The Peabody's exhibition of a Day of the Dead altar (offrenda)is located in the Encounters with the America's gallery. It features pieces from the Alice P. Melvin Collection of Mexican Folk Art and represents the original Aztec origins of the holiday and the Catholic symbols incorporated into the tradition, from skeletons to plush Jesus figures. The Altar is contained with a box covered with panels decorated by local students and regional and international artists. The altars were designed by the Peabody exhibitions staff and Mexican artists Mizael Sanchez and Monica Martinez.

In addition, each year, the Peabody celebrates the Day of the Dead with programs and activities on November 2 and a temporary altar which remians on display for the month of November.