Peabody Essex Museum050

Founded in 1799, the Peabody Essex Museum is America's oldest continuously operating museum. The museum presents art and culture from New England and around the world, including American art and architecture as well as Asian, Native American, African, Oceanic, Maritime, and Photography collections. In 2006, PEM was named one of the nation's "Top 10 Art Museums for Kids" by Child magazine. The museum's Idea Studios offer hands-on learning activities geared towards children while the Family Guide (in English and Spanish) helps younger and older visitors explore and understand the exhibits.

The museum recently completed a $194 million renovation, which resulted in 250,000 square feet of new and renovated galleries and public spaces. A new wing designed by Moshe Safdie created the largest special exhibition space in New England. The museum campus features numerous parks, period gardens and 24 historic properties, including Yin Yu Tang, a 200-year old house that is the only example of Chinese domestic architecture in the United States. (Separate admission applies; see below.) Same-day timed tickets to Yin Yu Tang may be purchased at the admissions desk.

General admission: Adults $15; Seniors $13; Students $11; Children (16 and under) free. Yin Yu Tang House admission: $4 additional. Museum and Yin Yu Tang House admission is free for Youth (16 and under) and Salem, MA residents. A family membership is $80, is valid for two adults and children 16 and under in the household, and includes free admission to the Yin Yu Tang House and the special annual family event.