The Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco (ICA SF) is transitioning from its fixed location in downtown San Francisco to an innovative pop-up exhibition model. After one year at The Cube on Montgomery Street, the museum will begin staging art projects at various city landmarks starting in early 2026, a move supported by the mayor's office.
This strategic shift allows ICA SF to expand its reach across the city, utilizing iconic venues like the Transamerica Pyramid, the Port of San Francisco, and the historic Dogpatch Power Station. The museum's leadership emphasizes that art does not require a permanent home to create significant cultural impact.
Key Takeaways
- ICA SF is leaving its downtown Cube location after one year.
- The museum will adopt a nomadic, city-wide pop-up exhibition model.
- New venues include the Transamerica Pyramid, Port of San Francisco, and Dogpatch Power Station.
- This initiative is supported by the mayor's office for its role in downtown recovery.
- ICA SF offers free admission and has no permanent collection, enhancing accessibility.
A New Vision for Urban Art Engagement
The decision to embrace a nomadic model reflects an evolving vision for ICA SF, which first opened its doors in 2022. The museum's director, Ali Gass, explained that the time spent at The Cube confirmed a new approach to art presentation.
“We always knew The Cube was a temporary home, a chance to bring our vision to a new part of the city and test new possibilities,” Gass stated. “That time confirmed an evolving vision: Art doesn’t need a single permanent space to make a major impact. Now, with support from the mayor’s office, we’re fully embracing that model — becoming a truly citywide institution.”
This innovative strategy distinguishes ICA SF from traditional museums. It operates without an admission fee and does not maintain a permanent collection, factors that contribute to its financial flexibility and broad appeal to the public.
Interesting Fact
ICA SF was provided The Cube rent-free for two years by developer Vornado Realty Trust. This was part of an effort to revitalize foot traffic in downtown San Francisco amidst post-pandemic vacancy challenges.
The Cube's Brief Tenure and Future Occupancy
The 29,700-square-foot former bank building, known as The Cube, served as ICA SF's downtown home since October 2024. Its move to this larger space from a smaller Dogpatch warehouse marked a significant expansion for the institution.
However, the scale of The Cube presented challenges for curators and visitors alike. Some noted that its vast interior made effective artwork presentation difficult.
The Wharton School of Business has reportedly secured a lease agreement with Vornado Realty Trust to take over The Cube. Wharton is expected to occupy the space within the next 18 months, securing a lease for over 10 years.
Background Information
The property at 345 Montgomery Street, which includes The Cube, is part of a larger complex. This complex also features a 52-story skyscraper at 555 California Street and 315 Montgomery Street. The Trump Organization holds a 30% stake in this property.
Upcoming Exhibitions and City-Wide Activations
Following the closure of its current exhibitions on December 7, ICA SF will temporarily pause operations before launching its first nomadic projects. From January 17-25, coinciding with FOG Art + Design and San Francisco Art Week, the museum will activate the Transamerica Pyramid and its surrounding redwood park.
- Inside the landmark tower’s glass annex, artist Tara Donovan will unveil large sculptures crafted from recycled CDs.
- Lily Kwong will transform the park with 3D-printed sculptures, offering a unique blend of art and nature.
In the spring, pending approval from the Port Commission, ICA SF plans to present a joint exhibition at Pier 24. This former home of Pier 24 Photography, which closed earlier this year, will host works by Dominique Fung and Heidi Lau.
The Dogpatch Power Station Transformation
Looking ahead to 2027, ICA SF will return to its origins in the Dogpatch neighborhood with a major public art project titled “The Stack.” This initiative will transform the Dogpatch Power Station’s 300-foot smokestack into a vertical art gallery.
This impressive vertical gallery will overlook a new 2.75-acre waterfront park, creating a new cultural landmark. The project underscores the museum's commitment to integrating art into the urban landscape and engaging diverse communities.
“Arts and culture are essential to San Francisco’s recovery,” Mayor Daniel Lurie commented. “I’m thrilled that ICA SF’s multiple activations will continue to play a vital role in our downtown recovery.”
This shift by ICA SF represents a bold strategy for cultural institutions in a changing urban environment. By shedding the constraints of a single building, the museum aims to make art more accessible and integrate it more deeply into the fabric of San Francisco.
The museum’s model of free admission and no permanent collection highlights a focus on contemporary, responsive programming. This approach allows ICA SF to remain agile and relevant, adapting to new artistic trends and community needs while contributing to the city's economic and cultural resurgence.