Open Venues

Home to the Moravian Church’s Tannenberg Organ, James A. Gray Auditorium, Visitor Center Gift Shop, and the Wachovia Conference Room.

(Research and Collection Studies by appointment)

Before visiting our talented craftspeople, come visit our three self-guided galleries. The collection includes Salem-made artifacts and decorative arts from across eight Southern states. For an added fee, visitors can request a 1-hour, or 2-hour connoisseur tour of additional Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts galleries built around your interest. Ask for more details at the rotunda desk. Further explore southern objects and local history in the Anne P. and Thomas A. Gray Library and MESDA Research Center.

Salem’s gunsmiths provided hunting rifles for the local community and their neighbors. Come see the craftspeople at work in the same original space where rifles were made in Salem’s heyday!

Learn the history of Salem’s Tavern, exploring the cultural intersection of Colonial Americans, Central European Moravians, and the enslaved people of African descent. Come see how this building contributed to connecting Salem to the outside world! Note: this is NOT the Tavern Restaurant!

Immerse yourself in the traditional craftsmanship of 18th century woodworking with our tradespeople. Learn about Salem’s commercial trades that established the town as a provisioning hub in early Wachovia’s landscape.

The iconic Vogler House provides insight into the upscale lifestyle of the Vogler family and the enslaved residents of the house. Be sure to examine the intricate metalwork during your visit!

This building historically housed single young men aged 14 to 21 to apprentice in a multitude of trades instructed by Master craftsmen. The Single Brothers signed an “Apprentice Contract” to commit themselves to seven years of intense trade training. The Brothers lived, worked, slept, ate, and worshipped here. Home to five rotating trade shops seen below!

School is open! Don’t be late! Explore the wonder of 18th and 19th century Moravian education for young boys ages 6-14 through a journey of see, feel, touch, and smell with hands-on activities. This is the oldest school still standing that was dedicated to the education of boys in America.

The first family house in Salem was built in Salem for Henrietta, Matthew, and their baby Martha Elizabeth. Join us inside as we cook, handcraft, do the daily chores, bake, and work just as the Miksch family in 1771.

Dr. Samuel Benjamin Vierling constructed his house for his family and flourishing medical practice. Explore his Apothecary Shop and the exhibit “The Moravian Way of Health and Healing.” This unique exhibition shows the Moravians’ holistic approach physical, spiritual, and psychological health that developed over time. Some consider this building as the birthplace of the town of Winston, NC. The deed selling land that would become “Winston” was signed in the Apothecary space.  

No ticket required for entry.

A must stop destination at one of the oldest continuously operated bakeries in America! Prepare yourself for a mouthwatering opportunity to purchase our famous Moravian Sugar Cake and Lovefeast buns, fresh baked bread, cookies, sweet treats, and amazing gifts crafted right here in Salem. We mix a little history into the bake too! Baked items are not gluten free and may contain allergens. 

Plants have history too! Come learn how the gardens and landscape communicate the connection between the plants and people of Salem. Continue your education with a tour through the Salt Street and Single Brothers’ Gardens. Check with our staff for updates on the mobile lab out in the gardens!

No ticket required for entry.

Located in the lower level of T. Bagge, Muddy Creek Café & Music Hall at Old Salem is a perfect lunch spot with delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups. It is known for hosting incredible folk and traditional musicians. View the Menu.