Editing Institute of Contemporary Art

{{Infobox Museum
| name = Institute of Contemporary Art
| image =
| image_caption = Institute of Contemporary Art at Penn
| type = Contemporary art museum
| address = 118 South 36th Street
| neighborhood = University City
| coordinates = 39.9530,-75.1940
| phone = (215) 898-7108
| website = https://icaphila.org
| established = 1963
| founder = University of Pennsylvania
| director = Amy Sadao
| collections = Contemporary art (non-collecting)
| visitors = 50,000+ annually
| hours = Wed-Sun 11 AM - 6 PM
}}

'''The Institute of Contemporary Art''' (ICA) is a non-collecting contemporary art museum at the [[University of Pennsylvania]] in [[University City, Philadelphia|University City]]. As a non-collecting institution, the ICA focuses entirely on presenting new work and emerging ideas in contemporary art through ambitious exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. Since its founding in '''1963''', the ICA has been at the forefront of contemporary art, presenting first museum exhibitions for artists who would become major figures including Andy Warhol, Laurie Anderson, and Robert Mapplethorpe.<ref name="ica">{{cite web |url=https://icaphila.org/about/ |title=About ICA |publisher=Institute of Contemporary Art |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

The ICA occupies a striking building designed by architect Adèle Naudé Santos, with 8,000 square feet of flexible gallery space. Free admission (supported by the university and donors) ensures that contemporary art is accessible to all. The museum's program focuses on emerging artists, new commissions, and exhibitions that push boundaries and generate dialogue about art and society.<ref name="visit">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/institute-of-contemporary-art-at-penn/ |title=Institute of Contemporary Art |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 30, 2025}}</ref>

== 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.

== Exhibitions ==

=== Non-Collecting Model ===

As a non-collecting institution, the ICA:
* Focuses resources on presenting new work
* Takes risks on emerging and mid-career artists
* Commissions new projects
* Develops traveling exhibitions
* Publishes catalogs and artist monographs

=== Exhibition Program ===

The ICA typically presents 4-6 exhibitions per year:
* Solo exhibitions of emerging and established artists
* Thematic group exhibitions
* New commissions and site-specific work
* Video, performance, and time-based media

=== Recent and Notable Exhibitions ===

The ICA has presented important exhibitions exploring:
* Identity and representation
* Technology and new media
* Social and political issues
* Conceptual and process-based art
* Philadelphia and regional artists

== Visiting the ICA ==

=== Hours ===

* '''Wednesday-Friday:''' 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
* '''Saturday-Sunday:''' 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
* '''Closed:''' Monday and Tuesday
* Closed between exhibitions (check website)

=== Admission ===

* '''Free:''' Admission is always free

=== Tips ===

* Allow 1 hour for a visit
* Check the website for current exhibitions before visiting
* The ICA may be closed between exhibitions
* Contemporary art can be challenging—be open to new ideas
* Gallery talks and tours available (check schedule)

=== Getting There ===

* '''SEPTA Trolley:''' Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36 (36th Street stop)
* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 21, 30, 42
* '''LUCY:''' University City shuttle
* '''Walking:''' On Penn campus at 36th and Sansom Streets
* '''Parking:''' Penn parking garages nearby

=== Location ===

Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus in University City, the ICA is at 36th and Sansom Streets, near the main campus entrance.

=== Nearby Attractions ===

* [[University of Pennsylvania]] (surrounding)
* [[Penn Museum]] (10-minute walk)
* [[30th Street Station]] (15-minute walk)
* [[University City, Philadelphia]]

== Programs ==

=== Educational Programs ===

* Gallery talks and tours
* Artist lectures
* Symposia and discussions
* Student programs

=== Publications ===

The ICA produces:
* Exhibition catalogs
* Artist monographs
* Critical essays
* Online content

=== Artists ===

The ICA supports artists through:
* Commissions
* Catalog production
* Residencies and studio visits
* Career development

== See Also ==

* [[University of Pennsylvania]]
* [[University City, Philadelphia]]
* [[Penn Museum]]
* [[Contemporary Art in Philadelphia]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==

* [https://icaphila.org Institute of Contemporary Art Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/attractions/institute-of-contemporary-art-at-penn/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]

{{#seo:
|title=Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia - ICA at Penn
|description=Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania. Free admission to cutting-edge contemporary art exhibitions. Where Andy Warhol had his first museum show.
|keywords=Institute of Contemporary Art, ICA Philadelphia, contemporary art museum, University of Pennsylvania, free art museum, modern art Philadelphia, University City, Penn ICA
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Museums]]
[[Category:Art Institutions]]
[[Category:University City]]
[[Category:University of Pennsylvania]]
[[Category:Contemporary Art]]