Winter Museum Tours in Salem, MA 

Does winter have you down? Cabin fever and the winter blues are a common problem when New Englanders desire to get out and “do something” even while the weather remains uncooperative. From snow storms to sub-zero temperatures, living in the northeast can be a challenge. Thankfully, Salem, Massachusetts offers a bounty of options to explore indoors at some world-class museums. 

Step into new worlds in one of Salem’s many museums that allow guests to explore their passion for art, maritime history, local history, and literary history. Here are a few museums we recommend on those cold winter days here in the Bay State. 

Peabody Essex Museum 

The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) is a world-renowned art museum that offers a global array of art, science, history and culture, including a 200-year-old Chinese home. The PEM holds more than 840,000 works of historical and cultural art covering maritime, American, Asian, Oceanic and African art, Asian export art, and two large libraries with over 400,000 books and manuscripts.

Children are welcome at the Peabody Essex Museum and visitors under 16 are admitted free. The museum hosts events for kids and art-making workshops. Dotty Brown Art & Nature Center has a variety of hands-on activities, discovery drawers, games and computer stations. Additionally, the museum’s Atrium Café offers several delicious child-friendly food options to enjoy after viewing areas of the museum of their interest. 

Some fun exhibits that children may enjoy include Narwal: Revealing the Arctic Legend, Japanomania! Japanese Art Goes Global, or Conjuring the Spirit World: Art Magic and Mediums. View the full event schedule to plan your winter trip to PEM. 

Salem Witch Museum 

If you love history, especially local history, don’t miss out on visiting the Salem Witch Museum which explores the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. This museum offers year-round opportunities to learn about the history of this fateful time in Massachusetts. The museum also looks at the changing perception of witches over time and how this event shaped our American history. 

Presentations are offered every half-hour from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Find out how to purchase same-day tickets and get started on your journey to understanding this emotional and enduring time in Massachusetts history. 

The House of Seven Gables 

Have a literary lover in your family or friend group? Then a winter trip to the House of Seven Gables may be just the thing to shake off the winter doldrums. 

The House of Seven Gables was made famous by American author Nathanial Hawthorne’s 1851 novel, The House of Seven Gables, which explores how the sins of one generation impact the next generation. Take a tour and learn more about the author and the structure of its architectural interest points – the seven gables. 

Real Pirates Salem 

We would not want to forget our passion for pirates in this list of museums to visit during the winter months in Salem. While we may be biased we love our museum – Real Pirates Salem, where guests can learn about what life as a pirate during the Golden Age of Piracy was really like. 

Visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the shipwreck of Captain Black Sam Bellamy’s Whydah, lost along the shore of Cape Cod. See items found at the wreck site and learn about the process of excavating and retrieving these types of artifacts. Plan your visit and purchase tickets online. We can’t wait to see you! 

No matter which museums you plan to visit this winter, Salem is the perfect location to explore while you learn. Side streets and main plazas all offer unique shops and delicious cuisine. Take the day to explore even when the weather is uncooperative. Salem will not disappoint.