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Institute of Contemporary Art

Art Museum
Seaport District, Boston
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8.2/10
668
ratings
  • Stars
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    Siân L.
    "Sit and look at the amazing view up on the 4th Floor"(7 Tips)
    Lauren L.
    "Thursday night free admission is worth taking advantage of."(7 Tips)
    Jeanie N.
    "Amazing outdoor deck overlooking Boston harbor"(5 Tips)
    Sonya S.
    "Take a few minutes to relax and enjoy the view of the harbor."(30 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon120 Tips and reviews
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  • Ms H.
    Ms HeleneMay 28, 2016
    $15 adults, views inside and outside, top class exhibits, helpful and knowledgeable staff and free mobile guides
    Upvoted 4 weeks ago
  • Katerina K.heart icon on user image
    Katerina KouriatiOctober 7, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    I love this place. Right on the sea with great views and the fact that is so small makes it so much more appealing. I cannot say same for its coffee shop: Stuff not courteous, bad coffee.
  • Jess B.heart icon on user image
    Jess BennettJuly 24, 2015
    Small collection, but thoughtful curation and passionate, helpful staff. Make sure you look out from the glass room on the 4th floor for a spectacular harbour view.
  • Anthony D Paul
    Anthony D PaulJanuary 1, 2013
    Despite the large building, this museum is pretty quick to get through. It is a perfect stop in between a tour of the Boston Tea Party Museum and lunch at the Barking Crab.
  • Jarrett G.
    Jarrett GoetzOctober 2, 2013
    Been here 10+ times
    Just a great museum and collection... And I believe it may be the first museum built from the ground up in Boston in about 100 years. (Need to verify.)
  • BU Today
    BU TodayMarch 6, 2014
    Don't miss the ICA's "First Friday" events after-hours on the first Friday of each month. For $15, walk the galleries, take in Harbor views and indulge with cocktails, dancing and tapas. Read more
  • Michael S.
    Michael SalesAugust 1, 2014
    It's not as big as it looks from outside-all of the art galleries are on the top floor. Some cool things to see--and yes, you may take pictures--as long as there aren't any "no pictures" signs around.
  • Meg B.
    Meg BermanNovember 10, 2018
    Situated on Boston Harbor, the ICA now has two locations. One location in the Seaport and one in East Boston. Travel between the two contemporary art museums by water taxi.
  • Gökhan E.heart icon on user image
    Gökhan EgeneNovember 15, 2019
    Beatiful..a must go..just the kusama part of the exhibition is a bit decorative and guides are smily but no so knowledgeable.
  • Lishay S.heart icon on user image
    Lishay ShechterSeptember 27, 2015
    The building is amazing. Interesting exhibitions. Took the free tour on free Thursday evening. Was interesting and made the gist to the museum even better.
  • Edwin H.heart icon on user image
    Edwin HennekenSeptember 22, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    My favorite museum in Boston. In addition to great art, wonderful knowledgeable staff, the museum also offers a awesome view on the Boston harbor!
  • Nicole A.
    Nicole AptekarSeptember 19, 2014
    Architecturally lovely viewing spaces, a great collection, and friendly staff. I come here every time I'm in Boston.
  • The Feast
    The FeastJune 9, 2011
    Not only does the ICA have free admission on Thursday evenings, but they've also got top notch performances from world class dancers and artist talks. Great place for a first date. Read more
  • Aliheart icon on user image
    AliJanuary 30, 2020
    Among the more daring art institutions in Boston. Still conservative compared to NYC and specially LA.
  • InterContinental Hotels & Resorts
    Continuing along the waterfront you will encounter the stunning Institute of Contemporary Art, a visionary museum that captures the stimulation of contemporary culture: a must-visit for aficionados. Read more
  • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    Consider visiting during the day so you can see the art in the museum’s best light, & at night, to take in the building’s glow as its own vibrant piece of art. -- Green Guide Editor
  • Eric A.heart icon on user image
    Eric AndersenNovember 24, 2012
    Don't miss the gorgeous views of Boston Harbor on the north side of the 4th floor!
  • BU Today
    BU TodaySeptember 27, 2013
    The museum offers a showcase of contemporary art & media. Admission is free Thursday nights plus on the first Friday of the month, the ICA features guest DJs, gallery talks, and live performances. Read more
  • Nicholas
    NicholasOctober 29, 2014
    I haven't yet been (as of Oct 29, 2014), but I'm sure it's good. This museum has a fantastic wooden patio/amplitheater on the backend looking outwards towards Boston Harbor.
  • Constantin W.heart icon on user image
    Constantin WOctober 13, 2018
    Very good 4th floor, but a bit short of exhibits for the entrance fee!
  • Nick B.heart icon on user image
    Nick BergusAugust 21, 2016
    Lovely views of the harbor. Smaller on the inside than it looks, with uneven shows. (My favorite game: art or "art"?)
  • Otel.com
    Otel.comSeptember 13, 2011
    The architecture of this place is as interesting as the wide array of works and activities inside. After seeing exhibits have coffee and pastries at the Water Café by Wolfgang Puck.
