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Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston (ICA)

25 Harbor Shore Dr, Boston, MA 02210 · Boston, MA

Why you should go…

Cantilevered dramatically over the water in the Seaport District, the ICA pairs rotating exhibitions of contemporary painting, sculpture, video, and performance with a building that is itself a showpiece, its glass-walled Founders Gallery hangs directly above the harbor. The waterfront theater hosts live music and dance, and the outdoor grandstand steps are a favorite spot to watch boats pass. Admission is free every Thursday evening from 5 to 9 pm, and visitors 18 and under always enter free.

  • #contemporary art
  • #seaport
  • #harbor
  • #modern
  • #gallery

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Institute of Contemporary Art / Boston (ICA), ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Tours
    Iconic

    Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships

    $50+

    Sail Boston Harbor aboard a traditional tall ship, hoisting sail alongside the crew.

    Right next doorSwitch it up: Tours

  • Museums
    Family favorite

    Boston Children's Museum

    Under $25

    Three floors of hands-on play in a Fort Point warehouse, climb the three-story maze, blow giant bubbles, and step inside a real Kyoto silk merchant's house.

    0.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

    $25–$50

    Board a full-scale tea ship, hurl tea into the harbor, and relive the night that sparked a revolution.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    New England Aquarium

    $25–$50

    Circle the four-story Giant Ocean Tank, meet playful penguins and sea turtles right on Boston's waterfront.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    The Sports Museum

    Under $25

    Boston sports history museum inside TD Garden.

    1.3 mi awayMore like this

  • Museums
    History Buff

    USS Constitution & USS Constitution Museum

    Free

    Step aboard Old Ironsides, the world's oldest commissioned warship still afloat, in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

    1.5 mi awayMore like this