The Brutalist Splash

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At the end of Market Street, right across from the Ferry Building, lies Embarcadero Plaza. While the plaza is known for its capacity to hold 7,000 people, its most striking visual feature is the Vaillancourt Fountain. This bold, concrete structure stands as a piece of mid-century public art that contrasts sharply with the historic waterfront.

For decades, the Embarcadero was dominated by a concrete freeway, but since that was torn down in 1991, the plaza and its fountain have become a focal point for strollers and visitors. It's a place where the rigid lines of brutalist art meet the fluid energy of the bay, creating a distinct landmark for anyone walking toward the piers.

Updated June 2026