Very informative about the salem witch trials. Began with a show of what a trial would look like and then shows what the dungeons would look like and talk about the accusations of the witch trials in salem. read more

This is a cute little performance-based museum. You see real actors alongside wax figures act out the Procter trial. Then you get to tour a dungeon that is replicated off of the original dungeons. The tour guide does a nice job going over the different cells and how you could pay to have more space. You could also pay to have hay to sleep on but most people couldn't afford it. It's a truly sad sight to see these dungeons that are based on real experiences. read more

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Not only is this place fun, it's also super interesting learning about the history of the witch trials. This was the first time I learned how the witch trials finally ended, as well as freaky facts--did you know that they actually tried and hung two dogs for practicing witchcraft? First you see a reenactment of a trial, then tour the replica below. It's amazing to see the actual size of some of the cells that people had to stay in. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and made the thought interesting. read more

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I learned a lot and it was a short but immersive experience. Our tour guide (an actress in the play) was masked and it detracted from the experience. read more

The Salem Witch Dungeon Museum - Jail cell - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

The Witch Dungeon Museum is probably one of the most visited attractions in Salem, MA. There are continuous live shows during April 1st thru November 30th all day from 10am to 5pm. In September, I walked in and was able to get tickets for a show that started 20 minutes later. Adult tickets were $13.00 each. We started in a courtroom to see a reenactment of the trial of beggar-woman Sarah Good from the original transcript of 1692. Then, we went on a guided tour of the dungeon. It was pretty intriguing to see and learn about the cells where the witches were kept and learn more about the history of the trials. Then, you are led to a gift shop prior to exiting. The Witch Dungeon Museum is definitely worth checking out! read more

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I thought this place was great compared to the Witch Museum which gave the same if not more historical information. It was not the original witch dungeon, that one was torn down but before it was measurements were made and they made an identical one at this location for tourists to see. It starts out with a cheesy show. As cheesy as it was though it was informative. The dungeon was really cool and you got to see the different sizes of the cells and the conditions in which the people locked in there had to live with. The girl who did the tour was really nice and knowledgable. So if you are deciding to go to the witch museum or the witch dungeon, just pick the dungeon, it was cool. read more

The Witch Dungeon has always been one of my favorite Salem historical places, and the one I recommend the most often. I recently went back after about 25 years and I still really like it. Note that it is not mobility friendly (stairs to get in, stairs to get down to the dungeon, dark and uneven surfaces). It's also hot in the summer. Thankfully, it is a short experience, about 30 minutes, which I very much appreciate. And it is packed with information. You start with a brief background, a trial reenactment, and a tour of the dungeon. What I really appreciate is the discussion of the circumstances that led to this prolonged, unnecessary horror--such as hate of the village preacher and property disputes. It's brief, but I am glad it is mentioned. It's important to understand the true nature of these awful proceedings, and to understand the lives of those victimized by them, and the Witch Dungeon is a great place to do so. read more

This tour is way better than Salem Witch museum. You walk the tour there is 2 lady's that are acting they speak to you about the history of the past that happened in Salem. read more

This was a neat way to spend some time and learn a bit of American history. While the acting portion might not be everyone's cup of tea, it does help portray whatsoever was like during that time period. Go with an open mind and appreciation for history and volunteers, and you will enjoy yourself. Also...this giftshop has some of the best prices in Salem! Make sure to stock up! read more

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Having visited this museum over 20 years ago, I was curious to see how it had evolved. Unfortunately, the answer is: it hasn't. If anything, it's aged poorly--both in presentation and in purpose. The experience begins with a one-act play meant to set the historical tone, but it instead serves as an awkward, tone-deaf introduction. The performance felt stiff and uninspired, with an older actress wearing a COVID mask that, while understandable from a safety standpoint, made the emotional resonance of the piece nearly impossible to grasp. The production didn't immerse so much as it alienated. What followed was a tour led by an overly enthusiastic guide who seemed bizarrely gleeful about recounting the brutal suffering of accused witches. It's unsettling when you're being whisked through stories of torture, imprisonment, and execution with a tone more suited for a theme park ride than a site of historical tragedy. There's a way to educate without trivializing human suffering--this museum hasn't found it. The dungeon itself, while mildly interesting, is clearly showing its age. A few mannequins in dimly lit spaces do little to capture the gravity of the events they represent. I've seen haunted houses during Halloween season in Salem that capture the eeriness far more effectively. At $37 for three people, this is hardly a value. It's essentially the same as it was two decades ago--only older, more worn down, and seemingly frozen in a misguided version of itself. The content lacks any real update, perspective, or self-awareness, and frankly, that makes it not only outdated but uncomfortable. Salem has many worthwhile historical experiences. Unfortunately, this is not one of them. read more

