International Center of Photography Museum Tours

A leading voice in the world of visual culture, the museum of the International Center of Photography (ICP) has delivered world-class programs, exhibitions, and classes for decades. Photo enthusiasts and art fans visit the well-curated museum to see some of the most stunning, socially conscious images produced today.

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.