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Welcome back

Advance tickets are required. See new safety protocols and visitor guidelines and what you need to know before you arrive. Get tickets now

Please note

Select galleries are currently closed for the installation of i'm yours: Encounters with Art in Our Times, opening Nov 18.

What to expect on your visit

The ICA is now open with new health and safety protocols in place.

Per state guidelines, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts from high-risk states must quarantine for 14 days upon arrival or produce a negative COVID test. The ICA requests visitors adhere to these policies. Learn more.

To support physical distancing, a limited number of visitors will be admitted per hour. Advance timed tickets are required to allow for contactless entry; visitors may arrive anytime during their designated time slot and stay until museum closing time. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing. Secure tickets now

Spaces that do not allow for physical distancing, including The Bank of America Art Lab, Poss Family Mediatheque, and Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater, will be closed until further notice.

In consideration of the health and safety of all visitors and staff, we ask visitors to observe the following measures:

	— All staff and visitors must wear face coverings in accordance with state and local regulations.
	— Please maintain physical distancing of 6 feet or more between yourself and fellow visitors and staff at all times.
	— Frequent hand washing is encouraged. Hand sanitizing stations have been installed throughout the museum; we ask that visitors refrain from using their own gels, sprays, or other liquids while in the galleries.
	— We have increased cleaning of the museum, especially high-touch areas. All ICA staff have completed training in physical distancing and hygiene protocols.
	— For the safety of all, bag and coat check is currently closed; bags must be 11 x 14 or smaller.
	— Visitors are asked to refrain from consuming food and drink inside the museum at this time.

— To reduce contamination risk, exhibition labels and all printed educational, accessibility, and other materials will be made available online at icaboston.org/welcome.

— All on-site programs and activities, including group tours, are suspended until further notice. See upcoming virtual programming.

— Elevator capacity will be limited to allow for physical distancing. We kindly ask guests who are able to consider using the stairs to access the fourth-floor galleries.

— Wheelchairs and gallery stools will be available upon request and will be cleaned regularly.

By entering, visitors agree to comply with ICA policies, guidelines, and rules, including but not limited to wearing a face covering, adhering to 6 ft physical distancing guidelines, and providing information for contact tracing purposes. Visitors to the ICA are personally responsible for their safety and actions. Because the ICA is open to the public, there is a risk of contracting COVID-19 even while complying with ICA-enforced guidelines from the CDC, the state, and the city of Boston.

In addition to these special measures, regular visitor policies continue to apply. The ICA is committed to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all at the museum and on its digital platforms. The ICA has a zero tolerance policy for racist and harassing behavior, and reserves the right to remove from museum premises or platforms any person acting in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner.

Read reopening protocol overview

Hours

Tue 10 AM–5 PM
Wed 10 AM–5 PM
Thu 10 AM–9 PM
Fri 10 AM–9 PM*
Sat 10 AM–5 PM
Sun 10 AM–5 PM
Closed Mondays

Holidays

Open

We are open on the following national holidays when admission is FREE for all: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Closed

The ICA is closed on Patriot’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.

The ICA is supported in part by a grant from the Barr Foundation and by the Mass Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Arts

Official Hotel Partner

Admission

ICA members: Free
Youth 18 and under: Free
General Admission: $15
Seniors (60+): $13
Students: $10
Students, faculty, and staff of ICA university members: Free

Timed tickets are required for all visitors to maintain physical distancing.
Groups, including self-guided groups, are now limited to 8 people or less to facilitate physical distancing.

Buy now

University members! Reserve your free admission tickets here
Corporate members! Reserve your free admission tickets here

Free Thursday Nights

Admission is FREE for all every Thursday from 5 to 9 PM during ICA Free Thursday Nights. Timed tickets are required for free days and nights. Timed tickets for Free Thursday Nights become available at 10 AM the morning of.

Free Admission for Youth

Youth 18 and under always receive FREE museum admission. The ICA is committed to providing access to the art and artists of our time—and we do this with the incredible support of our community.

Converse is committed to supporting movements for positive social change and amplifying youth voices as they build the future they believe in.

Play Dates (last Saturday of the month)

When accompanied by kids 12 and under during Play Dates (the last Saturday of every month except December), up to 2 adults per family admitted free. Please note that while Play Date programming at the museum is currently suspended, virtual Play Dates are now happening online on the last Friday of the month (except December). Check out our calendar for more information.

ICA Kids and Family programs are supported, in part, by Vivien and Alan Hassenfeld, the Hassenfeld Family Foundation, the Willow Tree Fund, Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and the Raymond T. & Ann T. Mancini Family Foundation.

