East India Square

Located on Essex Street directly in front of the Peabody Essex Museum, this downtown public plaza anchors a busy commercial corridor of businesses, a mall, and restaurants. Completed in 1976 and known as Salem's Gateway to the Far East, the square features a tiered stone fountain designed by John Collins. Its top layer displays the historical shoreline before waterfront areas were dredged and filled, while the bottom layer depicts the modern topography. Visitors can walk directly into the installation to feel the spray, making the space a pleasant spot to pause amid surrounding tourist sites.