Institute of Contemporary Art: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 21:12, 30 December 2025

Institute of Contemporary Art

Type	Contemporary art museum
Address	118 South 36th Street
Map	View on Google Maps
Neighborhood	University City
Phone	(215) 898-7108
Website	Official site
Established	1963
Founder	University of Pennsylvania
Director	Amy Sadao
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. 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.^[1]

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.^[2]

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

References

↑ "About ICA". Institute of Contemporary Art. Retrieved December 30, 2025
↑ "Institute of Contemporary Art". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025

External Links

[ica-1] "About ICA". Institute of Contemporary Art. Retrieved December 30, 2025

[visit-2] "Institute of Contemporary Art". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{Infobox Museum
 | name = Institute of Contemporary Art
+| image =
+| image_caption = Institute of Contemporary Art at Penn
 | type = Contemporary art museum
-| address = 118 S 36th Street
+| 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
-| admission = Free
+| director = Amy Sadao
-| hours = Wed-Sun 11am-6pm
+| collections = Contemporary art (non-collecting)
-| public_transit = SEPTA trolley 34, 36
+| visitors = 50,000+ annually
-| architect = Adèle Naudé Santos (1991 building)
+| 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]]. Founded in 1963, ICA has been a leading venue for contemporary art, presenting groundbreaking exhibitions including Andy Warhol's first museum show and introducing artists who later became major figures.<ref name="ica">{{cite web |url=https://icaphila.org |title=Institute of Contemporary Art |publisher=ICA |access-date=December 23, 2025}}</ref>
+'''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 ==
@@ Line 20: / Line 25: @@
 === Founding ===
-ICA was founded in 1963 as part of the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Fine Arts. Unlike traditional museums, ICA does not maintain a permanent collection—it focuses entirely on presenting new and experimental contemporary art.
+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.
-=== Andy Warhol ===
+=== First Museum Exhibitions ===
-ICA gained national attention in 1965 by hosting '''Andy Warhol's first museum exhibition'''. The show attracted massive crowds and established ICA's reputation for identifying important artists before mainstream recognition.
+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)
-=== Current Building ===
+=== The Building ===
-The current building, designed by Adèle Naudé Santos, opened in 1991. The bold postmodern structure provides flexible gallery spaces for changing exhibitions.
+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 ==
-=== Focus ===
+=== Non-Collecting Model ===
-ICA presents:
+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
-* Emerging and established contemporary artists
+=== Exhibition Program ===
-* Experimental and challenging work
-* Philadelphia-area artists
+The ICA typically presents 4-6 exhibitions per year:
-* International perspectives
+* Solo exhibitions of emerging and established artists
 * Thematic group exhibitions
+* New commissions and site-specific work
+* Video, performance, and time-based media
-=== Notable Past Shows ===
+=== Recent and Notable Exhibitions ===
-* Andy Warhol (1965) — First museum show
+The ICA has presented important exhibitions exploring:
-* Laurie Anderson
+* Identity and representation
-* Robert Mapplethorpe
+* Technology and new media
-* Kara Walker
+* Social and political issues
-* Numerous Philadelphia artists
+* Conceptual and process-based art
+* Philadelphia and regional artists
-=== Non-Collecting Model ===
+== 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
-Unlike the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Barnes Foundation, ICA does not acquire works for a permanent collection. Every exhibition is temporary, allowing complete flexibility and focus on the new.
+=== Tips ===
-== The Building ==
+* 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)
-Adèle Naudé Santos designed the 1991 building:
+=== Getting There ===
-* 14,000 square feet
+* '''SEPTA Trolley:''' Routes 10, 11, 13, 34, 36 (36th Street stop)
-* Flexible gallery spaces
+* '''SEPTA Bus:''' Routes 21, 30, 42
-* Bold postmodern exterior
+* '''LUCY:''' University City shuttle
-* Natural light integration
+* '''Walking:''' On Penn campus at 36th and Sansom Streets
-* Street-level visibility
+* '''Parking:''' Penn parking garages nearby
-== Programs ==
+=== Location ===
-* Artist talks and lectures
+Located on the University of Pennsylvania campus in University City, the ICA is at 36th and Sansom Streets, near the main campus entrance.
-* Curator-led tours
-* University courses
-* Community programs
-* Publications
-== Visiting ==
+=== Nearby Attractions ===
-{| class="wikitable"
+* [[University of Pennsylvania]] (surrounding)
-|-
+* [[Penn Museum]] (10-minute walk)
-! Detail !! Information
+* [[30th Street Station]] (15-minute walk)
-|-
+* [[University City, Philadelphia]]
-| '''Hours''' || Wed-Sun 11am-6pm
-|-
-| '''Admission''' || Free
-|-
-| '''Address''' || 118 S 36th Street
-|-
-| '''Time needed''' || 30-60 minutes
-|-
-| '''Note''' || Exhibitions change regularly—check website
-|}
-== Getting There ==
+== Programs ==
-* '''SEPTA Trolley''' — Routes 34, 36 to 36th Street
+=== Educational Programs ===
-* '''SEPTA Bus''' — Routes 21, 42
-* '''Walking''' — On Penn campus at 36th and Sansom
-* '''Parking''' — Penn garages, street parking
-== Frequently Asked Questions ==
+* Gallery talks and tours
+* Artist lectures
+* Symposia and discussions
+* Student programs
-{{FAQ
+=== Publications ===
-|q1=Is ICA free?
-|a1=Yes, admission to the Institute of Contemporary Art is always free. This is consistent with ICA's mission to make contemporary art accessible to everyone.
-|q2=What is at ICA right now?
+The ICA produces:
-|a2=ICA exhibitions change regularly. Because ICA does not have a permanent collection, every visit shows different work. Check the website for current exhibitions before visiting.
+* Exhibition catalogs
+* Artist monographs
+* Critical essays
+* Online content
-|q3=Did Andy Warhol have his first show at ICA?
+=== Artists ===
-|a3=Yes, ICA hosted Andy Warhol's first museum exhibition in 1965, before he achieved widespread fame. The show drew enormous crowds and established ICA's reputation for identifying important emerging artists.
-|q4=Is ICA connected to Penn?
+The ICA supports artists through:
-|a4=Yes, ICA is part of the University of Pennsylvania and is located on the Penn campus in University City. It was founded in 1963 as part of Penn's Graduate School of Fine Arts.
+* Commissions
-}}
+* Catalog production
+* Residencies and studio visits
+* Career development
 == See Also ==
-* [[University City]]
 * [[University of Pennsylvania]]
-* [[Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts]]
+* [[University City, Philadelphia]]
-* [[Fabric Workshop and Museum]]
+* [[Penn Museum]]
+* [[Contemporary Art in Philadelphia]]
 == References ==
@@ Line 124: / Line 149: @@
 == External Links ==
-* [https://icaphila.org Official Website]
+* [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 (ICA) - Free Contemporary Art at Penn
+|title=Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia - ICA at Penn
-|description=The Institute of Contemporary Art at the University of Pennsylvania presents cutting-edge contemporary art. Andy Warhol's first museum show was held here in 1965. Free admission.
+|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=ICA Philadelphia, Institute of Contemporary Art, contemporary art museum, University of Pennsylvania, Andy Warhol first show, free museum Philadelphia
+|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 Museums]]
+[[Category:Art Institutions]]
 [[Category:University City]]
 [[Category:University of Pennsylvania]]
+[[Category:Contemporary Art]]