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The Institute of Contemporary Art
25 Harbor Shore Dr, Boston, MA 02210, United States
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Ma
Review №1

A contemporary art museum I could actually digest! Great exhibits. Nice for a quick afternoon jaunt

Ch
Review №2

Loved the displays and exhibits, and the staff was super friendly, helpful and insightful. Appreciate the Free Thursday, thank you!

Ga
Review №3

Exquisite, albeit minute amounts of art (only one floor open). Indelible delight!

Ij
Review №4

It was a well put exhibit, however some of the employees were very rude to me. They single me out for “ having my mask too low “ but when I looked around everyone else was wearing it the same way but they only told me. I also wish the employees would’ve been more quite instead of gossiping very loudly with one another when one is trying to enjoy the experience (not all employees but some)

Ro
Review №5

The exhibits were fine but not for my taste, I guess i prefer Medieval art better.

Tr
Review №6

Loved the museum and exhibits. Interesting and beautiful. Fantastic view of the water in the seats overlooking the shipping channel. Great gift shop.

Je
Review №7

I am in Boston for a few days and was told about free Thursdays at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Before going I explored the present exhibits online and really wanted to see the Love is Calling installation by Yayoi Kusama. It said it was sold out through out February! However, while checking in we were automatically given a time to view the exhibit and after seeing it we could return as many times as we liked! The other exhibits were enjoyable as well ( not that many) and I was glad to have watched all the videos about the artists and the inspiration behind their pieces before hand. It really changed the way I viewed their art!

An
Review №8

I was looking forward to visiting, but was pretty disappointed. Directions were unclear and there was only a handful of exhibits open. Kind of disappointed that we paid money and it took less than 10 minutes to walk through the exhibits.

Ja
Review №9

What an amazing museum! Very cool piece of architecture along the wharf made for a brisk walk to the museum. Once inside, I enjoyed the exhibits and gift shop. I especially fell in love with the audio/video installation of Icelandic artist Ragnar Kjartansson called The Visitors.

Me
Review №10

Pretty building and gorgeous art that changes very regularly. Plus its a fun people watching spot. The shop is also just as good

Ja
Review №11

Absolutely loved it! A well thought space for art in the port area of Boston. The location is awesome.

El
Review №12

The Institute of Contemporary Art has a lot of different art pieces, very impressive...

Ji
Review №13

This building has the most spectacular views of the harbor. The shows are mainly current with a bit ofolder modern art pieces.

Ra
Review №14

Beautiful spacious place right next to the Harbor and with a wonderful view of it. Visit the current exhibit on When Home Wont Let you Stay which is about the refugee migration crisis. Deeply moving and the current Yayoi Kusama exhibit going on till 2021

De
Review №15

Purchased tickets to visit a museum with only 1 exhibit available. Total time in museum took 20 minutes. Not worth it, come back when Covid is officially eradicated.

Ca
Review №16

Great museum to visit in Boston. It is too big but it has the Kusama Infinity Room. So you must go. Buy your tickets in advance because its regularly sold out

Da
Review №17

Agood space that had an interesting local exhibit. Wouldnt be the first thing Id do in Boston

Bi
Review №18

My favorite place in Boston for a dive into what ever contemporary art the curators find. It is always inspiring and thought provoking. The building is well suited for large exhibitions. The selection in the gift shop could be its own little exhibition.

Sa
Review №19

Saw the love is calling exhibit. It was cool. I liked the museum. The gift shop was the best part!

Vi
Review №20

Good museum but felt the galleries and artifacts are a bit lacking. Museum was not very large with the entire gallery on one floor. Half was split in to a large permanent collection and the other half is a smaller collection. Staff is friendly and the admission prices are reasonable although a bit higher than I would have expected for the small space. They do participate in Bank of Americas Museums on Us program though.

Be
Review №21

Great space, interesting exhibits. Located on Boston harbour in seaport. Beautiful views of Boston

Co
Review №22

Parts of the museum were closed off, and the galleries werent great. There were some good pieces, but not really worth planning a trip around. If youre already in the area, it might be worth it to stop in.

