Opening the cabinet: contemporary perspectives on a historic collection [the peabody essex museum (PEM) respectfully requests a $400,000 permanent exhibition implementation grant from the national…

The National Endowment for the Humanities awarded Peabody Essex Museum, Inc., $400,000 on January 1, 2026, under the Promotion of the Humanities Public Programs (CFDA 45.164) to support "Opening the Cabinet: Contemporary Perspectives on a Historic Collection," a permanent exhibition at the museum's historic Hall in Salem, Massachusetts.

The exhibition, opening December 13, 2025, commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Hall and represents the first comprehensive installation in this historic space in 25 years. Co-curated by Dr. Dan Finamore, Associate Director of Exhibitions and Curator of Maritime Art and History, and Dr. George Schwartz, Curator-at-Large, the exhibition brings together more than 350 artworks and objects from the museum's original collections. The project includes a digital interpretation tool and a suite of educational and public programs. Performance extends through April 30, 2027.

Opening the cabinet: contemporary perspectives on a historic collection [the peabody essex museum (PEM) respectfully requests a $400,000 permanent exhibition implementation grant from the national endowment for the humanities (NEH) to support opening the cabinet: contemporary perspectives on a historic collection (working title). Opening december 13, 2025, PEM will commemorate the 200TH anniversary of the hall by unveiling this long-term comprehensive installation?the first in this historic space in 25 years. CO-curated by DR. DAN finamore, associate director of exhibitions and curator of maritime art and history, and DR. George schwartz, curator-at-large, the exhibition will bring together more than 350 artworks and objects from PEM?s original collections. The project will be accompanied by a digital interpretation tool and a suite of educational and public programs.]