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Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts (UICA)
17 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
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Ch
Review №1

Loved it here. Amazing, contemporary facility with an architectural design that feels like an upscale big-city gallery. Friendly, awesome staff and lots to do and see at every turn

eV
Review №2

I experienced Eldritch horrors

He
Review №3

Exhibits were very interesting. Gift shop and theater, what seemed to be for more non-traditional films, were also available.

An
Review №4

Wonderful theater and staff. Easy parking. Would go to another movie there!

Me
Review №5

Only one exhibit on the lower two levels right now, but a very nice tribute for Black History month.

Mi
Review №6

UICA is a great place to go to whenever. There is a movie theater inside that shows all sorts of indie movies and have snack and drinks right outside of it. I went here for a skateboarding video years ago and it was amazing! Also the art displayed here is just great.The only thing I have against a 5 star is that their is always confusion of where to enter the building at.

Ad
Review №7

This thriving art hub, which hosts curated shows, events and films, is a wonderful getaway in the midst of the bustling city. Only $5 to enter, you are then free to roam (usually, depending on whats showing) the five floors of thought-provoking and spirit-expanding exhibits. The space itself is a work of art, and especially intriguing to me is the rooftop garden/courtyard where many folks gather for business meetings, corporate events or just a snack with a friend, with fantastic views of the city. UICA is open noon to nine daily except only until six on Sunday, and closed on Monday. Enjoy your escape!

Ma
Review №8

Absolutely fabulous art gallery! The Loft by Herman Miller on the 5th is a telecommuters dream and and be sure to check out the 200 seat movie theater down below!

Ka
Review №9

Great place for films, interesting art work. Easy to park. Affordable films. Good choice of films.

Le
Review №10

Came here for the first time (outside of ArtPrize) when I had some time to kill and it was a very delightful experience! There is a lot to see and take in. The museum is quiet and relaxing and the art isnt overwhelming, so you have time to enjoy every work.

Lo
Review №11

The is an incredible art gallery/movie theater combo. The interior aesthetic is very clean, simple and modern. The curators are never short on interesting, contemporary installations meant to provoke thought and conversation. The staff is very friendly and welcoming to art enthusiasts new and old. The theater is truly a treasure. Its quiet, well lit and has excellent sound quality. Add fair prices and the comfiest seats in GR and you have an unparalleled movie-going experience; under the radar (and underground - literally!) but definitely worth checking out!

Ma
Review №12

Ill be real. Besides the cinema I dont really know everything that uica does. However the theater is great! I would recommend becomming a member because you will be back and you will want those ticket and concession discounts. I should stop being an uncultured goon and check others things they offer

Da
Review №13

We went on a Saturday afternoon and there may have been five - seven other patrons in the entire building. My kids and I had a decent time walking around the this old historic building. Thanks.

La
Review №14

Oh modern art you are a tawdry tramp with no standards whatsoever. But the films, my goodness, the films you can see here are great. And youll have the theater to yourself. I remain fascinated with the pen-eating front admissions desk, the upstairs balconies, the views. Watch the Oscar nominee animated shorts in late winter here.

Ma
Review №15

I went here solely to see a documentary but I can’t wait to go back and see some exhibits. It was clean and the people were very inviting.

An
Review №16

Always a friendly staff, great exhibitions, and a good time.

As
Review №17

Very cozy atmosphere.. The staff are nice. Very modern-looking and clean. Seeing a movie here was a fun and different experience.. definitely a cool place to check out.

As
Review №18

Support this venue!I love coming here for all of the odd or independent movies that the Loeks theaters either dont get, or dont host for very long.The staff is always very kind, and the gift shop here is full of really unique gifts.The exhibits here are exciting, and the environment is always serene.I love this place, please opt to see your indie films here, or be brave & check out one youve never heard of!

Ti
Review №19

Fascinating, edgy, contemporary shows. Wonderful spaces all throughout the museum. Lots of support for local artists and art education! Great workshops and a theater with an eclectic variety of indie films!

Ke
Review №20

Came here for the independent film movie theater and had a great experience. They provide tasteful thought provoking films along with the usual movie theater amenities.

Lo
Review №21

Always something cool going on here. I love the unusual exhibits and films they bring in and the staff is simply vivacious. My independent-filmmaker husband inquired about showing his feature length documentary we made in Iceland and they were all in, even split the ticket sales. We enjoyed being able to premiere it on a proper screen in our hometown and really appreciated the uicas support. As a fellow artist Im especially grateful for this culturally rich organization and event hot spot!

Br
Review №22

Went to see a movie. Great experience!

Fi
Review №23

Absolutely amazing place. The staff here are phenomenal and completely accommodating, not to mention they never make you feel like an outlier in the museum, offering to explain various exhibits and make visitors as comfortable as possible. Not just that, the movies here are always entertaining, interesting, and wonderfully artistic.

Ri
Review №24

The building is filled with beautiful art exhibits. If you arent feeling up to walking around and checking out the displays, there is also a movie theater and concession stand on the lower level.Additionally at the entrance is a small shop for either neat gifts or items related to the art on exhibit.

We
Review №25

Very clear facility. I was here for a showing of Loving Vincent. The theater was much nicer than I expected and my experience has made me want to come back for more films.

Br
Review №26

I want to love this place so much, but its scale leaves something to be desired. I guess thats on me and my expectations, but its hard to rate it higher until theres actually more to see.