As
Review №23

A great museum to visit in Boston! It starts with the architecture of the building located right at the waterfront. It invites you to come by without even going inside, but the exhibitions are always worth a visit as well. A great selection of Contemporary Art!

Pa
Review №24

The perfect location, I just wish there were more exhibitions and pieces as it felt a bit empty. My favorite piece was by Kehinde Wiley which I was not expecting to see. I also loved the installation with musicians and videos that felt extremely immersive and well put together.

Da
Review №25

This was the second time I visited ICA during my time in Boston. It was a pleasant experience. The exhibits are always varied and interesting to me. The new infinity mirror experience was a nice touch! I enjoy the opportunities for visitors to contribute to the gallery. Very interactive! Looking forward to future visits. Theres also a great view of the seaport!

De
Review №26

Stunning Boston Waterfront contemporary art museum. Rotating exhibits. Interesting Boston Harbor viewing spots inside the museum.

Mi
Review №27

Since only the forth floor is for exhibition, the ICA feels much smaller than I expected. My favourite part is the Poss Family Mediatheque, so soothing and calm. There is a small room with nice view to the waves as well.

Je
Review №28

Nice museum, I always come here on the free Thursday evenings. Decent size, you don’t get tired walking around since only a few floors have exhibits. Have some interesting exhibits. Parking seems a little expense in the lot right outside the museum. Love the gift shop, haha.

Su
Review №29

The most intriguing and interesting display: Less is a bore: Maximalist Art & Design. As an ardent fan of minimalism, it was good to think of another perspective. The visit to watershed begins with a ferry ride, which is a lovely trip. John Akomfrah: Purple video is a spine chilling reminder of climate change, ecological imbalance created by wars and industrialization and its impact over decades.

an
Review №30

Beautiful building and setting. The Yayoi exhibit is definitely worth the trip. Currently the Migration through Contemporary Art is on view. Captivating, beautiful!

Ja
Review №31

Decent contemporary art museum. Nice views of the waterfront. Fairly small selection of art and spaces.

Pa
Review №32

Must see “The Visitors” exhibit!

Du
Review №33

Fantastic art collection and ideal place to kill some time - I say kill because I am not a big art enthusiast but thoroughly enjoyed my time - if you are an art fan, this is a must visit place while in BostonThey have much of abstract art with a mind-blowing collection by Ragnar kjartansson - I have added a pic to describe the guy and art, but overall it is a simultaneous film shooting of 64 rooms in one of the famous mansions of NYC - mostly are musicians and the video collection in ICA with audio effects creates a mesmerising experience for audience!

Ka
Review №34

Great venue. One minus is the music ends at 10pm on Fridays, it should go later until at least midnight. Overall, fun spot to listen to music.

Та
Review №35

Now is not the best time to visit ICA, there are only two expositions, but the view on the bay is worth to see in any weather.

Af
Review №36

Beautiful building, beautiful art, wonderful staff. A must see in Boston.

Sh
Review №37

It is in a beautiful location however all of the galleries are on the 4th floor and the others are reserved for education. Its a great quick visit.

Ny
Review №38

Highly recommend their Friday night DJ events. Music was amazing and the veiw is killer! Posting photos where you can get a glimpse of how beautiful the sunset was!

Br
Review №39

Love it here, the artists that they procure are amazing. They are always finding someone who designs and creates that makes one think and reflect not only about themselves but what is going on in the world. I go almost monthly because the vibe there is thrilling.

Co
Review №40

One of my favorites, inside and out. Great and constantly changing exhibits. T accessible. Beautiful harbor front location. Student rates. Fun for the whole family!

Do
Review №41

The ICA Boston is one of the most serene museum experiences that I’ve had. Located on the water there’s an incredible viewing deck that looks out onto the water on the fourth floor. The exhibitions are relevant and very contemporary, usually featuring a diverse roster of artists and themes.

