SALEM — The Peabody Essex Museum hosts a major exhibition this summer that is sure to draw large crowds.

"The Golden Age of Dutch Seascapes" features paintings by Dutch and Flemish artists from 1550 to 1700. Works by Simon de Vlieger, Hendrick Minderhout and Caspar van Wittel not only span the major themes of Dutch painting but provide a visual record of the Dutch rise to power as a sea-trading nation.

The exhibition, which is from the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, England, opens June 13 and runs through Sept. 7.

There are several special events on the opening weekend, including a workshop for children 10 and older on building a model ship, a lecture on painting conservation by renowned art historians and curators, and a film about three boys' 17th-century shipboard adventure.

As part of that whirlwind weekend, the Boston Landmarks Orchestra performs Sunday, June 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. in East India Marine Hall. Reservations must be made by June 12.

Although the Dutch seascapes may be the star attraction, there is a lot more going on at the PEM this summer.

Another new exhibit, "Trash Menagerie," promises to be a lot of fun. It's an impressive collection of art made out of items tossed into the recycling bin. It opens June 20 and goes through May 2010.

"Polar Attractions," paintings and photography of the Arctic and Antarctic, has been a big hit. It closes June 7, so hurry.

The photography of Joni Sternbach, who makes her photos on tintype, opened in May and goes right through the summer.

There is a lot more doing this summer at the PEM. For all the details, go to www.pem.org.