Accessibility at ICA Central in Balboa Park
The ICA welcomes all visitors and is dedicated to making art accessible to all in an inclusive and safe environment. Outlined below are some of the ways we make our facility accommodating. If you have questions or needs that are not addressed here, please contact accessibility@icasandiego.org for assistance.
Parking
Accessible parking is available in the Alcazar Parking Lot located behind our building, The House of Charm. Locate one of the two ramps and access through the Alcazar garden. Go toward The Mingei entrance, turn left and then turn right into the arcade. The entrance is on the right.
Pickup/Dropoff
There is a passenger loading zone located in front of The Mingei, across from the fountain and the Tram stop.
Trams
Free Balboa Park trams are ADA accessible. Trams drop off in the Plaza de Panama by the fountain. From there, cross the street and head west on El Prado (toward The Mingei) and turn left toward the arcade. Follow signs to the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego (formerly San Diego Art Institute). The entrance is on the left.
Exhibition Entrance
ICA Central is wheelchair accessible from the front entrance and there is elevator access to the lower level gallery.
Service Animals
ICA complies with the ADA, which defines service animals as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, and allows service dogs in all public areas of the ICA. Emotional Support Animals, Comfort Animals, or Therapy Animals that provide comfort do not qualify as service animals under the ADA and are not allowed inside. If the dog is barking excessively, not housebroken, or otherwise deemed out of control, the handler may be asked to remove the dog. ICA North has outdoor spaces for your pet.
Visual Access
Exhibitions offer large-print wall text introductions. Large print text of the gallery labels are available at the front desk in English and Spanish upon request.
Restroom
There is a gender neutral and accessible restroom on the lower level.
Wheelchairs
The ICA has a limited number of wheelchairs for use by visitors on a first-come, first serve basis. Please request a wheelchair at the Front Desk located on the entry level. Visitors are welcome to bring their own wheelchairs. All public areas between the two levels of the ICA are accessible by elevator, including the ADA-compliant restroom.
Seating
The ICA has seating available in the gallery.
Children
The gallery and facilities are stroller accessible. Visitors are asked to exercise caution when bringing strollers into galleries. Breastfeeding and bottlefeeding are permitted throughout the ICA. The restroom on the lower level has a changing table. We encourage children of all ages to visit the ICA; however, all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Gallery Labels
The ICA is making exhibition and art work insights more accessible by sharing all gallery label text on our website in both English and Spanish.
Additional Information About Artworks On View
Due to the changing nature of our exhibitions, some artwork may have extra auditory or visual elements. Please visit the current exhibition page for more information before your visit.
Our accessibility efforts are an ongoing commitment. Please check back for updates as we expand and grow.