Real Pirates Salem Museum Admission: Authenticated Treasure
Touch real pirate treasure and watch archaeologists unearth artifacts daily
Real Pirates Salem Museum admission includes entry to an interactive exhibit about Black Sam Bellamy and Maria Hallett, the world's only fully authenticated pirate treasure from a shipwreck, and access to the Discovery Lab where trained archaeologists work in real time. Children are welcome from age 5, and the museum is wheelchair accessible with nearby parking and public transit options.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Real Pirates Salem Museum
- Tour interactive pirate exhibit
- See and touch real pirate treasure
- Watch archaeologists unearth artifacts
- Experience video and photo activity
- Visit gift shop for souvenirs
The experience
The exhibit centers on Black Sam Bellamy, one of the youngest and most successful pirates of his era, and Maria Hallett, the woman he loved. You'll follow their real story from fortune-seeking on the high seas to their untimely deaths off Cape Cod in 1717, when Bellamy's ship, the Whydah Gally, wrecked in a violent storm. The treasure on display (coins, jewelry, and real pirate weapons) was pulled from the ocean floor and has been authenticated as the only fully recovered pirate treasure of its kind.
The Discovery Lab is where the exhibit sets itself apart: trained archaeologists work on-site daily, unearthing and cataloging new artifacts from the wreck. You can watch this happen in real time, seeing pieces emerge from the ocean that haven't been touched since the 1700s. The wreck itself was only discovered in 1984 by underwater explorer Barry Clifford, who found the ship's bell on the seafloor. Since then, the collection has grown steadily, and the exhibit refreshes regularly as new finds arrive. A video and photo experience lets you become a pirate yourself, and the gift shop offers keepsakes to take home.
What’s included
- Interactive historical exhibit featuring Black Sam Bellamy and Maria Hallett.
- authenticated pirate treasure from the Whydah Gally wreck.
- access to the Discovery Lab to watch archaeologists work.
- temporary pirate tattoo.
- digital photo.
- gift shop.
Information
Lasts 1h–1h 30m, runs every day with no fixed time, from US$ 21.50 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Operated by Real Pirates Salem
Is this one for you?The museum is located in Salem with nearby public transit and a local parking garage, so you don't need a car to reach it. A straightforward stop whether you're staying downtown or elsewhere in the area.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 14 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.
What exactly is the pirate treasure I'll see at Real Pirates Salem Museum?
The museum displays the world's only fully authenticated pirate treasure recovered from a shipwreck: coins, jewelry, and weapons retrieved from the Whydah Gally, which sank off Cape Cod in 1717. These artifacts were last touched by real pirates more than 300 years ago and were pulled from the ocean floor following the ship's discovery in 1984.
Can I watch archaeologists working on the artifacts?
Yes. The Discovery Lab is staffed by trained archaeologists who work on-site daily, unearthing and examining new finds from the wreck. You can witness this process in real time as part of your visit.
How long does a visit to Real Pirates Salem Museum typically take?
Plan for one to one and a half hours to explore the interactive exhibit, watch the archaeologists in the Discovery Lab, and experience the video and photo activities.
What's included with my admission ticket?
Your ticket covers entry to the interactive historical exhibit, a temporary pirate tattoo, and a digital photo. A gift shop is also on-site if you'd like a keepsake.
Real Pirates Salem Museum Admission: Authenticated Treasure
1h–1h 30m · EN
from US$ 21.50 per person