L.A.’s Newest Contemporary Art Museum Celebrates Grand Opening

Image courtesy of ICA LA. Concept drawing by WHY, featuring new logo by MARK BRADFORD

Los Angeles’ newest museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, is celebrating its grand opening September 9-10. The museum, which was formerly known as the Santa Monica Museum of Art, will call an impressive 12,700 square-foot facility in LA’s Arts District home. The space, which was designed by architecture firm wHY, will house works by international artists, offer public programs, and community partnerships that celebrate the diversity of Los Angeles and the world. With room for exhibitions, educational initiatives, offices and even a café – ICA LA will surely be a welcome addition to the L.A. art scene.

ICA LA’s highly anticipated opening weekend will include a wide range of free activities for visitors of all ages including tours, art talks, performances, and interactive workshops. Opening weekend, the museum will unveil its inaugural exhibitions, including Martín Ramírez: His Life in Pictures, Another Interpretation. Martín’s exhibit will occupy the museum’s main gallery and display unique drawings that chart his journey from Jalisco, Mexico to the United States and explore his immigrant experience. Further, the museum’s The Project Room will house the first solo exhibition by New York artist Abigail DeVille — a study on social displacement using found objects from ICA LA’s surrounding neighborhoods. Additionally, ICA LA’s courtyard wall will feature a large-scale abstract painting from local artist Sarah Cain, entitled now i’m going to tell you everything. These are just a few of the numerous exhibitions ICA LA has to offer.

Image courtesy of ICA LA. Concept drawing by WHY

The opening weekend celebration and all open museum days following will be completely free. The Institute of Contemporary Art Los Angeles is located at 1717 E 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021. The museum will be open Wednesday through Friday from 11 to 7 and on Saturday/Sunday from 11 to 6. For the full schedule and more information visit www.theicala.org.