  • BU Today
    BU TodayJune 26, 2013
    The work of notable San Francisco graffitist Barry McGee (tag name "Twist") will be on display through September 2. Check it out Thursday nights after 5 pm and admission is free! Read more
  • Thas S.heart icon on user image
    Thas SethJune 25, 2017
    Been here 5+ times
    New contemporary and interpretive installations. If you want modern and provacative art, come to the ICA.
  • Shermans Travel
    Shermans TravelAugust 9, 2012
    Take the elevator to the light-soaked galleries on the top floor. You may not like everything up there, but it will certainly get you talking. Don't leave without a visit to the gift shop. Read more
  • Nick M.
    Nick MarmorApril 27, 2010
    It is a great place to check out contemporary art in Boston. They always have great exhibits and cool events going on. Great place to check out great views of the Harbor, especially from the cafe Read more
  • Lauren L.
    Lauren LachsAugust 8, 2012
    Thursday night free admission is worth taking advantage of. Beautiful views and location.
  • bart c.heart icon on user image
    bart colletMarch 14, 2020
    Small exposition (expected much more) but interesting Kusama exhibit and great view on the Boston inner harbor
  • Jeanie N.heart icon on user image
    Jeanie NguyenJuly 28, 2015
    Def go Thursday night for free entry. Amazing outdoor deck overlooking Boston harbor
  • Luke M.heart icon on user image
    Luke MooreJuly 8, 2013
    If you're not going on Thurs night, be sure to take your student ID since you get a discount. Great views from the cafe area, but the food is overpriced for its quality.
  • Eric A.heart icon on user image
    Eric AndersenNovember 24, 2012
    The Os Gemeos exhibit is intriguing and beautiful! A permanent mural can be seen in Dewey Square…
  • Rue La La
    Rue La LaSeptember 5, 2012
    Take advantage of some of the city's best contemporary art with ever-changing exhibits and a stunning view of the water.
  • Big Sister Association of Greater Boston
    A great place to take your Little Sister. Admission: free for under 18s, students $10, seniors $13, & $15 for everyone else. Don't miss the views in the Mediatheque room or the Founder's Gallery.
  • Jodz C.
    Jodz CasabananaOctober 6, 2010
    The building and view are as much art as any exhibit you might catch. Take a tour with the lovely docent Rebecca and think outside the box a little. Love this museum!!
  • Stevie P.
    Stevie P.September 12, 2014
    I really wanted to love this place but it was pretty dull. I went for free on Thursday and glad I didn't spend the money. The shop was more interesting.
  • Anthony V.
    Anthony VDecember 18, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    The ICA proved that Boston could be a home to both contemporary art and contemporary architecture. It was the first major building for Diller, Scofidio + Renfro of NYC.
  • James R.heart icon on user image
    James RemeikaFebruary 17, 2016
    The permanent collection never disappoints, and the views are fantastic.
  • Thrillist
    ThrillistApril 29, 2011
    Check out the violin turntable in “The Record” – a contemporary vinyl art exhibit open till September, featuring over 100 works from 40 international artists. No fedora or Ray-Bans required for entry. Read more
  • Lindsey N.
    Lindsey NakhoulJuly 26, 2013
    Love this place especially when you come at 5pm on Thursdays and you can get in to the 4th floor gallery for free.
  • Dominique L.heart icon on user image
    Dominique LecomteMarch 8, 2015
    The best part is the view from the 4th floor, then the exhibitions, often challenging
  • Corinne K.
    Corinne KangJune 9, 2013
    Excellent views of the harbour. Great place for reflection.
  • Barb S.
    Barb SegMarMarch 23, 2013
    Be sure to speak to the gallery assistants. They are a wealth of information and very cool people!
  • Shannon H.heart icon on user image
    Shannon HallbergJanuary 9, 2015
    This was a small, but intriguing museum for contemporary art. Definitely a place to check out.
  • Tingheart icon on user image
    TingAugust 1, 2015
    Beautiful museum by Diller+ Scofidio based in NY. Definitely one of the top sights in Boston. Free entry every Thursday from 5pm onwards. Thurs tour starts at 6pm. Great to see a thriving arts venue.
  • Sabrina W.heart icon on user image
    Sabrina WangMarch 27, 2016
    Small exhibition space but interesting architecture with a view to the river.
  • Bryanna V.heart icon on user image
    Bryanna VidalJune 28, 2016
    The ocean veiw, the collection everything is wonderful
  • Rachel D.
    Rachel DixonFebruary 19, 2012
    Been here 5+ times
    The real gem here is in the performances and films the ICA hosts. Check out the world class dance schedule.
  • Lumina G.
    Lumina GershfieldJuly 31, 2010
    Been here 5+ times
    The last Saturday of every month is a PlayDate, free admission for families with children under 12 and free artmaking activities in the ArtLab.
  • Monica P.heart icon on user image
    Monica PaezJanuary 13, 2017
    Great exhibits, beautiful space and view.
  • Sofia U.heart icon on user image
    Sofia UzAugust 15, 2017
    Best enjoyed on of of free days, views are gorgeous
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