The Boston Waterfront

The Institute of Contemporary Art is located on the waterfront of one of North America’s most walkable cities. This flourishing neighborhood and burgeoning creative center is home to cultural and historic attractions such as the Children's Museum, the New England Aquarium, Fort Point, the Rafael Viñoly-designed Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, a variety of exciting restaurants, new hotels, and residences—all just a short walk from the ICA and part of a transformed, vibrant new Boston. The ICA is one of the jewels along the HarborWalk, an inviting public walkway around Boston Harbor with parks, public art, seating areas, cafes, and more.

Join in the fun by participating in Summer on the Waterfront! Summer on the Waterfront is a festival linking the cultural institutions, restaurants, shops and neighborhoods over the three miles of Boston Waterfront stretching from Charlestown to South Boston. Running through Monday, September 3 (Labor Day), Summer on the Waterfront offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors of all ages, including firing a cannon at the USS Constitution Museum, exploring the exquisite sculpture of master glass-blower Josiah McElheny at the ICA, meeting a sea lion at the New England Aquarium, and learning about Native American families at Boston Children’s museum. Be sure to participate in the interactive SVNGR trek – an education and fun waterfront game that engages visitors in a series of location-based challenges they can do as they explore the area. To learn more about Summer on the Waterfront and see a full calendar of events, please visit www.SummerOnTheWaterfront.org.

The ICA is within walking distance to the downtown Financial District and the MBTA’s Silver Line. If you are driving, the ICA is just two blocks from Interstate 93, the Massachusetts Turnpike, and Route 1. Water shuttles, water taxis, and excursion vessels connect Boston to the Harbor Islands, Cape Cod and the Islands, and Cape Ann.