Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston

The Institute of Contemporary Art is a contemporary art museum in the Seaport District of Boston, United States, housed in a building with a glass facade and cantilevered floors. The galleries spread across several levels and offer harbor views through large windows.

The institution was founded in 1936 as the Boston Museum of Modern Art and focused from the start on promoting emerging artists. Relocation to the waterfront occurred in 2006, when the new building was completed and provided significantly more exhibition space.

The name reflects a commitment to present-day artistic practices rather than historical collections or permanent displays. Visitors gather in the ground-floor lobby, which doubles as an event space and encourages conversation about current creative movements.

The building opens Tuesday through Sunday between 10 AM and 5 PM, with hours extending until 9 PM on Thursdays and Fridays. Entrance is through the main door on the east side, from which stairs and elevators lead to the upper floors.

The suspended mediatheque on the upper level offers digital artworks and projects beyond the facade, allowing visitors to look directly at the water through the tilted glass walls. This construction creates the impression of hovering above the harbor.

Location: Boston

Inception: 1936

Architects: Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Address: Harbor Shore Drive

Phone: +16174783100

Website: http://icaboston.org

GPS coordinates: 42.35280,-71.04290

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:12