The best museums in Salem in September 2025

These are the top 20 best museums in Salem, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Salem, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Salem.

Looking for the best museums in Salem? These are the best ones:

  1. The Witch House1

    The Witch House

     Salem, MA
    The Witch House, also known as the Jonathan Corwin House, is a history museum located at 310 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts. This historical site is the only remaining structure with direct ties to the Salem witch trials of 1692. The house was probably built between 1620 and 1642 and was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was involved in the witch trials. Today, the Witch House offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the Salem witch trials and the life of Judge Corwin.
  2. Salem Witch Museum2

    Salem Witch Museum

     Salem, MA
    A museum dedicated to the famous which hunts in 1692 Salem.
  3. 3

    Witch Dungeon Museum

     Salem, MA
    If you didn't have enough witches and witch trials monuments, there is always more in Salem! Worth stopping by.
  4. The House of the Seven Gables4

    The House of the Seven Gables

     Salem, MA
    The House of the Seven Gables, also known as the Turner House or the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion, is a significant historical site in Salem, Massachusetts. Constructed in 1668, it is one of the oldest mansions in North America that is still standing. The mansion boasts 17 rooms and spans over 700 square meters, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
  5. Salem Maritime National Historic Site5

    Salem Maritime National Historic Site

     Salem, MA
    The Salem Maritime National Historic Site is a significant location in the United States, located in Salem, Massachusetts. It comprises 12 historic structures, a replica tall-ship, and approximately 9 acres of land along the waterfront of Salem Harbor. This site offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich maritime history of the region, with its preserved structures and replica ship.
  6. Witch History Museum6

    Witch History Museum

     Salem, MA
    The Witch History Museum, situated in Salem, Massachusetts, offers a unique experience to its visitors through its dioramas and first person narrations. These features provide an immersive and interactive way to learn about the history of witch trials.
  7. Peabody Essex Museum7

    Peabody Essex Museum

     Salem, MA
    The Peabody Essex Museum is a renowned museum situated in the city of Salem, Massachusetts, in the United States. It is a significant cultural institution that offers a wide range of collections and exhibits for visitors to explore. The museum's location in Salem, a city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, adds to its appeal for tourists.
  8. Friendship of Salem8

    Friendship of Salem

     Salem, MA
    The Friendship of Salem is a faithful reproduction of the 1797 Indiaman ship, Friendship. This square-rigged three-masted ship was constructed in 1995-96 at the Scarano Brothers shipyard in Albany, New York. The replica maintains the appearance of the original 18th-century ship, offering visitors a glimpse into the maritime history of the period.
  9. John Ward House9

    John Ward House

     Salem, MA
    The John Ward House is a National Historic Landmark situated at 9 Brown Street in Salem, Massachusetts, United States. This historic site offers a glimpse into the early construction history between 1684 and 1723, showcasing an excellent example of First Period architecture. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1968, further emphasizing its historical significance.
  10. Gardner–Pingree House10

    Gardner–Pingree House

     Salem, MA
    The Gardner–Pingree House, located at 128 Essex Street in Salem, Massachusetts, is a historic house museum. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the area.
  11. Salem Pioneer Village11

    Salem Pioneer Village

     Salem, MA
    Pioneer Village, also known as Salem 1630: Pioneer Village, is a unique living history museum that recreates the city of Salem as it was in the 17th century. It holds the distinction of being the first museum of its kind in the United States, having opened its doors to the public in June 1930. The village was designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience of the lives of early English settlers, rather than just reading about them in books.
  12. The Pickering House12

    The Pickering House

     Salem, MA
    The Pickering House, a First Period Colonial house, is a significant historical site located at 18 Broad Street, in Salem, Massachusetts' McIntire Historic District. Constructed around 1664, the house stands as a testament to the architectural style and history of the period. It offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the lifestyle and culture of the time.
  13. Phillips House13

    Phillips House

     Salem, MA
    The Stephen Phillips House, a historic house and museum, is situated in the McIntire Historic District in Salem, Massachusetts. The house was designed by Samuel McIntyre, a renowned architect. This location offers visitors a glimpse into the architectural style of McIntyre and the history of the area.
  14. Ropes Mansion and Garden14

    Ropes Mansion and Garden

     Salem, MA
    The Ropes Mansion, also referred to as Ropes Memorial, is a significant piece of Georgian Colonial architecture situated at 318 Essex Street, within the McIntire Historic District in Salem, Massachusetts. This historic mansion offers a glimpse into the architectural style and design of the late 1720s, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in history and architecture.
  15. Gedney House15

    Gedney House

     Salem, MA
    The Gedney and Cox Houses, located at 21 High Street in Salem, Massachusetts, are historic homes with a rich history. The earliest part of the Gedney House was constructed around 1665, marking it as one of the oldest structures in the area. In 1974, these houses were recognized for their historical significance and added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  16. Crowninshield–Bentley House16

    Crowninshield–Bentley House

     Salem, MA
    The Crowninshield–Bentley House is a historic Colonial house built in the Georgian style. It is located at 126 Essex Street, Salem, Massachusetts, within the Essex Institute Historic District. This location is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the architectural style of the period.
  17. 17

    New England Pirate Museum

     Salem, MA
  18. 18

    Count Orlok's Nightmare Gallery

     Salem, MA
    Boo! This awesome museum is an absolute heaven to anybody who loves horror! You have to see it on your own!
  19. 19

    International Monster Museum

     Salem, MA
  20. 20

    Real Pirates Salem Museum

     Salem, MA

All museums in Salem