The big question around Boston for the past few months has been "when will the ICA finally open?" Originally scheduled to open on September 17, construction delays forced a postponement of the opening, and a lot of speculation. But, as James Hull pointed out in Big RED #46, "we have waited 100 years for a great new art museum in Boston, we can wait a few weeks longer."
Well, the wait is finally over. The ICA has announced that it will open on December 10!
From the ICA press release:
The ICA is the first art museum built in Boston in nearly 100 years and the only museum in the city devoted exclusively to exhibiting and acquiring contemporary art. It is also renowned architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro's first building in the United States.
The iconic new museum features a dramatic folding ribbon form and a cantilever that extends to the water's edge. The 65,000-square-foot building triples the exhibition space of the previous facility and enables the museum to feature exhibitions of a size and scope never before possible. The ICA will present up to four exhibitions at a time, including thematic and solo exhibitions, showcases for emerging artists, and the first permanent collection in the museum's 70-year history. A 325-seat theater and mediatheque enable the museum to expand its offerings in the performing arts, film, media, and technology.
On Grand Opening Sunday, visitors will be admitted free of charge from 9 am to 9 pm to tour the new building and view the inaugural exhibitions. Festivities will include family-oriented activities and live performances.
All images are courtesy of the Institute of Contemporary Art.
