Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question that isn't answered here? Call Visitor Services at 617-478-3100

Is the ICA accessible to visitors with disabilities and special needs?
The ICA is fully wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair seating and assistive listening devices are available in the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater; please call the box office at 617-478-3103 in advance to make a request. If you need further assistance, including sign language interpretation, please contact the box office at least two weeks in advance of the program.

Are strollers permitted?
Baby strollers are permitted at all times.

Is there coat/bag storage?
The ICA requires visitors to check backpacks of any size, shopping bags, and bags 11 x 14 inches (28 x 35.5 cm) or larger. To avoid a lengthy wait in the checkroom line, visitors should not bring such items. The museum reserves the right to refuse other items and is not responsible for items held by the checkroom.

Are there changing tables?
For your convenience, changing stations are located in both the men's and women's restrooms on the first and fourth floors.

Is parking available at the ICA?
The ICA does not have a parking garage. There is affordable parking in the area, but fewer spots may be available in lots immediately adjacent to the ICA after 5 pm. There is some on-street parking.

May I take photographs at the ICA?
Photography is permitted in the public areas of the museum. There is no photography permitted in the galleries, theater, or mediatheque without prior consent from the ICA.

May I use my cell phone in the ICA?
Please be considerate when using a cell phone; step into the nearest public area when making or answering a call. Please do not take a call in the galleries, theater, or mediatheque.

Use of cell phones in the galleries is permitted for accessing free Audio Commentary. Please respect the viewing experience of others by setting your phone to "silent," refraining from cell phone conversations, photography, or use of speakerphone in the galleries.

How do I schedule a school or group tour?
The ICA offers both guided and self-guided tours for adults, college students, school, and community groups. Click here for more information about group visits.

How are artists chosen to present their work at the ICA?
The ICA aims to present the most significant contemporary art to Boston audiences, therefore opportunities for inclusion in our exhibitions are very limited and highly competitive.  ICA curators consider works from local, national, and international sources including commercial galleries, museums, private collections, and art fairs.

How can I inform the ICA about my work?
Artists or their representatives may submit documentation of their work to update our Curatorial Department.  Please note: With the growth of interest in the ICA, we are unable to accommodate submissions that fall outside our guidelines or solicitations made in-person, via e-mail, by fax or by phone.  Due to the volume of submissions to the Curatorial Department, responses to and/or return of your materials may take six months or longer.  We appreciate your patience.

Artist Submissions should include the following:
• Cover Letter
• Résumé
• Artist Statement and up to 2 articles of reviews or press coverage if desired
• Representation of work in the following formats:
   • Slides (limit 1 sheet)
   • CD (limit 20 labeled jpeg images)
   • DVD (limit 10 minutes of time-based material)
   • Web-based projects may be presented in the cover letter with a URL
     address.
• Self-addressed, stamped envelope if materials are to be returned

Please do not send original artworks—we cannot take responsibility for such submissions.  

Materials may be mailed to the following address:
Curatorial Department
The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210

Does the ICA accept donations of art?
The ICA is unable to accept donations of art outside the parameters of this collection policy:

Guided by the mandate to build a record of the museum's exhibition program with a 21st-century focus, we consider for accession only work by artists featured in ICA exhibitions since 2000.

Thank you for your continuing interest in the ICA.