I was impressed with this Museum. I thought the reenactment was well done. It is a smaller museum but it packs a punch. I learned things I didn't know about the witch trials and they are determined to give you an idea of what the realities of the day were. While making it appropriate for you get audiences. The original cells were destroyed by the phone company decades ago, but before that was done, things were salvaged and measurements taken. They have recreated the dungeon to specs. It was a bit uncomfortable with the amount of tourists, which I think is the point when you are trying to impart the fact that there could have easily been a hundred people packed on top of each other in this space. I thought this was well done and one of my favorite things in Salem. read more

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We did a 3 museum package tour and glad we did, so we saw this museum. It pretty interesting and historical. Yes, from the 70s, but since it was historical, that was okay. Good perspective on one woman's trial and the dungeons "prisoners" were kept in. The guide knew her material and made it interesting. read more

This was one of my favorite museums to always visit. It still is, but it's about that time where it really does need a serious update. They do a wonderful reenactment of a Salem Witch trial with real actors. However, if you have trouble going up and downstairs like I do, this is definitely not going to be a fun experience. Lots of stairs, going into the place and a spiral staircase that goes down into the dungeon and then when you have to resurface going back upstairs into the main area or gift shop and to also exit. I know that this is an old building, but they really do need to do something about that so that the handicapped can enjoy this experience without worrying about getting hurt or falling. The guided tour is always good, but again figures are completely outdated and need to be updated. For what you're paying, I think it would make sense for them to do that. I don't want to see this attraction go away, and I don't think it ever will, but please definitely keep that in mind before visiting here. read more

Definitely a touristy spot but is one of the better ones from what I hear. We certainly had a good time learning about the witch trials. They start you off in the gift shop (it's timed entry) and then you go into a large room that looks like a church with benches set up across and a small stage. There's a short reenactment there of one of the trial speeches. And then you're taken as a group into the dungeon. Apparently a lot of what you see down there is a replica of the original dungeons, even in terms of the size of the cells. Our tour guide was very thorough at explaining what it was like in those dungeons. It gave me the creeps! Especially the guy that was pressed to death. There's also a hologram part with two women discussing the trials, which was kinda cool to see. Overall, very informative. Maybe a little cheesy at times. But also a little scary and gory, so definitely a PG place. There are scenes showing hangings and pressings. And being in the dark dungeon makes it extra creepy. read more

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You can walk in for tickets,even in October, which is nice compared to many other popular touristy, museums and exhibits. We got in 30 minutes after waiting, and I would say for the price it's worth it. There was a dramatic theatrical show in the beginning, two snaps to that! Then you're taken down into the basement where they show you a beam from the prison that is located a few blocks over that is now an office building, and then explained what it would've been like to be placed into the prison cells which are utterly depressing, dank, and you could tell why people would confess to being a witch. Interesting to see, and if you have time on your Salem itinerary, for the price it's worth it. read more

I've lived in Salem for 35 years but had never gone to the Salem which dungeon museum. It's so tired and shabby, it looks like it hasn't been updated in many many years. The first half is the reenactment, done by two actresses. I had trouble hearing one as she was wearing a face mask. I wish they had just given her a wireless mic to use. Then we go down to the basement, the dungeon, full of very tired mannequins. They make the ones at the witch museum look good. Save your money folks. read more

It was an amazing and informative museum. You are given a brief overview of the Salem witch trials and a reenactment of the trial and a tour of the dungeon. There's an original beam from the 1692 dungeon that people can touch. It was a great museum and wound highly recommend. Very informative. I learned a lot of information that I hadn't know read more

Fun place to visit it can just get very hot in there during the summer months. great story and the basement is fun and educational.

