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The Institute of Contemporary Arts was established in 1947 by a collective of artists, poets and writers to showcase and champion contemporary culture across a wide range of art forms. Since its establishment, it has been at the centre of many of the most significant artistic and cultural developments in the past 60 years. It has also introduced numerous artists, performers, writers and other cultural figures to a wider audience, both nationally and internationally.

Today, the ICA consists of two galleries, two cinemas, a theatre, a bookshop, a bar and café and private function rooms. Its programme covers visual arts, digital arts, music, cinema, talks and educational events. It provides a forum for the creative industries, providing networking opportunities and a range of organised events. The ICA Bookshop offers a wide range of books, magazines, DVDs and other merchandise both in-store and on line. The ICA's facilities, including two magnificent function rooms, are also available for private hire and events.

The ICA operates different tiers of membership. ICA members are entitled to a number of special benefits, including discounts on events and at the bookshop and advance booking facilities.

Box Office: 020 7930 3647 / Switchboard: 020 7930 0493

Entry to exhibitions, café and bar is free.

Open Monday 12pm-11pm, Tues-Sat 12pm-1am, Sunday 12pm-10.30pm
Galleries open daily 12pm - 7pm (9pm on Thursdays) during exhibitions.
Bookshop open 12pm-9pm daily (entry free). Call 020 7766 1452 for bookshop queries.

The nearest underground stations are Charing Cross, northern and Bakerloo and Piccadilly, Bakerloo and Piccadilly.

To reach the ICA from Charing Cross exit the station and follow the signs for Trafalgar Square. Once at the Square head through Admiralty Arch near the south west corner. This brings you on to The Mall. The ICA is approximately 50 metres on the right hand side.

To reach the ICA from Piccadilly Circus head straight down Lower Regent Street and into waterloo Place. The public entrance for the ICA is located at the bottom of The Duke of York steps, on the left hand side.

Access for wheelchair users.

There is level access to the entrance from The Mall. There is one set of automatic sliding doors. The box office and bookshop are both situated in the main foyer at ground level.

Access inside the building

Cinema 1, Cinema 2 and the theatre are all accessible via permanent ramps. There is space for 2 wheelchairs in both cinemas and the theatre can accommodate up to six wheelchair users.

The lower gallery has a platform lift located by the entrance to the gallery. The user can operate this independently or with the assistance of a member of staff.

There is no direct access to the upper gallery for wheelchair users.

There is a lift available but requires visitors to transfer from their wheelchair and into the lift. This option is not suitable for those using a motorised wheelchair. The assistance of a member of staff is required to access the lift as it is not in a public area. The lift also allows access to the Nash and Brandon rooms on the first floor.

There is also a temporary ramp that can be erected at 12 Carlton House Terrace, the administrative entrance to the ICA. Accessing this entrance can be achieved by exiting from the main entrance, travelling along The Mall to Trafalgar Square, Pall Mall, waterloo Place and then Carlton House Terrace. Please ask on arrival if you would like to use this ramp.

Access for people with limited mobility

All walking areas within the ICA are kept clear at all times.

Seats at the ends of rows, in both cinemas allow for additional legroom. There are seven steps leading down to the lower gallery and 33 steps leading to the upper a gallery. There is also a small passenger lift to take visitors to the upper gallery and the Nash and Brandon rooms.

Access to the upper gallery and Nash and Brandon rooms can be arranged using the administrative entrance at 12 Carlton House Terrace. There are six steps from street level to the upper gallery level. Please contact the Centre Manager on 020 7766 1442 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Access for visually impaired people

Guide dogs are welcome and may be left with a member of staff.

Large print versions of the ICA programme, other programmes and gallery guides are available on request. Please contact the Centre Manager on 020 7766 1442 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Access for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing

There is a text phone in the box office (020 7839 0737). This can be used for booking tickets as well as general enquiries.

The box office has an induction loop system.

The cinemas and theatre are equipped with an infra red hearing system. Headsets are available from the box office free of charge.

Most talks at the ICA are also served by an infra red hearing system. Please check with the box office when making your booking.