Ni
Review №42

Great history, awesome art, even better view to the harvor

Br
Review №43

I rode my bike there from my South End home and loved the exhibits. However, Id have a very different opinion if I had planned this with friends and had to pay for parking because there were only a few rooms with artwork open since the museum had closed off some important rooms while they installed new exhibits. Admission was free because of this but I would have been very disappointed if I wasnt a local. Theres really nothing else in the area to see, unlike the Avenue of the Arts in the Fenway where you have many choices of museums within an easy walk of one another. I must add that the view from the glassed-in deck is one of the best in town of the waterfront and harbor.

Ad
Review №44

Staff was friendly and knowledgeable about art work. Lady was kind to switch my ticket for a earlier time.

An
Review №45

Great galleries. Sadly we went when some were closed but still worth it. Also worth it to see the love is calling exhibit by Kusama. Other great works by Nick Cave, Vivian Suter, and many more.

Wi
Review №46

A totally amazing experience! I didn’t know there a Yayoi kusama exhibition until I got to Boston, so all the tickets of the month was already sold out and I almost couldn’t visit it. Luckily there was the First Friday event if ICA every month. I went at around a quarter baffle 5pm and I got ticket easily! The event was organized well! I saw them selling food, drinks and some workshops too. The people working there were also really nice:)

Sh
Review №47

If you really enjoy contemporary art, this is the place for you!

La
Review №48

It was not worth the price. $30 for 2 min inside the installation Love is Calling. There are 4 floors to this museum but floors 2 and 3 are closed (but there is one piece of art beside the elevator on 2nd floor. Make sure you dont miss that!) and floor 1 is a cafe & a gift shop.

Bo
Review №49

What a great spot for lifestyle photoshoots around Boston Harbor. Thank you ICA

Sh
Review №50

This place is pretty cool. Loved the collection more than I expected to.

Al
Review №51

My wife an I went to the love is calling exhibit. It was cool, but only got to spend 2 minutes in there which was not enough time at all to take in everything and take pictures. There also isnt much to see in the gallery.

Ce
Review №52

Beautiful space, beautiful views, great art. Saw the Forthyse installations or rather experienced them as they are all interactive and inviting visitors to step inside the art. Reasonable price and children 17 and under are free. Also enjoyed the every day object exhibit where adhesive tape becomes a delicate ground cover of white flowers

St
Review №53

There was a short wait to see the Yayoi Kusama exhibition. The gift shop is very nice with items that you dont see in other museum gift shops such as the animal scarves from the UK.

Wi
Review №54

I loved it. They have free Thursday evenings and a guide tour.

Fi
Review №55

Nice museum but very small exhibition. It was only one Yaoi Kusama instalation. I am not sure if it was wortk 15 USD

As
Review №56

It’s really a nice place to visit in Boston! For free!!

Jo
Review №57

A modest contemporary art museum with some unique views of the harbor. Unfortunately, when I went only a couple exhibits were open. However, I did get free entry since it was holiday Monday. Most of the attractions are on the 4th floor, and they mainly involve visual arts like paintings and sculptures.

An
Review №58

Went specifically for the Yayoi Kusama exhibit, this museum purchased her largest infinity room, and since I went on Thursday- it was completely free to attend! This infinity room was extraordinary, and like no other experience before. You get 2 minutes inside the room, and then you are free to explore the other exhibits. Each artist featured in this museum has their own room- dedicated to their art. However, there are currently only 5 exhibits including Kusama.

Ma
Review №59

Definitely worth the visit! The building itself is beautiful, and its in a great location near the aquarium, the water, and cool restaurants. There are a lot of programs and ways to get discounts or free entry as well.

Jo
Review №60

It was fun. Of course it is all modern art, so it is definitely refreshing compared to other museums. Overall there wasnt too much in terms of the exhibits, couldnt spend as much time here as some other museums. We went for the Kusama exhibit which was great. Unfortunately since it is in such high demand you only have 2 minutes inside the infinity room.

Ti
Review №61

This is a somewhat smaller museum, but the layout of this place is top notch. Besides enjoying the exhibits there are places where you can take a break to relax and enjoy views of Boston Harbor. They don’t have a bag or cost check here so be prepared to take what you have with you. If you have a bag they will require you carry it to your side.

Ca
Review №62

The exhibition for me was nice but I really expected for more about this space.