Additional discounted rates

American Federation of Teachers: $8
Blue Star Families: FREE Armed Forces Day to Labor Day
EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer): FREE for one person – please note children 17 and under are always FREE
MTA (Massachusetts Teachers Association): $8
Recipients of federal disability assistance (SSDI, SSI, VA benefits, etc), plus one personal care attendant per visitor: FREE
Discount passes also available at select area libraries

Discounts apply to general admission and listed events only, not ticketed performances or events, and can be applied on-site only.

Directions

25 Harbor Shore Drive
Boston, MA 02210
617-478-3100

Located on Boston Harbor in the city’s dynamic Seaport district, the ICA is within walking distance from downtown Boston and is easily accessible by public transportation, car, bike, or water taxi. Parking options have recently changed; see below for a range of options. Please be aware that parking availability is limited, especially on weekdays. We encourage visitors to use public transportation whenever possible.

By public transportation

Take the MBTA Red Line to South Station and transfer to the Silver Line Waterfront. The ICA is a short walk from either the World Trade Center or the Courthouse station.

From World Trade Center Station
Exit left onto Congress Street. Walk one block to the corner of B Street and turn right, crossing Congress Street. Follow B Street for one block. At the corner of B Street and Seaport Boulevard cross the street and turn left. At the next corner, turn right onto Northern Avenue. Make your first right on Harbor Shore Drive, which leads directly to the ICA.

From Courthouse Station
Exit the station onto Seaport Boulevard and follow it, walking away from downtown. Just before the first traffic light, you will see a gray building called District Hall. Turn left at District Hall and follow the sidewalk leading to Northern Avenue. Cross Northern Avenue where it intersects with One Marina Park Drive and follow the pedestrian path leading to the harbor. The ICA is located to your right.

By car

The directions below take you to the ICA. Please note that the ICA does not have parking; parking options are listed below.

From Logan International Airport + Route 1A South
Follow the signs toward I-90 West / Ted Williams Tunnel. Take the Ted Williams Tunnel to Exit 25, “South Boston.” At the top of the ramp, continue straight, crossing Congress Street, and take a left onto Northern Avenue at the next light. At the first light, take a right to stay on Northern Avenue. Make the first right onto Harbor Shore Drive to reach the ICA.

From the West, via Massachusetts Turnpike
Follow the Massachusetts Turnpike / I-90 East to Exit 25, “South Boston.” Once you are in the Exit 25 tunnel, stay left and follow sign for “Seaport Boulevard.” At the top of the ramp, continue straight, crossing Congress Street and then Seaport Boulevard onto Northern Avenue. Make the first right onto Harbor Shore Drive to reach the ICA.

From Points South, via I-93
Heading northbound on I-93 toward Boston, take Exit 20. Follow signs to I-90 East. Take the first tunnel exit to “South Boston.” At the top of the ramp, continue straight, crossing Congress Street and then Seaport Boulevard, onto Northern Avenue. Make the first right onto Harbor Shore Drive to reach the ICA.

From Points North, via I-93
Heading southbound on I-93 toward Boston, take Exit 23 for Purchase Street. Stay in the left lane, taking the first left at the end of the ramp onto Seaport Boulevard, crossing Atlantic Avenue. At the next light, take a left onto Sleeper Street and then a right onto Northern Avenue. Make the first right onto Harbor Shore Drive to reach the ICA.

By water

Rowes Wharf Water Transport
Visitors can take the Rowes Wharf Water Transport ferry from one of its numerous stops to the Seaport World Trade Center, just minutes from the ICA. Rowes Wharf Water Transport provides year-round passenger water transportation throughout Boston Harbor. For reservations, call 617-406-8584. For more information, please visit roweswharfwatertransport.com.

By bike

Bring your own or use one of the two Hubway docking stations by the museum.

Parking

Like many Boston cultural institutions, the ICA does not own or operate a parking garage.

There are multiple paid parking options near the ICA (see below), but please note, parking can be challenging due to the construction taking place in our developing neighborhood. We strongly recommend that visitors consider taking public transportation; the museum is a short distance from the Courthouse stop on the MBTA Silver Line. Taking a car service may also be a more convenient and cost-efficient option, in particular for visitors with accessibility concerns.

Parking Areas

Area Parking Lots
All local rates and availability are subject to change without notice.

NEW parking option right behind the ICA:
100 Northern Avenue
Boston, MA 02210

Evenings after 5 pm Mon-Fri, up to 10 hours – $17
Weekends, up to 10 hours – $17
ICA visitors receive $2 off parking on weekends and weekdays after 5. Tickets must be presented at the ICA’s Holly and David Bruce Visitor Center for validation before exiting the parking garage.

