Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) |  |
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Museums| Official Website: Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) Location: 100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210 directions Phone:(617) 478-3100 Ages: Kids, Teens, Adults In/Outdoor: Indoor Cost: $$ see below |
Others to Consider: National Heritage Museum, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Old Sturbridge Village, Concord Museum, Old Statehouse MuseumThe ICA and its impressive new waterfront home are 'poised to capture the stimulation of contemporary culture.' This museum offers exhibits on contemporary photography, painting, sculpture, architecture and video performance art in styles that appeal to the youngest viewer.
Most importantly, check out the new Play Dates for Kids, a wonderful ongoing family program with art-making, storytelling, performance, films and building tours. Kids under 17 are alway free!
View Events Calendar
Strollers are permitted throughout the museum. There are changing tables in both the women's and men's restrooms on the first floor
For nearly 65 years, the Institute of Contemporary Art has been introducing to Boston and the country some of the most important contemporary artists of our time, from Pablo Picasso and Robert Rauschenberg to Andy Warhol and Cindy Sherman. Today, the ICA continues at the vanguard of contemporary art with its excellent program of exhibitions by cutting-edge artists and Vita Brevis projects that bring art into public spaces.
 Cost |  Top |
$12; $10 stud/seniors; FREE members and children 17 and under
Visit Free on Thursdays from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
FREE families (adults with children 12 and under) on the last Saturday of each month
 Location | Top |
100 Northern Avenue, Boston, MA, 02210 map
From Logan International Airport and Route 1A South: Follow the signs towards I-90 West – Ted Williams Tunnel. Take the Ted Williams Tunnel to Exit 25 “South Boston.” At the top of the ramp, continue straight crossing Congress Street and take a left onto Northern Avenue at the next light. At the first light take a right to stay on Northern Avenue. The ICA is immediately on your right.
From the west via Massachusetts Turnpike: Follow the Massachusetts Turnpike / I-90 East to Exit 24A, “South Station.” At the top of the ramp, continue straight on Atlantic Avenue, passing South Station and then the Federal Reserve Bank on your right. Cross Congress Street and then take a right at the next light onto Seaport Boulevard. At the first light, take a left onto Sleeper Street and then a right onto Northern Avenue. The ICA is on the left about two-thirds of the way down the street.
From points south via I-93: Heading northbound on I-93 towards Boston, take Exit 18. At the second traffic signal take a right onto the South Boston Bypass Road. Take a left at the second signal (a flashing yellow signal) onto West Service Road which takes you to Congress Street. Cross Congress Street and then take a right onto Seaport Boulevard. At the first light take a left onto Northern Avenue. The ICA is immediately on your right.
From points north via I-93: Heading southbound on I-93 towards Boston, take Exit 23 “Purchase Street.” Stay in the left lane, taking the first left at the end of the ramp onto Seaport Boulevard. At the next light, take a left onto Sleeper Street and then a right onto Northern Avenue. The ICA is about two-thirds of the way down the street on your left.
Parking
The ICA does not have a parking garage, but there is affordable paid parking available in lots immediately adjacent to the ICA.
Public Transportation
Take the Red Line to South Station. At South Station take the Silver Line to Courthouse stop. Once above ground, walk down Seaport Boulevard toward the World Trade Center (away from the city), turning left onto Northern Avenue at the light. The ICA is on the right side of the street immediately around the corner.
 Tips | Top |
- Free Admission on Thursdays from 5:00pm to 9:00pm
- Kids under 17 are alway free.
 Related Links | Top |
 Reviews | Top |
PlayDate Programs Are Great!, Tue 2 Sep 2008
We had a wonderful time at the PlayDate, we found it through the BostonCentral newsletter. Our five-year-old is really into art, so she particularly enjoyed herself. Even the two-year-old enjoyed looking at the art, and when his attention span ran out, at the boats and construction equipment around the harbor. The cafe was a little pricey for lunch, but the food was excellent. (Wolfgang Puck cafe) The kids' meals were very reasonable and come with a chocolate-covered strawberry. We ate outdoors and both our kids loved the live music. One piece of advice is to plan your visit and sign up for the seated arts & crafts activities when you first arrive. The staff in the Art Lab were unfailingly friendly and helpful even to the smallest painters. The previous visitor's comment about her child being shamed by the guards seems to have been corrected at least in part; when children enter the museum for the PlayDates they receive a hand stamp that doubles as a pledge not to run inside, and not to touch or get too close to the art. I thought that was a nice touch and made the older kids, at least, feel invested in their visit. The nice thing about the museum's setting is that there is plenty of room outdoors for younger children, or if your older child needs some fresh air. Overall, we'll be visiting a lot of the PlayDate programs, especially with our older child!
Great Museum, Sat 29 Dec 2007
I recommend the Institute of Contemporary Art very highly. It has great exhibits and changes often enough to make multiple visits intriguing. The exhibits are very varied. I would have to recommend the 'Design Life Now' event. No matter when you go, the Institute of Contemporary Art has much to offer.
Child Friendly?, Wed 21 Feb 2007
I went to the museum with my 9 year old son one evening. We were there shortly before closing and when I'd turned my back, my son sat on an iron chaise lounge (clear to me it was a piece of art, but not to a 9 year old). There was a small sign on the wall that said not to sit on the piece. The young museum guard, who happened to be in the other room, talking to another guard came running in when he heard a noise that had indicated that my son had sat down. It was clear my son was frightened and ashamed and I felt that the guard was unnecessarily flip, angry, and arrogant. His harshness was unnecessary. Given the contemporary nature of the art, there are many items in the museum that invite touch to those who might be too young to read or understand.
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