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Boston Map: Institute of Contemporary ArtInstitute of Contemporary Art Frommer's Very Highly Recommended

Hours Sat-Sun, Tues-Wed, and some Mon holidays 10am-5pm; Thurs-Fri 10am-9pm
Address
100 Northern Ave
Transportation T: Red Line to South Station, then Waterfront Silver Line bus to World Trade Center
Phone 617/478-3100
Web site www.icaboston.org
Prices Admission adults $12, seniors and students $10, free for children under 18 and those visiting only the cafe. Free to all Thurs after 5pm and to families (up to 2 adults with children under 13) last Sat of each month
Season Closed Mon except for MLK Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day

Frommer's Review

Even if you think contemporary art isn't for you, the ICA is a blast. The city's first new art museum in nearly a century is a work of art in its own right. The cantilevered building -- designed by the New York firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, whose work on this landmark project helped boost its growing reputation -- juts out above the harbor, affording dizzying views of the water, the waterfront, and the airport. Besides being an irresistible draw, the architecture reflects the institution's curatorial philosophy that art is inseparable from everyday life, rather than a singular experience reserved for special occasions and field trips. The ICA showcases 20th- and 21st-century art in every imaginable medium, including film and video, music, literature, and dance. Opened in 2006, the 65,000-square-foot museum gives the institution the space it needs to create a permanent collection for the first time since its founding (under a different name) in 1936. Visitors have already enjoyed works by Louise Bourgeois and Anish Kapoor that wouldn't have fit in (literally or figuratively) elsewhere in Boston, and the schedule of events, concerts, films, and other activities seemingly can't expand quickly enough. Special exhibitions during the lifespan of this book include Tara Donovan (Oct 10, 2008-Jan 4, 2009) and Damián Ortega (May 22-Sept 7, 2009). The cafe overlooks the water and offers outdoor seating in fine weather, and the gift shop is spectacular.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.


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Frommer's Star Ratings

Frommer's Recommended 0 stars Frommer's Recommended
Frommer's Highly Recommended 1 stars Frommer's Highly Recommended
Frommer's Very Highly Recommended 2 stars Frommer's Very Highly Recommended
Frommer's Exceptional 3 stars Frommer's Exceptional

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Other ratings provide stars based primarily on price and amenities; the Frommer's star rating is meant to quantify the kind of intangible, experiential elements that help travelers make informed decisions.

The "baseline" recommendation is zero stars--every hotel, restaurant, attraction, shop, and nightlife establishment that Frommer's chooses to review is recommended; otherwise, we simply wouldn't include it.

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