Opening date for VCU Institute for Contemporary Art pushed back due to construction delays

Those who have been eagerly awaiting Virginia Commonwealth University’s forthcoming Institute for Contemporary Art, or ICA, will have to wait just a little longer to explore the halls of the $41 million, three-story modern art facility.

The university today announced the new building at W. Broad Street and Belvidere, which was expected to open in October of 2017, will now open next spring.

In a news release, officials with the project said the revised opening date is due to construction delays and and the subsequent adjustment of the internal climate that is required before any artwork can be installed.

Construction of the ICA was difficult due to its curved exterior surfaces and contorted interior. Representatives for the museum described the project as one of the most complex structures to be completed in the Commonwealth to date.

The ICA is already active in Richmond and on VCU’s campus through programs, faculty and student collaboration, and artistic commissions, and will continue to engage the VCU and Richmond communities through special programs prior to the opening.

“While we are eager to unveil the Markel Center to the community this spring, we are committed to ensuring that contemporary art thrives beyond an institution’s bounds,” said ICA Director Lisa Freiman, noting that the group is already active on the VCU campus and across the city, offering special programs and initiatives prior to the opening date. “We are all working hard to realize the vision and mission of the ICA, and will continue to mount dynamic programs for our VCU and Richmond communities while we plan for our launch.”

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