Punto Urban Art Museum

Punto Urban Art Museum is an open-air museum in Salem’s Point neighborhood, known locally as El Punto. It features more than 75 large-scale murals by internationally known artists and New England-based artists, packed into just a few blocks. The museum is a social justice public art program of North Shore CDC, and it uses art to build neighborhood pride, increase economic opportunity for local businesses and break down invisible socio-economic barriers.

North Shore CDC, a community development nonprofit founded in the neighborhood in 1978, created the museum. Beyond the permanent murals, it presents themed exhibitions such as A Dream Called Home, inspired by Reyna Grande’s memoir; the Faceless Dolls Project, Muñecas Sin Rostro; and Raíces | Roots, a 2026 series of 8-by-8-foot murals made with Salem 400+, Salem Maritime National Historical Park and the Peabody Essex Museum for Salem’s 400th anniversary.

What to Know

• Exploring the murals is free, and the neighborhood is about a five-minute walk from downtown.
• Educational tours can be scheduled to learn about the program’s social justice and equity work.
• A newer mural on Salem’s changemakers is on view at Salem State University.