Weekdays before 5:
Up to ½ hour – $15
½ to 1 hour – $30
1 to 10 hours – $36
10 to 24 hours – $38

Pilgrim Parking – Fan Pier Garage
One Marina Park Drive
Boston, MA 02210
ICA visitors receive an additional $2 off parking on weekends (10 hour limit) and after 5 pm on weekdays with ticket validation at the Holly and David Bruce Visitor Center at the ICA.

LAZ Parking – 25 Northern Avenue
25 Northern Avenue*
Boston, MA 02210
*For GPS, use 233 Northern Avenue as destination address.

LAZ Parking – 391 Congress Street
391 Congress St.
Boston, MA 02110

Further Parking Options

There are also numerous free apps available to download on your smartphone that assist users in finding available parking, including BestParking and Parker.

Shopping + Dining

ICA Store

“The ICA’s gift shop is the most alluring in the city. A half-floor below the ticket counter, the shop channels the museum’s talent for curation into a fantastic selection of stationery, handmade pottery from Japan, jewelry from skilled artisans, and contemporary prints, all presented alongside art and travel books. Next time it’s your birthday, or anyone’s birthday, you’ll want to flock here for a flawless gift.” —Conde Nast Traveler

ICA Members receive 10% off every purchase. All purchases support ICA exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. Open during museum hours; admission is not required. Store capacity will be limited at this time to facilitate physical distancing.

Visit icastore.org

Food + drink

Food service at the ICA is suspended at this time, and we ask that visitors refrain from eating and drinking in the building. Visitors may eat and drink on the covered Grandstand behind the museum. There are also restaurants, coffee shops, and more located nearby to meet various tastes and price points. Explore the options here to learn what else the neighborhood has to offer.

Accessibility + Visitor Policies

The ICA is committed to maintaining a respectful and safe environment for all at the museum. The ICA has a zero tolerance policy for racist, discriminatory, or harassing behavior, and reserves the right to remove any person acting in an unacceptable or inappropriate manner.

Accessibility

The ICA welcomes and endeavors to provide a positive, engaging, and inclusive experience for all visitors.
Learn more about our accessibility initiatives

Visitor Policies

Look, but please don’t touch
We encourage all visitors to engage with the artwork in a safe and respectful manner. Please do not touch works of art on display and be mindful of safety barriers in place for certain artworks.

Check your belongings
Because space is limited, we respectfully request that visitors travel light! The ICA requires visitors to check bulky items, including: backpacks of any size, shopping bags, umbrellas, skateboards, helmets, yoga mats, and other items 11 x 14 inches (28 x 35.5 cm) or larger. For safety, suitcases and large musical instruments are not permitted in the checkroom or galleries. Short-term luggage storage can be found at South Station or Rowes Wharf Water Taxi (if you are using their water taxi service). The museum reserves the right to refuse other items and is not responsible for items held by the checkroom. Additional items that are not permitted in the galleries include food, beverages, water bottles, poster tubes, flowers, and balloons. Visitors are permitted to wear coats in the galleries. Self-serve coat check is available first-come, first-served.

Photography
Personal: We welcome visitors to take still photographs for their own use, of the ICA building and select works on view in the galleries. Video/audio recording, flash photography, tripods, and selfie sticks are not permitted. We appreciate your considering other museum visitors by taking photographs in an unobtrusive manner.

Professional: Event photography, fashion shoots, formal portraits, and any other commissioned photography require prior written permission from the ICA. Permission requests may be sent to events@icaboston.org. Please allow two weeks for the review of permission requests. Photographs may not be reproduced, distributed, or sold without permission from the ICA.

Please note: There are select works of art and exhibitions for which photography of any kind is prohibited.

Food + drink
Food and drink are permitted in designated areas only (ICA Common Room and State Street Corporation Lobby). Food and drink may not be carried into the 4th floor galleries or the Barbara Lee Family Foundation Theater. Bottle-feeding and breastfeeding are allowed in all spaces.

Animals
Animals are not permitted in the museum, with the exception of service animals as identified by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Learn more about our policy.

Cell phones
Visitors may use cell phones to take still photographs, but video, panorama, and other digital documentation may be restricted in some galleries. Disruptive cell phone conversations are also discouraged.

Drawing/writing
Small sketchbooks and notepads are welcome in the galleries. For artwork safety, pens, markers, colored pencils, and other art supplies are not permitted. Pencils are available at the Holly and David Bruce Visitor Center and in the 4th floor elevator lobby, or ask any gallery staff member.

Clothing/footwear
Visitors are required to wear a shirt and shoes at all times while in the building.

Smoking
Smoking and e-cigarettes are not permitted anywhere in the building.

Please note

The ICA welcomes and endeavors to provide a positive, engaging, and inclusive experience for all visitors. We welcome your feedback about your experience at the ICA.

Persons who feel they have been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, or age are entitled to file a complaint with the Director of Civil Rights at the National Endowment for the Arts.

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