Venue Review

Character: Regency neo-classical classic meets contemporary cool.

Funky Features: Contemporary atmosphere in classical space; rolling programme of art and cultural events.

Location and History

The ICA enjoys one of the most spectacular locations in London: situated on the Mall, the ceremonial route to Buckingham Palace and boasting views across St James’s Park of Big Ben, the London Eye and Horse Guards Parade. The building isn’t bad either.  The setting is the Grade 1 listed former stables and coach houses of Carllton House Terrace, one of the Regency masterpieces of John Nash.

The ICA was founded over sixty years ago and has kept its position at the cutting edge ever since, providing a performance venue and gallery for some of the most ground-breaking artists and musicians of our time.

Interior

The ICA strikes a clever balance between its original neo-classical character and its distinctly contemporary content. Decoration and embellishments have been carefully restored such as ornate ceiling cornices in the upstairs rooms, original doors, fireplaces, Corinthian columns in the Nash and Brandon rooms and even the original paint on the door and frame in the upper gallery.

Modern additions to the spaces work well with the old: a thick pile black carpet sweeps upstairs into the Nash and Brandon rooms which feature floor to ceiling windows, wooden flooring, a grey and white colour scheme and three balconies overlooking St James’s Park. 

Spaces for Hire

The upstairs rooms retain their original elegance and make a superb private setting for any dinner, talk or reception.

The café and bar on the ground floor feels more modern sitting beneath a sky light that extends the length of the café area – it is an ideal space for breakfast and morning events, or a break out area following an event in any other of the spaces.

Adjacent to the café is the theatre which has been the launch pad for many an illustrious musical career.  This space is a black canvas and can be dressed for any type of event; its dark and atmospheric character make it a particularly good backdrop for themed events.

The ICA also offers the use of two cinemas for screenings, conferences and lectures: these grey painted rooms feature classic red velvet seating and spotlights that run the length of the auditoria. 

Capacities: Nash Room: 80, Seated Dinner, 90 Standing Reception, Brandon Room: 50 Seated Dinner, 80 Standing Reception, Nash and Brandon Rooms Combined 120 Seated Dinner, 150 Standing Reception.