Editing Institute of Contemporary Art (section)

== History ==

=== Founding ===

The Institute of Contemporary Art was founded in '''1963''' at the University of Pennsylvania with a mission to present the most innovative and challenging art of our time. From the beginning, the ICA has operated as a non-collecting institution, focusing resources on exhibitions rather than acquisitions.

=== The Warhol Exhibition ===

In '''1965''', the ICA presented '''Andy Warhol's first museum exhibition''', a watershed moment that helped establish Pop Art in the mainstream art world. The exhibition drew enormous crowds and controversy, establishing the ICA's reputation for presenting groundbreaking art.

=== First Museum Exhibitions ===

The ICA has presented first museum exhibitions for many artists who later became major figures:
* '''Andy Warhol''' (1965)
* '''Robert Mapplethorpe''' (1978)
* '''Laurie Anderson''' (1983)
* '''Agnes Martin''' (1973)
* '''Cy Twombly''' (1975)

=== The Building ===

The ICA moved to its current building, designed by '''Adèle Naudé Santos''', in '''1991'''. The flexible gallery spaces accommodate a wide range of artistic practices.