Institute of Contemporary Arts

Frommer's Review

London's liveliest cultural program takes place in this temple to the avant-garde, launched in 1947. It keeps Londoners and others up-to-date on the latest in the worlds of cinema, theater, photography, painting, sculpture, and other visual and performing arts. Foreign and experimental movies are shown, and special tributes -- perhaps a retrospective of the films of Rainer Werner Fassbinder -- are often the order of the day. Classics and cult favorites are frequently dusted off here. On Saturday and Sunday at 3pm, the cinema offers screenings for kids. Sometimes well-known writers and artists speak here, which makes the low cost of membership even more enticing. Experimental plays are also presented. Sun Microsystems, the American Internet pioneer, donated money to build a state-of-the-art New Media Centre in 1998. The photo galleries, showing the latest from British and foreign photographers, probably wouldn't win the approval of the people who set up "decency" panels for the arts. There is a popular cafe/bar at ICA, and it often hosts club nights and musical performances in the evening. It's open until 11pm Monday, 1am Tuesday to Saturday, and 10:30pm Sunday. It opens daily when the museum does.

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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