Salem Trolley

The Peabody Essex Museum is a leading museum of Asian art and culture and early American maritime trade and whaling; its collections of Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese art, and in particular Chinese export porcelain, are among the finest in the country. Founded in 1799, it is the oldest continuously operating museum in the United States. The museum owns and exhibits a number of historic houses in downtown Salem. In 2003, it completed a massive $100-million renovation and expansion, designed by architect Moshe Safdie, and moved a 200-year-old 16-room Chinese home from Xiuning County in southeastern China to the grounds of the museum. Gift shop available in person and online.

One of the oldest surviving 17th-century wooden mansions in New England. Made famous by the eponymous 1851 Nathaniel Hawthorne novel. The oldest sections of the home date to 1668, when it was built for Captain John Turner and his family. The home has been altered and modified countless times over the centuries as family fortunes ebbed and flowed. Eventually; in 1908, wealthy philanthropist Caroline Emmerton purchased the home and set about effecting its restoration. Supervised by Boston's city architect; they restored the home to its former glory, making only the occasional sacrifice to historical accuracy. Visitors today will discover low ceilings, extensive Georgian paneling, and hidden staircases among hundreds of period curios. Walking the grounds is always a charming activity. The fresh ocean breezes are sure to invigorate. Also on site is the home where Nathaniel Hawthorne was born. It was moved here in 1958 and is worth a few minutes of your time.

The Witch House is the last extant building with direct ties to the 1692 Salem witch trials. An excellent example of 17th-century architecture, it was probably built sometime between 1620 and 1642. Bought by Judge Jonathan Corwin in 1675, he would go on to live here for over forty years. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims of diabolical activity when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in and around Salem. Eventually, he would send 19 people to the gallows, all of whom maintained their innocence and refused to admit to witchcraft. No interrogations or trials were conducted within the Witch House, nor were any of the accused brought here. The house remained in the Corwin family until the 1940s. At this time the Witch House was moved about 35 ft to its current location and was restored to its 17th century origins. Today it basically looks as it would have in Corwin's time, although the gambrel roof was altered.

Built in 1816, this is the earliest surviving municipal building in Salem. First floor used as a space for public art. Museum closed until further notice.

The Punto Urban Art Museum was founded as a social justice art program. Designed to promote and feature Dominican artists in an effort to reduce stigma against those who reside there. Over 75 large scale murals featuring a variety of global and New England-based artists. If your group has 15 or more people, sign up for an educational tour. Tours last about 90 minutes and cover topics like: the immigrant experience, street art, and local cultural highlights.

Opened in 2016 in the former Dubiel Funeral Parlor. This art space doubles as the world headquarters for the Satanic Temple. Offering a rotating selection of events, screenings, and artworks by local practitioners. The giant statue of Baphomet is always quite popular. Other permanent exhibits are dedicated to Satanism, witch hunts, and moral panics. Stop by the gift shop for t-shirts and merch you just can't get anywhere else.