Wa
Review №63

Labor Day visit. No Fee. My first visit here. This style of art was interesting to view. New for me. I prefer a more classic style. The artist bios focused on what was the motivation behind much of their work.

Jo
Review №64

We went while half of it was under construction and they were also in the middle of their exhibit changeovers. Still a full price ticket for about 10 minutes worth of exhibits. Not sure if its worth the trip normally but it certainly wasnt when we went. At least theres a free coat check and plenty of other stuff to do in the seaport

Ro
Review №65

The ICA is always a fun place to see art and the city, great views of Boston and the ocean from the big windows. An excellent family trip.

D.
Review №66

Love the ICA right in Seaport. Saw it’s construction phase through its completion. After your tour, go outside and sit on the stairs and take in the views of the ocean and ships coming from and going to the harbour.

Ps
Review №67

Fantastic! Loved Kusamas work and other exhibits.

Ad
Review №68

I am a Boston native, history in the performing and visual arts, and I am most critical of the aforementioned. I KNOW that the ICA was a big deal and people were so very excited when they broke ground... But, I mean... The space lacks soul. Its boxes stacked on boxes with a weird little box jammed in one of the other boxes at an angle. Also, the recent seaport developments has hidden the building from the area. Whats the point? You cant appreciate the architecture unless youre on a boat.The staff is great, the galleries a open and bright and the natural light is superb... And they dont force you to exit through thr gift shop! A gift shop, by the way, that has an absolutely BANGING 60% off clearance shelf.Worth a visit, but dont expect to be able to spend a whole day here.

D
Review №69

The ICA curators do an unbelievable job of keeping a rotation of interesting and often interactive exhibits. They also make themselves accessible but keep the experience elevated.

Lu
Review №70

A great experience.

Su
Review №71

Awesome place. My kids loved the scavenger hunt!

Ki
Review №72

On my short trip to Boston (Nov 11th and 12th) i was able to visit ICA Boston to check out Yayoi Kusama “Love is calling” exhibit.I saw the same exhibit in NYC 7 years ago bot i will never get tired of it. Amazing artist, incredible exhibit.I recommend anyone to enjoy one or more of her exhibits soon!

De
Review №73

Nice museum with changing exhibits. Everything is contemporary, so you must like current trends in art. Very little, if any, traditional styles.

To
Review №74

The Boston Institute of a contemporary art is quite the museum. It has great works from many artists in rotation and the view is just spectacular. It hosts a free Thursday, where you can enter the museum for free from 5 pm till close on certain Thursdays of the month. The staff is very helpful and help you with whatever needs you may have. I thoroughly enjoyed this museum with my family and we were able to discuss different pieces that we enjoyed. I don’t know the cost of entrance because as I said I went on a free Thursday (which I recommend). Great place to visit and experience all in all.

Mr
Review №75

Colorful, mesmerizing contemporary art. Though I still don’t get it as much as classical ones I quite enjoyed my visit here.

Be
Review №76

The basic admission gets you into the gallery, which is pretty small. Theres a nice view of the water, and overall Id definitely say its worth 2-3 hours of your time, and even more if you sign up for one of the classes, screenings, or premium exhibits

be
Review №77

Beautiful museum building and location right at harbour. The exhibit itself was small on our visit, just a couple of rooms in fourth floor. And one room was blocked off with a special exhibit that was sold out (would have been an extra charge). For the size of the exhibit we felt the price as too high, and not worth it.

Su
Review №78

Always an interesting take! Loved the short boat ride across the harbor to see the boatshed exhibit. The entire stroll to the boat shed is a trip in itself: Art on the street/buildings. The cafe is yummy. Try something new here and you wont be disappointed. Lots of activities. Check the Calendar. With everything going on here, a membership is a bargain!!

Ja
Review №79

Great art museum. Pretty small, so there are only a few exhibits at a time, but they are always thought provoking and worth your time. Free on Thursday nights.

