Editors’ Choice
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem
Standout Qualities: The Peabody Essex Museum is home to both an unrivaled collection dating back to 1799 and a rotating series of traveling exhibitions from world-class institutions. Programming, which includes both adults and children, includes art making, films, concerts, and festivals.
Insider Tip: The Yin Yu Tang house, especially on a bright, sunny day, is exquisite. Through the open roof, slivers of blue sky and light play against the intricately carved windows of this magnificent structure that housed the Huang family for more than 200 years before it was brought from southeastern China to Salem.
Fun Fact: Yin Yu Tang was oriented in a village according to principles of feng shui to ensure a harmonious relationship with the landscape, and was constructed according to local building traditions and customs.
161 Essex St., Salem, 978-745-9500, pem.org
Readers’ Choice
Peabody Essex Museum, Salem