Peabody Essex Museum

Guest capacity

Up to 270 seated guests

About this venue

At the Peabody Essex Museum, we create extraordinary, one-of-a-kind experiences for your guests, surrounded by a backdrop of word-class art and stunning architecture. Located in the heart of vibrant downtown Salem, we hold the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating museum in the country. From intimate corporate cocktail parties in our outdoor garden to luxurious weddings with dinner and dancing in our modern Atrium, we offer a variety of unique, customizable spaces for your next celebration.

Seated guest capacity

2-270

Venue type

Historic Estates, Mansions
Museums, Galleries

Venue setting

Indoor

161 Essex St East India Square, Salem, MA 1970

Our event spaces

Main Atrium

First impressions are important, and your guests will be awed by the sight of our breathtaking Atrium designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. Located in the heart of the museum, this light-filled space boasts an arched glass roof that soars dramatically overhead and offers generous space for dinner and dancing. Enjoy a lively wedding reception like no other with this stunning backdrop.

Guest capacity

0-300 Seated

0-400 Standing

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

East India Marine Hall

Built in 1824 by the founders of the museum, East India Marine Hall is a traditional New England-style ballroom and formally designated as a National Historic Landmark. This elegant space features arched floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows, two grand chandeliers, polished hardwood floors and maritime art.

Guest capacity

0-250 Seated

0-150 Standing

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Forbes and Copeland Galleries

Located on the first level, these two galleries offer an intimate setting for your guests. Enjoy a seated or standing dinner reception in the larger Forbes Gallery, featuring a commissioned installation by artist Vanessa Platacis. Guests can mingle over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Copeland Gallery and explore the adjacent outdoor patio and garden.

Guest capacity

0-120 Seated

0-70 Standing

Main Atrium

First impressions are important, and your guests will be awed by the sight of our breathtaking Atrium designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie. Located in the heart of the museum, this light-filled space boasts an arched glass roof that soars dramatically overhead and offers generous space for dinner and dancing. Enjoy a lively wedding reception like no other with this stunning backdrop.

Guest capacity

0-300 Seated

0-400 Standing

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

East India Marine Hall

Built in 1824 by the founders of the museum, East India Marine Hall is a traditional New England-style ballroom and formally designated as a National Historic Landmark. This elegant space features arched floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows, two grand chandeliers, polished hardwood floors and maritime art.

Guest capacity

0-250 Seated

0-150 Standing

Room cost

Included in total venue pricing

Forbes and Copeland Galleries

Located on the first level, these two galleries offer an intimate setting for your guests. Enjoy a seated or standing dinner reception in the larger Forbes Gallery, featuring a commissioned installation by artist Vanessa Platacis. Guests can mingle over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Copeland Gallery and explore the adjacent outdoor patio and garden.

Guest capacity

0-120 Seated

0-70 Standing

Available services that can be provided by Peabody Essex Museum

Services & amenities

Event staff
Set up
Wheelchair accessible

Reviews

5.0 out of 5

2 reviews

One of a kind space with an amazing staff
•Verified review
•Claire W.•Jan 3, 2025
The team at Peabody Essex Museum was a dream to work with for our wedding. From our very first interaction with Natalia, her communication was speedy, knowledgeable, and incredibly informative, putting us at ease throughout the planning process. On the day of, the venue was transformed into a magical, one-of-a-kind space that perfectly captured the vibe we were going for. Natalia was especially helpful, guiding us through all the decisions, communicating with our vendors, and making us feel completely prepared. The value she provided was truly exceptional, and we're so grateful to have celebrated our special day in such a beautiful and unforgettable setting.
Picture Perfect PEM
•Verified review
•Ariella H.•Nov 16, 2023
If you are looking for a nontraditional, absolutely stunning wedding venue, please look no further than the PEM. Getting married in an intimate and elegant setting set the tone for our special day. Natalia is the most knowledgeable and easy person to work with. She was always there to answer our questions, hop on a call, or let us tour the venue multiple times. Natalia also has such a calm presence that is so comforting when wedding planning is so stressful. We always felt like everything would be okay after talking to her. The staff and security were also so kind to us and our guests. Everything about this venue was absolutely perfect.

Real couples who got married at Peabody Essex Museum

Show all photos

The Forbes and Copeland Galleries are available for small gatherings.

Yes.

Yes.

We reserve specific areas of the museum for your event based on your guest count and preferences. In some instances, your guests may walk through certain galleries as they move from one part of the evening to the next. We can make special arrangements to open certain galleries at an additional cost.

Do you charge a tax or extra administrative fee?

Unfortunately, to protect the museum facility and our collections, any type of flame is not permitted. However, battery-operated votives and candles are welcome.

Ample parking is available in a municipal garage on New Liberty Street directly across from our Essex Street entrance and also within an additional New Liberty Street parking lot one block over. There is also metered street parking. The museum does not have its own parking facility.

A wedding ceremony includes a one-hour rental, with 30 minutes for guest arrival and 30 minutes for your ceremony. A wedding reception includes a five-hour timeframe, with one hour for cocktails and four hours for dinner and dancing.

To ensure our focus is devoted to your special day, we only host one wedding at a time.

Of course! Favorites include the spiral staircase leading to the new 5,000-square-foot Garden Atrium, a stunning sculpture by artist Anish Kapoor, as well as exhibition galleries and picturesque locations around the city of Salem.

No, but your wedding rental includes a one-year membership to GenPEM, allowing free admission to the museum and invitations to innovative events and curator-led tours.

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