Institute of Contemporary Art: Free Thursdays 5pm-9pm

I am not a huge fan of contemporary art but I wanted to visit the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) since it relocated to a new venue on the waterfront. The setting of the ICA is very peaceful and serene. There are many places to sit and enjoy the breeze off the water on a summer evening and watch the sunset.

Normally, the museum costs $10 for students or $15 for adults. But, Thursday evenings are free from 5pm-9pm. The building itself is fun. There is a room that literally looks and feels as if it is falling off the building into the water. The elevator is even unique. While I am still not converted to a fan of contemporary art, I did enjoy several pieces and the exhibit on vinyl records. My favorite piece of art was "the hunt."

The exhibit floor also has a glass overlook to the harbor. My friend and I went at just the right time of evening where the light shining in the room reflected an image of a person as if a mirror. We took several pictures using this effect and created our own "contemporary art."

The ICA gift shop had some fun items and is a great place to buy a unique gift if you are willing to spend a little money. There is also a cafe at the ICA which has seating on the deck on the waterfront. They sell sandwiches and other lunch items for about $7-$9.

After the ICA, I headed to the North End for gelato. On the way there, I came across a whimsical fountain. I call it whimsical because it would randomly start up and sometimes the water almost appeared to chase itself as different spouts would spring up and move in a circular fashion. This is kind of hard to explain so you should just go visit the fountain at the intersection of Milk Street and Atlantic Avenue or watch the video I took of the fountain (see below). Visit the fountain at night as the lighting adds to the whimsical and magical feel of the fountain. I also stumbled across an  outdoor concert on Rowe's Wharf.

At last, I arrived at Gigi's Geltateria in the North End on Hannover Street. I am sure that there are many gelato places in the North End but this is my favorite as it has a huge selection of both fruit and cream based flavors (about 31 flavors total to choose from). Plus it is easy to find and for $5, you get to have three flavors. I choose Cassatta Siciliana (dried fruit in a cream based gelato), pistachio, and grapefruit. Perfect ending to a summer evening :)

ICA free Thursday evenings!

This is the room that looks like it is falling off of the building

This is what the room looks like. You really feel like you are falling into the ocean.

                                      

View from the glass observation room

Reality Check

Boston Harbor with the North End in the background

Early sunset

                                      

Late sunset

Whimsical Fountain

North End

Destination!

Fruit gelato flavors: choices, choices

My selection....mmmm   :)