bat House Making at Ropes Mansion Garden - Event
- Sun, Sep 13, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks - Event
- Wed, Sep 16, 6 PM Members-Only Opening of Isamu Noguchi: "I am not a designer"
Members-Only Opening of Isamu Noguchi: "I am not a designer" - Event
- Fri, Sep 18, 9 AM Member Morning: Isamu Noguchi: "I am not a designer"
Member Morning: Isamu Noguchi: "I am not a designer" - Event
- Fri, Sep 18, 3 PM Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Creepy Crawler Relief Prints
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Creepy Crawler Relief Prints - Event
- Sat, Sep 19, 11 AM Isamu Noguchi-Inspired Cross-Cultural Storytelling Workshop
Isamu Noguchi-Inspired Cross-Cultural Storytelling Workshop - Event
- Sat, Sep 19, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks - Event
- Sat, Sep 19, 1 PM Curator Conversation: Isamu Noguchi: "I am not a Designer"
Curator Conversation: Isamu Noguchi: "I am not a Designer" - Event
- Sun, Sep 20, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks - Event
- Sun, Sep 20, 1 PM Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices
Pieces of Salem: An Anthology of Salem Voices - Event
- Wed, Sep 23, 8 AM Preservation in a Changing Climate Conference
Preservation in a Changing Climate Conference - Event
- Fri, Sep 25, 3 PM Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Creepy Crawler Relief Prints
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Creepy Crawler Relief Prints - Event
- Sat, Sep 26, 10 AM Chuseok Festival
The Chuseok Festival celebrates one of Korea’s most important cultural holidays, centered around the harvest, gratitude and family reunions.
- Sat, Sep 26, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks - Event
- Sun, Sep 27, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Bat Masks - Event
- Sun, Sep 27, 1 PM Sustainable Chocolate with Kakawa Chocolate House
Sustainable Chocolate with Kakawa Chocolate House - Event
- Fri, Oct 2, 3 PM Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms - Event
- Sat, Oct 3, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Sun, Oct 4, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Fri, Oct 9, 3 PM Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms - Event
- Sat, Oct 10, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Sun, Oct 11, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Mon, Oct 12, 11 AM Indigenous Peoples' Day
Indigenous Peoples' Day - Event
- Thu, Oct 15, 6 PM Members-Only Tour: Collection Center
Members-Only Tour: Collection Center - Event
- Fri, Oct 16, 3 PM Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms - Event
- Sat, Oct 17, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Sun, Oct 18, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Wed, Oct 21, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Thu, Oct 22, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Thu, Oct 22, 7 PM Virtual Creative Foundations: Bill Crisafi
Virtual Creative Foundations: Bill Crisafi - Event
- Fri, Oct 23, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Fri, Oct 23, 3 PM Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms - Event
- Sat, Oct 24, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Sat, Oct 24, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Sat, Oct 24, 1 PM PEM Presents: Nosferatu with Live Orchestra
PEM Presents: Nosferatu with Live Orchestra - Event
- Sun, Oct 25, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Sun, Oct 25, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Sun, Oct 25, 1 PM Salem 400+ Film Screening: The Witch
Salem 400+ Film Screening: The Witch - Event
- Mon, Oct 26, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Tue, Oct 27, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Wed, Oct 28, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Thu, Oct 29, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Fri, Oct 30, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Fri, Oct 30, 3 PM Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms
Friday Afternoon Drop-In Art: Tiny Stick Brooms - Event
- Sat, Oct 31, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Sat, Oct 31, 11 AM Houdini Halloween Magic Show and Curator Talk
Houdini Halloween Magic Show and Curator Talk - Event
- Sat, Oct 31, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Sun, Nov 1, 10 AM Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion
Hocus Pocus Decor at Ropes Mansion - Event
- Sun, Nov 1, 1 PM Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles
Weekend Drop-in Art Making: Magic Bottles - Event
- Fri, Nov 6, 3 PM Drop-In Art Making: Noguchi-Inspired Light Sculptures
Drop-In Art Making: Noguchi-Inspired Light Sculptures - Event
- Sat, Nov 7, 1 PM Noguchi-Inspired Playground Collages
Noguchi-Inspired Playground Collages - Event
- Sat, Nov 7, 5 PM PEM Gala 2026: Where Wonder Takes Us
PEM Gala 2026: Where Wonder Takes Us - Event
Phone (978) 745-9500
Website www.pem.org
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