The Institute Of Contemporary Art

25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA 02210, USA

Address:	25 Harbor Shore Drive, Boston, MA 02210, USA
Phone:	+1 617-478-3100
Site:	icaboston.org
Rating:	4.1
Working:	Closed 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–9PM 10AM–5PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 9

Ty Ueda

Man, its a hot one: seven inches from the midday sun. Well, I hear you whispering in the words, to melt everyone but you stay so cool. My muñequita, my Spanish Harlem, Mona Lisa. Youre my reason for reason the step in my groove. And if you said this life aint good enough I would give my world to lift you up I could change my life to better suit your mood because youre so smooth and its just like the ocean under the moon oh, its the same as the emotion that I get from you got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth, yeah give me your heart, make it real or else forget about it. But Ill tell you one thing If you would leave it would be a crying shame in every breath and every word I hear your name calling me Out from the barrio you hear my rhythm on your radio you feel the turning of the world, so soft and slow. Its turning you round and round and you said this life aint good enough I would give my world to lift you up. I could change my life to better suit your mood Because youre so smooth its just like the ocean under the moon. Its the same as the emotion that I get from you got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth, yeah give me your heart, make it real or else forget about it and its just like the ocean under the moon oh, its the same as the emotion that I get from you. You got the kind of lovin that can be so smooth, yeah. Give me your heart, make it real or else forget about it. Or else forget about it. Lets not forget about it. Give me your heart, make it real, lets not forget about it.

Charles Bosse

The ICA only has a small permanent collection, and the total gallery space is only really one floor of a building whose total floor space is less than either or the more major art museums in Boston (the Gardner museum and of course the MFA). Given that, the $20 admission probably wont be "4/5 as good" as admission to either of the only slightly more expensive museums. That said, some of the rotating art has been spectacular (not all of it, but its "contemporary" and time hasnt had its sway as to whether certain things should be remembered or noted and then left for history). The ICA also really is an "institute" with event space and some room for classes and the like. As a whole package, its probably worth making sure the rotating exhibit appeals before dropping the cash (and the cost of transportation) but if the current line up seems interesting, it is a good enough museum to be worth killing a few hours enjoying. There is some green space nearby, and of course its on the ocean, so the aesthetic can be nice - the area is a strange mix of parking lots and construction mixed with shops filled with clothes and trinkets that most of us cant even afford to think about. That makes it a weird place for a date, too rich for most people but too mixed for the target audience. Also, despite sprawling lots on two sides, if you can avoid parking, youll save yourself a good amount of money. Plan your trip accordingly.

Kate Ziegler

If youre not sure that contemporary art is your thing, head to the ICA on a Thursday night for free admission - youve got nothing to lose, and at the very least the views are great! As a fan of contemporary art and a supporter of the ICA, Im biased; I love the variety of exhibits that come through, and appreciate the quality of the pieces they keep in the permanent collection. The building itself is terrific - peek at the theatre space if you can, and be sure to stop by the mediateque (which hovers cantilevered over the water) for a dizzying perspective. Keep your eye out for events on the waterfront deck. Getting into the museum as a pedestrian is a bit awkward; theres a lot of construction in the area right now, and since the ICA doesnt own the (rather dilapidated) parking lot surrounding it they cant landscape the entry roads. Just keep heading toward the building, or approach from the HarborWalk for a more aesthetically pleasing view.

Maura Gaughan

I showed up last night for the Dance Up event, a bit apprehensively as Ive been on crutches for a few weeks and I know from experience what a pain getting around can be and how oblivious most people are to others needs. The staff at the ICA, from the admissions desk to the ushers, totally blew me away with their kindness and hospitality. They made the whole experience so easy and pleasant, redeeming my faith in human decency after a really nasty customer service encounter Id had elsewhere earlier in the day. The exhibitions and performances at the ICA are always great. But whoever is screening and training these wonderful employees deserves a huge pat on the back!

Timothy Gawne

The ICA is an example of that species of art museum that has a large beautiful building and nothing much inside - and what was inside was rather poorly curated. You will find more interesting kinetic art and photography in the MIT museum in Cambridge! The cafe was nice but really too fancy and expensive even for an art museum. The guided tours didnt operate as promised. I mean, not only is the ICA nothing like MOMA in NYC, even smaller museums, like the Hunter Museum in Chattanooga, TN, far outstrip this one. It does have a nice view of the waterfront, so it could be nice for an event or party, but as a museum to look at art? Look elsewhere.

Emiliano Zubieta Medina

This the place to be if your looking for contemporary art at Boston. Its not too big so you can perfectly see it all in about 2 to 3 hours. Este es el lugar al que tienes que ir si buscas arte contemporáneo en Boston. No es muy grande, por lo que en 2 a 3 horas lo puedes ver completo.

Andrew Crocker

Probably the most worthless place to spend your afternoon. Art is not art if it needs to be explained. Took some out of state friends here for an afternoon of stimulation and left there wondering why we bothered to fork over the $100+ in admission for only one level of "art". A stack of white shirts skewered with an iron rod is hardly stimulating. Glad there was a card to explain it, because I would have never guessed what it was for. Most exhibits are just teen angst in "adult" form. Avoid this place if you want to be stimulated. I recommend a walk along the Charles River, instead.

Rob Hnasko

Boston has a lack of Modern and Contemporary Art - so the ICA is a worth visiting. Despite the size of the building - There is a not a huge exhibition space. However, there are rotating, featured exhibits that can make or break your experience. Seeing an exhibit dedicated to Barry McGee (Twist) was a highlight for me. Very stylistic building in a neighborhood of boring glass cubes. The view of the harbor is fantastic. Take advantage of the last Saturday of the Month - Free Family Day or now called Play Dates and introduce your kids to some cool art and create an art projects.

Jonas Doujak

Ich bin sehr froh, dass Boston das ICA hat. Es ist ein fantastischer Ort, Künstler präsentieren ihre Arbeiten. Die Räume der Ausstellung, mit die Blick auf den Ozean, gehören zu einem der ruhigsten Orte der Stadt. Die Mitarbeiter sind freundlich und kompetent zu.