The International Center of Photography launches new home at Essex Crossing

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The International Center of Photography Launches New Home at Essex Crossing with Four Exhibitions and Free Opening Community Day on Jan. 25, 2020 (Credit: Saul Metnick)

The International Center of Photography (ICP) will launch its new integrated center on Manhattan’s Lower East Side with a free Opening Community Day on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 AM to 7 PM. Located at 79 Essex Street, ICP is the cultural anchor of Essex Crossing, one of the most highly anticipated and expansive mixed-use developments in New York City, developed by Delancey Street Associates.

ICP’s new space, designed by Gensler, reunites its school and museum, creating an engaging space for museumgoers, ICP members, students, and the Lower East Side community to explore how images shape our understanding of the world.

The center will feature exhibition galleries, media labs, classrooms, darkrooms, an equipment room, and shooting studios, as well as an extensive research library, a shop, café, and public event spaces. In addition, ICP will have extended hours, free admission for visitors 18 years old and under, $3 admission for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/EBT Card holders, and multi-language translation and interpretation.

“ICP is entering an exciting new era as we launch our new integrated center and reunify our school and museum. We look forward to welcoming our Lower East Side neighbors and photography lovers from all over the world,” said Mark Lubell, ICP’s Executive Director. “We encourage everyone to experience all ICP has to offer, including our world-class exhibitions, our education programs at every level, our thought-provoking public programs, and activities for photo enthusiasts and families.”

Highlights of ICP’s new center include:

  • 40,000 square feet of exhibition, education, and administration space
  • Educational programs at all levels from youth to adult via continuing education classes, two part-time programs, three full-time one-year certificate programs, and an MFA program in association with Bard College
  • A research library featuring over 22,000 books, artist files, and periodicals
  • An expanded shop with a comprehensive photography book selection and imaginatively curated objects and apparel
  • A new café offering pastries and sandwiches prepared by Café D’Avignon and featuring La Colombe coffee and tea
  • Extended general hours: Monday through Sunday 11 AM–7 PM; open until 9 PM on Thursdays; closed on Tuesdays
  • New admission fees: Adults $16; Seniors (62 and Over), Students (with Valid ID), Military, Visitors with Disabilities $12 (caregivers are free); SNAP/EBT cardholders $3
  • Free admission: ICP members and ICP students; all visitors 18 years old and under
  • Pay by donation hours: Thursdays from 5 to 9 PM and the last Saturday of the month from 11 AM to 2 PM

The International Center of Photography was founded by Cornell Capa in 1974 to champion “concerned photography”—socially and politically minded images that can educate and change the world.