The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) is a free contemporary art museum at 118 S 36th St on the University of Pennsylvania campus in West Philadelphia. Its changing exhibitions bring together artists and work that can challenge how you think about art, technology, nature and society. Inside, expect a bright, open gallery setting and shows that may include painting, sculpture, video, installation or performance. ICA has no permanent collection, so what you see changes. The museum is also known for presenting artists who are underrepresented or early in their careers.
Changing exhibitions, not a permanent collection
ICA opened in 1963 and is part of the University of Pennsylvania. It does not keep a permanent collection. Instead, its galleries change with each exhibition cycle, so the works on view depend on when you visit. Check the museum’s website ahead of time for current exhibitions; ICA can also close while galleries are being changed over.
The program can cover painting, sculpture, video, installation, performance and other forms of contemporary art. Past exhibitions have included work by David Antonio Cruz and Carl Cheng, alongside group shows that bring different artists and ideas into the same visit. The bright, open galleries give the exhibitions room to take different shapes.
A history of first museum exhibitions
ICA has a record of introducing artists to museum audiences. In 1965, it presented Andy Warhol’s first solo museum exhibition. The museum has also shown artists including Robert Mapplethorpe, Laurie Anderson, Cy Twombly and Agnes Martin. Its program continues to focus on contemporary work, including artists who are underrepresented, emerging or less widely recognized.
That history makes a visit about more than seeing familiar names. An exhibition might bring together intricate objects, large sculptures or moving images, and the ideas can be as important as the materials. Read the information in the galleries to follow the artists’ themes and approaches.
Getting to the galleries
The museum is at 118 S 36th St on the University of Pennsylvania campus. The galleries are wheelchair accessible, with an accessible entrance, elevator and restrooms. Staff can help with questions about the exhibitions, and tours are available.
Admission is free. If you are driving, allow time to find parking: street parking near the campus can be difficult, and a nearby lot may mean a short walk. The campus also has cafes and green spaces, which you can combine with a visit to ICA.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is the Institute of Contemporary Art free?
Yes. Admission is free.
What can you see at the ICA?
The museum presents changing contemporary art exhibitions. Depending on what is on view, the work may include painting, sculpture, video, installation or performance.
How long do you need at the ICA?
The available information does not specify a typical visit length. Check the current exhibitions before you go to decide how much time to set aside.
Is the Institute of Contemporary Art wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The museum has an accessible entrance, elevator and restrooms.