Restrooms. They don't have one for paying customers. This is a problem across the board in Salem. Yes, tourists have homes with restrooms. Unfortunately, TSA does not permit restrooms in our checked or carryon luggage, so we had to leave them at home. Part of the museum's admission is a short dramatization of a witch trial. One of our actresses was wearing a mask, which i suspect is not historically accurate, and did NOTHING to improve how the audience heard what she was saying. Once the half muffled play was over, a tour guide took us on a rushed, dark tour. Spoke too fast, kept checking her watch (also not historically accurate), and sped us through the hanging room because the facility was closing. Bottom line: This is a pretty lame place. Owners should think about adding some sort of slideshow to run in the 'courtroom' so people waiting for the 'play' have something do do other than contemplating their fingernails; maybe a list of places (with addresses) mentioned during the tour, or timeline of the events and hysteria, or something - anything to help fill the void. Shout out to Live Alive restaurant, 281 Essex, 1 block south of the Museum. They actually allow people to use their restrooms with no attitude (ask for door codes at counter). In return for their kindness, please buy something! read more

11/11/2021 This attraction is located in the heart of Salem so if you're in town for witch type things this is the place. The price was $13 (which seems a bit much). You're seated in a beautiful auditorium where there are 4 dummies and 2-3 actors playing out a real witch trial. It was about a 5-10 minute skit. You're then escorted downstairs where you get to see all sorts of cells in the dungeon. It was cool to see. Our moderator was nice but talked way too fast. Not sure if it's how she talked or we were being rushed. After that you can leave or visit the store. It was just ok. Probably wont be back. read more

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It was dull and boring. I don't recommend it I was advised this from trip advisor, it was lackluster except 1st opening experience of live enactment read more

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The museum was very informative, but kind of small. The reenactment was good, the girls were great actresses, but I would've liked to see more people involved in the reenactment and that part to be a bit longer. The dungeon was very interesting because it shows you different sizes per class and talk about the history. I think it's worth it for the price of entry and you should include it if you're visiting Salem for the first time. read more

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I was kept fully engaged during my time there; from the intro/backstory, to the quick acting scene, through the end walk through the dungeon replica. Compared to others in the area, this was my favorite. read more

Totally worth it! This place does not sell tickets online (thank God). I know that sounds counterintuitive but if you've ever been to Salem, you know that this is a great thing since almost all museums here sell tickets online and are usually sold-out days prior, some maybe even months prior. To purchase tickets, you must go to the location and stand in line for access. This is not a long process since they run tours about every 30-45 minutes. Therefore, the wait is not frustratingly long. Once in the museum, you can purchase either a ticket for that museum or a combined ticket that allows you to visit that museum and the Pirate Museum and Witch History Museum as well. Honestly, the combined ticket is the best bang for your buck and the other two museums are good ones, especially for the kids (see my review on each of their respective pages). The entire tour lasted about 30-45 minutes and the gift shop at the end has great items at very reasonable prices. Beginning in a church auditorium, surrounded by informational placards, you will witness a live-action trial directly out of a witch trial transcript (trust me, it's good, not corny at all). Afterward, you will be ushered downstairs on a self-guided tour where you will learn about how "witches" were tortured and imprisoned. There is even a beam from the original dungeon on display that dates to the 1690s (see pictures). As I said, once the tour is complete you will have access to a great little souvenir shop. This is a great museum. Almost everyone I talked to that has toured both this museum and the Salem Witch Museum has told me that this museum is significantly better. I personally cannot testify to this, but I will say that it would be hard to out-museum this museum. Enjoy! read more

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A very nice compliment to the Salem Witch Museum. The Salem Witch Dungeon Museum recreates a Witch trial, which was very well done with professional actresses. The host and guide further explained the tragedy and mass hysteria surrounding the events. After the reenactment, you're taken into the dungeon, which is a very interesting portrayal of the wretched imprisonment and punishment the accused Witches faced for months while awaiting trial. While 20 were executed, over 150 were arrested and detained. The staff was very friendly and took time to answer questions, as well as allowed photos during the trial and in the dungeon. The museum also offers a small gift shop at the end of the tour. The Salem Witch Dungeon Museum is definitely worth seeing during a visit to Salem. read more

