Salem Witch Museum

Enjoy two distinct presentations at the museum. Experience the drama of the events surrounding the trials through a self-guided tour of 13 stage sets, complete with figures, lighting, and narration. An additional staff-guided presentation explores the evolution of witchcraft and witch hunts over the years.

Many travelers combine a visit to the Salem Witch Museum with stops at other sites related to the witch trials, such as the Salem Witch Trials Memorial and the Old Burying Point Cemetery. Certain Boston sightseeing passes include the museum.

• The Salem Witch Museum is accessible to wheelchairs.

• Besides English, presentations are available in Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, and Mandarin.

• There’s a gift shop on-site.

• Museum visitors usually receive a discount card good at a number of attractions in Salem and Boston.

Located in Salem, about 20 miles (32 kilometers) northeast of Boston, the museum is reachable by high-speed ferry, bus (450 or 455 from Haymarket), and commuter rail (Ipswich or Rockport train from North Station). By car, take Route 1 or 3, or Interstate 90 or 93. Several parking garages are within walking distance of the museum.

The Salem Witch Museum is typically open daily (except for holidays like Thanksgiving, and two weeks of maintenance in January), with extended hours in July, August, and October. October is the busiest month to visit—book your ticket in advance.

The Salem Heritage Trail (aka the Salem Red Line) offers three different loop trails covering more than 100 different attractions. Highlights include the House of the Seven Gables, the Witch History Museum, the Salem Maritime Historic Site, and the Peabody Essex Museum.

The Salem Witch Museum is dedicated to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. It opened in its current location in 1972 within a historic church. The museum has two presentations: an immersive look into the Salem of 1692 and a presentation on witchcraft’s history leading up to the Salem Witch Trials.

The Salem Witch Museum is located at 19 ½ N. Washington Square in Salem, across the street from Salem Common. Bus route 451 stops near the museum, within walking distance of many other attractions. You can also take the Newburyport/Rockport Line to the Salem stop.

The Salem Witch Museum encourages visitors to devote at least one hour and fifteen minutes touring the facility. Allow at least 10 minutes for the gift shop. Even though you must purchase tickets online before visiting the museum, please arrive at least 15 minutes before your ticket’s start time begins.

The Salem Witch Museum offers discounted admission to children aged 6 through 14. While children can attend with their families, keep in mind that this museum discusses the history of witchcraft in Salem, including how people accused of practicing witchcraft were imprisoned and executed. It may be too intense for some children.

If you want to avoid crowds, do not visit the Salem Witch Museum during October, especially close to Halloween. Since it’s open year-round, it’s a good idea to visit in the winter when the tourist crowd is generally at its lowest. In warmer months, March through May also have smaller crowds.

Multiple attractions and landmarks are within walking distance of the Salem Witch Museum and are great itinerary add-ons. The Salem Witch Board Museum is one block south, and the Witch House, Witch Dungeon Museum, and Salem Witch Trials Memorial are all within a 5-minute walk.