International Center of Photography Museum

The Basics

Whether you’re interested in learning about photography or uncovering the role of image-making in the 21st century, the ICP Museum is the place to visit. The museum is located on the Bowery, just blocks from several must-see downtown attractions—so stop by while exploring independently, or after a guided walking tour of Lower Manhattan. Because weekends and evenings tend to be busy, most travelers opt to pay admission online in advance to avoid ticket lines.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Refuel at the museum’s café, which offers seasonal snacks, pastries baked on-site, and coffee.

• Don't show up late—the last entry to the museum is 45 minutes before closing.

• The museum has free Wi-Fi.

How to Get There

Located in Lower Manhattan at 250 Bowery, just south of East Houston Street, the ICP Museum is easiest to reach by subway. Take the J train to the Bowery station; the F train to the 2nd Avenue station; or the N, Q, R, or W train to the Prince Street station.

When to Get There

Except for major holidays, the ICP Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, closing late on Thursday. For fewer people, visit midweek, or on weekends before lunchtime. Thursday evening admission is pay-what-you-can, but expect the galleries to be crowded. Check the museum’s website for hours and programs.

Experiencing Downtown Art and Culture

To continue a culture-packed day, cross Bowery and check out the New Museum, a celebrated contemporary art museum known for its forward-thinking exhibitions. Then, stroll through Little Italy and Chinatown to visit the Museum at Eldridge Street, which highlights the early-20th-century Jewish immigrant experience in a restored 1887 synagogue. Don’t miss a docent-led tour of the historic worship space.

Ways to explore

Allow around an hour to visit the International Center of Photography Museum. Temporary exhibitions change throughout the year, often curating selections from ICP’s vast photo archives. Some shows are thematic, while others focus on a single photographer. Most visits are self-guided, but the museum also offers guided tours for groups of eight or more. You must book them at least two weeks in advance. Before or after your visit, grab lunch at nearby Essex Market, where a range of local vendors serve up fresh food. Plenty of Lower East Side tours show off the neighborhood’s vibrant history and culture.

Accessibility

ICP is wheelchair-accessible; two wheelchairs are available on loan at the front desk.

Age limits

None; teens and kids 14 and under visit for free

What to pack

Pencils and sketchbook (both are permitted), camera, ID for discounted admission if you’re a student or senior

What to wear

Anything goes, so your best bet is to keep comfortable.

Not allowed

Pets (service animals only), video recording, flash photography, smoking or vaping

Amenities

Gift shop, café, library, Wi-Fi

Address

The museum is located on Ludlow Street in the Lower East Side. It’s one of Manhattan’s most vibrant and historic districts, known for its immigrant communities and arts scene.

Driving

If coming from Brooklyn, take the Williamsburg Bridge and continue on Delancey Street. Turn onto Clinton Street, take a left on Rivington Street, and a left on Ludlow Street. From the George Washington Bridge, head south on the West Side Highway, turn left onto East Houston Street, and right onto Ludlow.

Public transportation

The closest subway stops are Delancey St Essex St (F, J, M, Z lines) or Grand St on the B, D. You can also reach the museum by bus. Take M9 to Essex Street, M14A to Essex/Delancey, or B39 to Delancey Street.

Best times to visit

ICP opens late on Thursday evenings with discounted admission.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are quietest (when there aren’t school trips to the ICP), but avoid Tuesday, when the museum is closed.

Best months to visit

New York City is best in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, when the weather is mildest.

Special events

On the third Thursday evening of every month, the museum is free.