The cantilevered portion of the building weighs approximately 1,600 tons and extends 80 feet over the water.
The building's skin is made of zinc-coated metal panels designed to oxidize into a charcoal gray color.
The museum was the first new art museum to be built in Boston in over 100 years when it opened in 2006.
The Mediatheque is situated inside the cantilevered volume, placing visitors directly above the harbor surface.
The glass curtain wall of the fourth-floor gallery is polarized to control light exposure for sensitive artworks.
The building was designed to be a 'vertical' experience, moving visitors through stacked exhibition spaces.
The site was formerly part of an industrial wharf area before being redeveloped into the Seaport District.
The Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston is defined by its dramatic cantilevered design that projects over the surface of Boston Harbor. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the museum opened its current Seaport District facility in 2006. The structure features a glass-walled gallery space that spans out toward the water, offering expansive harbor views. Its collection focuses on multidisciplinary contemporary art, including media, performance, and visual arts. The museum frequently rotates exhibitions from both established and emerging international artists. A signature element is the Mediatheque, a space that hangs over the harbor and provides digital access to the museum's archives. The building's exterior utilizes a distinct panel system designed to weather and change appearance over time. It functions as both a gallery and a cultural event hub for the local community. The waterfront plaza provides public access to the edge of the harbor.
The glass-enclosed grand staircase, which provides a dramatic frame of the Boston Harbor skyline.
Bring a light layer, as the harbor breeze can make the outdoor plaza significantly cooler than the city streets.
Check the museum's digital calendar for rotating performance art installations that occur in the theater space.
Visit the gift shop for high-quality, curated items from local designers and artists.
Do not rush through the Mediatheque; many visitors overlook the interactive digital archives available there.
Closed on Mondays.