The Salem Witch Dungeon Museum - Victims of Salem Witch Trials - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

An educational and fun experience in Salem. It is easy to find and an affordable option to add to your Salem adventure. The tour starts off with a very detailed introduction and overview of the Salem Witch Trials- including a mock trial that is performed live. After the initial part of the experience, you get to go down to the dungeon which was made to be life like in size comparison to the real deal. Our guide was very informative and fun to interact with. Pictures are allowed, just no video taking for copyright purposes. read more

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Good campy fun! If you're coming to Salem to see all things witches, than I do recommend stopping by the Witch Dungeon Museum. The experience begins with a brief historical reenactment and then a tour of the dungeon, which is a recreation of the jail where those suspected of witchcraft were held. Per the tour, it is laid out identically down to the dimensions - but it's hard to tell if that's true. The reenactment is okay. Depending on who is working on the day of your visit, it may be better or it may be worse. Hard to say. The day we went, the performance was very low energy. To be fair though, we arrived just days after Halloween, and the actors were probably exhausted. I think my biggest complaint would be that one of the costumes historically and geographically inaccurate. But I'm guessing they try to share costume pieces between the Dungeon and their companion, the New England Pirate Museum. The Dungeon portion is interesting but dating pretty badly. But there is a level of charm to that. It does smell a little musty though. So, keep that in mind if your sensitive to that. When we went through, it was a semi-guided tour but it seems that may change based on the day and the tour guide. I've heard some say it was fully-guided and others make it sound like they were just kind on their own down there. Overall, it could use a bit of a renovation if they want to keep up interest. The ads and signage outside the building boast it as an award-winning reenactment, but it feels like those days are behind them. The potential is there for this to be revamped into something special and interesting again. This is still a very unique experience when compared to the other museums, as it focuses on the experiences of those who were jailed, tried, and tortured rather than the more broad overviews you get elsewhere. For those who insist on seeking out "artifacts" and "relics," this is one of the few museums that has any. A rafter from the original jail is displayed at the start of the tour. The gift shop is fairly standard. The merchandise is almost identical to that of the Witch History Museum with just the name swapped out. There is also generic Salem souvenirs and witchy merchandise. If you're in a hurry, you can skip the gift shop and visit the one at the History Museum on Essex street (you do not need to pay admission to shop there). read more

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I'm glad my boyfriend and I decided to check out this tour. They do a live reenactment of a real witch trial and then you get a door of what the dungeon would've have looked like. The originally burning down a while ago and is actually located at 10 federal street, though originally that was 4 federal street. Overall it was a great tour, very informative I just wish the reenactment was a little longer! I was loving it! This is worth checking out and many people find it to be better than the witch museum. read more

PROS: The actresses were very good at playing out the roles of the witch trials. Also very affordable, good display since it's in an old church, and the dungeon part really explains what took place when they were accused. CONS: The play was shorter than I would imagine. It would be nice if it was longer like the salem witch museum OVERALL: Definitely an attraction to come and see, i would not miss it if you go. It was my first time going so I decided to do this. Once you see this it's like a one and done thing and you can move on your merry way read more

Salem in general lacks a nuanced approach to public history. Almost every place and tour tells the same few stories with the same details, in the same way. There is little consideration of what Salem tells us about histories of gender, race, class, or science/medicine. With that in mind, this is definitely the best of the rather outdated and uncritical museums in Salem. The reenactment is cheesy and has some acting that can be tough to watch, but it's the richest engagement with the historical material that we encountered, featuring real excerpts from the transcripts of the trials. It was strange to me that there were mannequins on stage... why not have all live actors? The museum underground is made up of mannequins that look like they were stolen from malls in the 80s with wigs to match. They-- and the accompanying decor and lighting-- have seen some better days. All of this for $13 is quite a lot. The combo-pass that includes entrance to the Witch History Museum is even less worth it, because you'll hear precisely the same stories there. It was surprising to me to visit Salem and find it so under-examined, in comparison to Colonial Williamsburg or New Orleans, for example. Most people seem to come here for the same reasons they go to a Spirit Halloween store, while we were hoping for some more spooky/historical experiences. The tour here mostly boiled down to a message of "people were pretty crazy back then, huh?"-- rather than the more nuanced and relatable historical storytelling that is available in other, seemingly similar towns and cities. read more

