Institute of Contemporary Art-Miami
The Institute of Contemporary Art first opened in 1996 at the Museum of Modern Art in North Miami in a building designed by an American architect. In 2014, due to legal problems with zoning, the institute’s council sued for the right to move and secession, which led to the creation 2017 of an independent Institute of Contemporary Art in the Miami Design District in Miami. It is funded by the billionaire and collector and his wife Irma Miller, who created the Irma And Norman Braman Fund. Norman is the co-chair of the board of trustees of this art institution.
It was designed by the architects of Aranguren & Gallegos, whose previous projects include the ABC Center and the National Visual Arts Center in Madrid, which contributes to the museum’s reputation. It was built to imitate the Magic Box with a bright geometric shape and texture. Clad in abstract angled siding swaddling 20,000 square feet of exhibition space, Miami’s newest art museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami (ICA) opened in 2017. Born out of controversy and an acrimonious split at another museum, the ICA hopes its free admission and location in the Design District will establish itself as a cornerstone of the Miami art scene.
According to Ellen Salpeter, director of the ICA during its opening, the museum’s mission is to present the most innovative and experimental art of our time, to foster dialogue in all corners of the community, and to promote the exchange of art and ideas throughout Miami and internationally. Salpeter has shepherded the fledgling institution since 2015 through fundraising and the massive construction project that’s now complete at Northeast 41st Street and First Avenue.
This three-story building has 37,500 square feet of space, of which 20,000 square feet has gallery space for various exhibitions and a permanent collection, as well as a sculpture garden. In the 15,000-square- foot sculpture garden, you can see the works of Allora and Calsadilla. The facade of the building is visualized as a kind of magnet, it can be compared with the dark gray and smooth material of a real magnet. Additionally, at the Institute of Contemporary Art, exhibitions are held on a regular basis, among the exhibits of 2018 was Donald Judd Paintings where 14 paintings by Donald Judd from 1959 to 1961 were presented; a joint exhibition of and Francis Alice; “Diamond Stingily: Life In My Pocket”, “Terry Adkins’ Infinity Is Always Less Than One“ and many more.
The Miami Art Basel is another exhibition venue for the institute and is regarded by critics as one of the city’s most prestigious cultural landmarks. Tomm El-Saieh, Edward Kienholz, and Elio were among the artists whose works were featured at its opening. Also, the museum introduced The Everywhere Studio, which was supervised by Alex Gartenfeld, the museum’s art director, Gian Moreno, the museum’s curator, and Stephanie Seidel. A total of 100 works by more than fifty artists were on display. The exhibition became known through a mixture of the work of famous and unknown artists.
Everyone can enjoy a trip to this art museum, but those specifically interested in art and becoming artists will find it particularly appealing. Most people spend about 2 or 3 hours here in total, as the collection is quite expansive with plenty to see. The permanent collection of the Institute of Contemporary Art in Miami seeks to reflect both new talents and represent well-known artists. It includes the works of, Francis Alice, Louise Bourgeois, Jim Hodges, Edward Kienholz, Zoe Leonard, James and other famous authors.
There is also free access to famous art exhibitions, the museum is known for other programs and services like symposia, performances, visual culture programs, dance, theater, and other programs, as well as programs dedicated to meeting local musicians. Some events are held in collaboration with the Miami Music Club. At times, they’ll highlight a local Miami artist, while other exhibitions will be focused on legends such as Pablo Picasso.
A new children’s video game called Kittenberger’s Art Adventures has been released by the Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami to appeal to younger audiences creatively. With this free interactive 3-D animated game, parents and children ages 3 to 8 can learn about contemporary art by focusing on a selection of local public art on display at the museum and in Miami Design District as part of the museum’s expanded educational programming for 2021. The video game revolves around Kittenberger, an adopted cat who lives in the sculpture garden at ICA Miami, a journey that takes him through the Miami Design District on his way home. Along the way, he makes new friends and learns with users about public art and creativity, according to Lisa Fernandez, Miami’s director of education and community engagement at ICA.
Institute of Contemporary Art of Miami also offers a portfolio prep program for middle and high school students, designed to help them apply for any arts magnet programs and college preparations. As a contemporary museum and experimental institution, they have prioritized digital exploration this past year with audio, visuals, and storytelling that relates to their exhibitions and collections according to Alex Gartenfeld, the current museum’s artistic director.
Its spring exhibit lineup has already started with the Janiva Ellis Rats exhibition, which showcases new and never-before-seen works created during quarantine. Other emerging voices in contemporary art with first-time exhibitions at the museum include Dalton Gata, photographs by Claudia Andujar, and large-scale sculpture by Robert Grosvenor, the 2020 recipient of the museum’s Ezratti Family Prize for Sculpture award.
When you visit the Institute of Contemporary Art, there are some things you should keep in mind. Visiting this destination is a popular choice for travelers on a budget as tickets are free. You just need to reserve timed tickets in advance. Children require their own tickets as well, but they’re free just like standard tickets are. The museum will be open Tuesdays through Sundays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
As opposed to many similar museums, this museum does allow photography. However, you cannot use a flash, tripod, or extension pole, but photography for personal use is allowed. Lastly, the entire gallery is wheelchair accessible for the convenience of disabled guests.