Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)

The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) hosts an ever-changing programme of contemporary art exhibitions in addition to cinema, theatre and dance.

When it opened in 1946, the ICA was an important new venue in London’s art scene as at the time there were no other galleries in London dedicated to contemporary art. The importance of this gallery in the mid-20th century meant that it was the first art gallery in the United Kingdom to host a show of Picasso’s works and the ICA was also instrumental in the establishment of the Pop Art movement.

Nowadays, however, the ICA no longer stands out as plenty of other art museums in the capital have excellent contemporary art exhibits, particularly the Tate Modern.

The ICA has a programme of temporary exhibits and is noted for supporting up-and-coming artists, although the ICA’s bar and restaurant is often the busiest part of the complex. Because the bar is so popular, the ICA has the latest opening hours of London’s art museums.

Visiting the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA)

The Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) is located on The Mall, which runs between Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. The closest tube station is Charing Cross, which is only a five-minute walk away.

Most areas of the ICA is wheelchair accessible, although access to some areas require the use of a lift that needs to be operated by staff and the Canteen area of the bar is not wheelchair accessible.

Nearby attractions include Clarence House, The National Gallery, the National Portrait Gallery, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Horse Guards Parade, Banqueting House and the Churchill War Rooms, all of which are within a 10-minute walk of the ICA.