What an amazing experience. The reenactment alone was worth the price of admission. The commentary captured your attention, but the acting transported you back into this scary time. Sitting watching the trial unfold sadly makes me think of what our country is now going through with false accusations and women once again being persecuted with their rights being taken away. Thank you for preserving this important history and educating folks of what was and what could be if we allow hearsay to prevail. read more

"Museum" is probably the incorrect word to use for this place, but my family and I still enjoyed it! The performance they give at the beginning is a little cheesy with the judge/jury dummies, but going down into the "dungeon" was awesome. You get to see what the dungeons looked like and it really put things into perspective with how small each cell was and how poorly these people were treated. It was very sad, but our tour guide was awesome, which definitely helped. I learned a lot here that I didn't learn on even the Salem walking tours! read more

The Salem Witch Dungeon Museum - Actual beam from the original dungeon building. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

Not to be confused with the Solemn Witch Dungeon, which is much more serious than this place is. Lines are long for these tourist traps and honestly it's not my thing, I'd rather just try all the food and check out all the sexy-dressed Halloween girls and boys and then get out of here. But if it's your thing then get in line with everybody else and good luck to you. read more

The Salem Witch Dungeon Museum - Witch dungeon are you talking about - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Salem, Massachusetts

It gets five stars because they let you touch the beam from the original building. (There are very few surviving artifacts in Salem, between attempts to bury the history in the immediate aftermath of the trials and a major fire a few centuries later.) The building is lovely; the reenactment can be quite good depending on who's working that day; and the guides are both funny and knowledgeable. There are great guides at all three of the sister museums (New England Pirates, Witch Dungeon, and Witch History), to be sure. As with most of the Salem museums, you will find dated mannequins posed in silly scenes... although the final (hanging) scene is quite unnerving if you aren't prepared for it. read more

They won't let you use the bathroom there. Don't go there if you have IBS. Just sayin'.

Absolutely incredible experience. We went on a complete whim in the middle of a Monday not knowing anything going into it. We were told upon entering that we were just in time for the performance and we'd have the tour all to ourselves. The performance itself was EXCELLENT. The first speaker had such a presence and cadence about her you could tell she really knew what she was talking about and loved what she does. The next two performers were Oscar worthy especially the one who played Mary. I believed Elizabeth was a witch because of her. She was incredible. Then the tour of the recreated dungeon was spectacular as well and we were so lucky it was just us and our guide. The props and sets were stunning and it was so jarring seeing everything down there. When I'm in Salem again I'm definitely bringing whoever I'm with. read more

A wonderful experience! The reenactment was so well done and the history of the dungeons explained in great detail. What a great way to learn more (and want to learn even more)! read more

Last time I was in Salem I wanted to check out the Salem Witch Dungeon Museum and didn't get a chance. My wife and younger daughter didn't want to check it out. I went with my older daughter. It was only $10 to enter. We sat in the second row which resembles an auditorium in it's time. Actors performed a reenactment of a portion of a Salem witch trial on a stage which was a replica of a court room. It was a short performance, however the actors were excellent and very informative. I wished it could have been longer because there is so much history to tell about that time which I had learned from other tours. After the show we were brought down to the basement where there was a replica of the dungeon. The cells were different sizes because the prisoners or I should say victims were expected to pay for their cell and food and water. So if you were poor you could have had a cell the size of a phone booth, rich people had somewhat bigger cells depending on your wealth. No bathrooms and when it rained the dungeon would flood sometimes knee-deep. And I don't think they use to let them out for any sort of recreation. Horrific conditions. The entire tour was only about 25 minutes, a little short, but for $10 not too bad. It's worth it just see the conditions of the dungeons. read more

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This was a nice experience, and our guide was informative. The place was very clean as well.

This was way better than I expected. The trial reenactment was short. Our person doing the intro and who gave was the tour was great and knew a lot, but she talked so fast. It really would have been helpful if she slowed down a bit. They could do the reenactment a little longer. Very cool to see the size of the jail cells and the beam from the original jail. read more