G
Review №80

Lots of beautiful and inspiring art pieces here, and the views of the harbor from inside and the outside steps are just breathtaking! They also have spaces for people to make their own art. The building itself is a work of art and an architectural eye candy. The gift shop was nice but very $$$$.They have another art space across the harbor called Watershed, which you can visit for free. To get there, go to the pier just steps from this art gallery, take a 20-minute ferry ride, and then walk 10 minutes once youre on the other side. Allot an extra 1.5 hours if you plan to go there. The ferry ride is included in their admission fee, so be sure to buy admission tickets before boarding.

Ro
Review №81

Amazing space and great for both art lover and family just to have fun!

Ja
Review №82

Well organized museum with a variety of exhibits that tickle the brain. Mind-expanding artwork. Very good intellectual stimulation while in Boston.

An
Review №83

Their current exhibition is very moving. Specifically, the video installation

Pe
Review №84

Cute gift shop and events!

Dr
Review №85

Located in seaport area. Great collection of paintings and art. Excellent souvenir store. Love music. Breath taking view of the ocean. Exhibits change and therefore a great place to visit often. Free on Wednesdays

ni
Review №86

Intriguing museum I wish I would had more time to see it all.

Er
Review №87

Good collections, modern space. Feels small however, wish there was more of a continuous showing of owned pieces that you could count on seeing each time. To have all the art on one floor of such a big building seems under utilized.

Mi
Review №88

ICA offers amazing events and art. Always have a good time here. Quick shoutout to the marketing team for getting their events to my eyes and creating actual event that people want to attend. This is a great example of how you keep attention focus in the name of art. Love it. Keep up the good work everyone over there. I’ll be back!

Fa
Review №89

Which more exhibits were open but Covid

Ju
Review №90

Here for the Kusama exhibit. It was cool but a little overpriced for the length of the visit (few minutes). Furthermore the permanent exhibit is light! I loved the building and the surroundings but not really worth it :/

iv
Review №91

The achievements and influence of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston in the field of contemporary art are obvious to all. Recently, the Boston Globe named it the biggest art news of the past decade. Nice place.

Lu
Review №92

Beautiful small but mighty art institute!Great, efficient and polite staff.Very accessible.Coat check.Displayed work is well curated and relevant.Beautiful space.Dont miss the media room in the center.Amazing location!

Sk
Review №93

Amazing place to visit. I visited with my high school and classmates they were extremely welcoming and nice. Their a lot of interesting art around the whole building and is truly worth taking a weekend off to go visit this place. They have a nice place at the first floor where you can sit down and eat or just relax and enjoy the beautiful ocean view. They also have this cool shaped room where you can see the beautiful ocean.

Ar
Review №94

Theatre is great - enjoy the sea view while watching movies...

Je
Review №95

Saw the wonderful Nari Ward exhibit. Building is beautiful and modern inside, but I was expecting the space to have more exhibits, especially paying $15 to get in. It seemed like there was only a full exhibit on the 4th floor.

Al
Review №96

Nice open space with lots of helpers if you have any questions about the art. Nice views on the outside too.

CL
Review №97

Great exhibit with multimedia features and intriguing stylistic distinctions. If youre looking for a good deal, take the Water Taxi to see Purple (lands at Piers Point around the Ts Maverick Blue Line station) - admission includes your fare. Totally worth it, even in the rain.

Ka
Review №98

Excellent range of exhibits, thoughtfully curated. Lots of knowledgeable staff in the galleries as well as spaces to learn, reflect and take in the art.

Su
Review №99

Great exhibits with a beautiful view of the water. Really loved the Yayoi Kusama exhibit - if you’re visiting a popular exhibit just be sure to get tickets in advance.

Fe
Review №100

Amazing place in all respects, will not dissapoint

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:25 Harbor Shore Dr, Boston, MA 02210, United States
  • Site:https://icaboston.org/
  • Phone:+1 617-478-3100
Categories
  • Art museum
  • Museum
  • Non-profit organization
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:10am–5pm
  • Tuesday:10am–5pm
  • Wednesday:10am–9pm
  • Thursday:10am–9pm
  • Friday:10am–5pm
  • Saturday:10am–5pm
  • Sunday:Closed
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Restaurant:Yes
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