ICA San Francisco Opens New Location in The Cube Building
The Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF) has officially opened its new location at 345 Montgomery Street, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s young history.
Transition from Dogpatch to Downtown
Established in 2022, ICA SF made its initial home in a smaller venue in Dogpatch. The move to the expansive 73,000-square-foot Cube building comes after two years of growth, backed significantly by founders Andy and Deborah Rappaport, alongside Instagram co-founder Mike Krieger and his wife, Kaitlyn Trigger, who have committed to underwriting initial operational costs including the salary of museum director Ali Gass for the first three years.
As part of an agreement with Vornado Realty Trust, ICA SF will enjoy a rent-free status for its first two years in this new space, facilitating a strategic move to the Financial District.
Museum Mission and Community Engagement
The mission of ICA SF is clear: “to make contemporary art relevant and meaningful for all audiences.” This non-collecting museum emphasizes artworks from international artists and continues its tradition of free admission.
Each weekend from 11 AM to 5 PM, the museum will host a Makers Studio, offering crafting activities suitable for all ages, aimed at fostering community engagement and creativity.
Exhibitions at the New Location
The inaugural exhibitions in the Cube include:
- The Poetics of Dimensions: Curated by Larry Ossei-Mensah, this group show showcases artists who utilize everyday materials such as durags, shoelaces, felt, and single-use plastics.
- Sculptures by Kathleen Ryan: Known for her larger-than-life works, Ryan’s collection features striking representations of decay in food, crafted with encrusted stones and faux gemstones.
Community Response
Local residents have expressed enthusiasm for the revitalization of the area. Telegraph Hill resident Lisa Kenney remarked, “I’ve been looking at this building for ages, and it’s always been empty. This is a big step to making this area more vital.”
Visiting Information
ICA SF welcomes visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, with extended hours until 7 PM on Thursdays. The continued free entry policy remains, ensuring access to contemporary art for the broader community.
