Photo: Aislinn Weidele Ennead Architects

After a slew of special events, the new, 40,000-square-foot wing of the country’s oldest continuously operating museum, Salem’s Peabody Essex Museum, finally opens to the public September 28 following a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony. Part of the institution’s ongoing evolution into one of the country’s premier arts and cultural destinations, the addition features new gallery space, an airy atrium, a garden and fresh installations of items from the facility’s collection along with new works. Free on both the opening day and September 29, the Peabody Essex offers art making, live music and other performances throughout this special two-day celebration.