Salem Witch Museum: Tickets, Hours and Tips for Your Visit

The Salem Witch Museum is one of the most visited stops in Salem, and in October it's one of the hardest to get into. Here's what to know before you go.

Where it is

19 1/2 Washington Square North, Salem, MA 01970, facing Salem Common. It's a short walk from the downtown shops on Essex Street and the Salem commuter rail station.

What you'll see

The visit has two parts, and both are included in one ticket:

• The main presentation tells the story of the 1692 witch trials using thirteen life-size stage sets with figures, lighting and narration. The museum says it's available in several languages by request.
• Witches: Evolving Perceptions is a second exhibit, led by one of the museum's guides, about how the idea of the "witch" has changed over time.

The museum notes that the content may not be suitable for all audiences, so think about it for younger kids.

How long it takes: the museum suggests allowing at least an hour.

Tickets and prices

• Adults: $19.00
• Seniors (62+): $17.50
• Children (6–14): $16.00

Prices from the museum's website, October 2026.

Hours

Presentations run every half-hour from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM year-round, with extended hours in July, August and October. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, and for several weeks in January for maintenance, so check before a winter visit.

Visiting in October? Read this first

This is where most people get caught out:

• Tickets are online only in October, and timed. You pick a time slot for your visit on the museum's ticket site.
• Tickets go on sale at 10 PM the night before. You can't buy days in advance.
• They sell out. If you have your heart set on it, be ready at 10 PM the night before.
• No changes or refunds. Because they sell out, the museum can't change your time, so choose carefully.

Outside October, tickets are much easier to get.

Parking

There are several parking garages within walking distance of the museum, but they fill quickly, especially in October. Honestly, the train is easier: see our guide to getting from Boston to Salem.

Is it worth it?

If you want the basic story of 1692 in an hour, with a dramatic presentation, yes. It's a good first stop, especially on a first visit.

If you'd rather hear the history from a local guide and see the real places where it happened, combine it with a walking tour. The 1692 Salem Witchcraft Walk covers the people, the theories and the sites of the trials, including the Witch Trials Memorial and the Old Burying Point.

Nearby

• Salem Common: right across the street.
• Salem Witch Trials Memorial: next to the Old Burying Point on Charter Street, free to visit.
• The Witch House: on Essex Street, home of witch-trial judge Jonathan Corwin.
• Where to eat: our Salem restaurant picks.