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
[edit | edit source]Founding
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Non-Collecting Model
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Hours
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- Free: Admission is always free
Tips
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]- University of Pennsylvania (surrounding)
- Penn Museum (10-minute walk)
- 30th Street Station (15-minute walk)
- University City, Philadelphia
Programs
[edit | edit source]Educational Programs
[edit | edit source]- Gallery talks and tours
- Artist lectures
- Symposia and discussions
- Student programs
Publications
[edit | edit source]The ICA produces:
- Exhibition catalogs
- Artist monographs
- Critical essays
- Online content
Artists
[edit | edit source]The ICA supports artists through:
- Commissions
- Catalog production
- Residencies and studio visits
- Career development
See Also
[edit | edit source]- University of Pennsylvania
- University City, Philadelphia
- Penn Museum
- Contemporary Art in Philadelphia
References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "About ICA". Institute of Contemporary Art. Retrieved December 30, 2025
- ↑ "Institute of Contemporary Art". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 30, 2025