Ke
Review №27

This space is so cool! You do not want to miss stopping in to check out the exhibits, indie films, and of course gift shop! The schedule of films is always interesting and the theater is comfortable with great concessions. The staff at the UICA are always inviting, friendly, and very informative in regards to the current exhibition.

Ry
Review №28

Great venue, nice gift shop, theater is great!

br
Review №29

Took my wife to see a documentary here. Great people & atmosphere.

Me
Review №30

I love the movies they offer. Love, Gilda was so great!

Fr
Review №31

Fascinating exhibit about being not mainstream in America, being a refugee...

We
Review №32

I enjoyed my visit at the Urban Institute for Contemporary Art. Went to their independent film Marjorie Prime. The film was exceptional. Friendly staff and very accomodating.

Aa
Review №33

One of my favorite places in Grand Rapids. If you need a shot of inspiration or just a quiet place to reflect this is your church.

An
Review №34

Its is such a nice place to visit with reasonable fees! I love the way they set up everything in a comfy space support this spot!

Ke
Review №35

I have visited UICA several times and it has never disappointed! The varied art alone is worth the visit, but my favorite part is the theatre. The UICA brings a large mix of Indie/Foreign films to the Grand Rapids area. The theatre is new and comfortable and the employees throughout the building are polite and informative. Will definitely be visiting again!

Ni
Review №36

Beautiful space and affordable price - excellent way to burn an hour or two

Ka
Review №37

I just visited the UICA for a wedding reception over the weekend. Absolutely perfect. The space itself is beautiful, and the staff was very friendly. I highly recommend it for events and art exhibitions (this reception was a combination of both!).

Ca
Review №38

Explore the Grand Rapids art community through #DiscoveryMichigan #ArtTours. The UICA shares many different types of art, including films, performance, sculpture, etc. Make this a stop to enjoy art in GR! #DiscoveryMichigan offers walking #ArtTours of downtown.

An
Review №39

Love the film series that UICA brings in. Always fun and interesting stuff you wont find anywhere else in GR

Te
Review №40

Awesome films, theater is empty empty empty. A true GR hidden gem. Recommended.

St
Review №41

Manager was exceptional. Very good tour and friendly staff

Br
Review №42

Always a great venue with interesting films at a reasonable price. Typically small audiences and conveniently attached to a parking garage for those wintry or rainy days.

Ri
Review №43

The UICA was once an awesome little indi gallery with a cool million in the bank and a great local. Then the board decided they needed a bigger building. They borrowed $17 million to build it, and went bankrupt in the process. They were bailed out by Kendall, who promptly forced all the founders out. They should rename this the Kendal Institute for Contemporary Arts.

Ra
Review №44

Been to a couple of shows here. Really a great space, and they are putting together unique and varied exhibitions.

Ja
Review №45

Always have interesting exhibits and movies downstairs.

Gi
Review №46

Such an awesome museum!

An
Review №47

Went on a day when they were changing out exhibits; still charged full price to see only a few things. Still fun though.

La
Review №48

Love that they have movies here that you cant find anywhere else in town.

Ka
Review №49

I love going to UICA to stroll through the galleries, spend time on their beautiful outdoor terrace, and to catch a movie. The theater is my favorite in town and the staff are passionate, friendly, and helpful. UICA is located right downtown so dinner and a movie is a perfect option if you want a unique and special night out. I highly recommend.

St
Review №50

Beautiful. State of the Art. Had a gorgeous time visiting. I was very impressed with the art they had.

es
Review №51

Very nice venue. The art is less than ideal, but still enjoyable.

Ph
Review №52

Nice atmosphere, local artists work, low price, and kind staff.

Ja
Review №53

UICA consistently brings the best movies to Grand Rapids. There is always a film worth seeing in the UICA Theater and their Open Projector Night series supports local filmmakers and artists. Members see movies for just 4 dollars.

Ha
Review №54

Still love this place but I kinda miss the old location and the completely free way of old

Mo
Review №55

Always enjoy coming in to see the exhibitions. They get such cool artists in here.

Su
Review №56

Pushing ideas forward, exploring concepts, convenient location. I enjoy the buildings look and layout.

Au
Review №57

Love this place! They showcase local artist as well as out of state artist.

Be
Review №58

I really like the chill vibes but the employees still knew what was going on

Ty
Review №59

Interesting art even if the space was not fully set up on our visit.

Da
Review №60

An amazing contemporary art center based in Grand Rapids, Michigan!

El
Review №61

Great selection of independent films, interesting exhibits, central location

Do
Review №62

Went to see the movie Vincent. Great atmosphere and cozy setting.

Mi
Review №63

Modern art housed in modern architecture, plus a great lineup of movies.

Ro
Review №64

I saw a movie here. Great atmosphere and they do have popcorn

Ja
Review №65

Ive only been here for art prize, but love the venue

De
Review №66

Not my thing

Ka
Review №67

Boring, not many things going on. But that may just be my luck

Ca
Review №68

Kinda empty but fun in a weird way

Ni
Review №69

A great exibition space and community resource.

Jo
Review №70

Excellent location to view artistic and creative movies.

Co
Review №71

Cutting edge art, leading the way for art in this community!

Je
Review №72

Cool place - cool theatre.

Re
Review №73

Very neat atmosphere. Heart of G. R.

Mi
Review №74

Great art and good selection of independent movies.

Br
Review №75

Love coming here to watch films!

Ri
Review №76

Small muesum and movie theater and large ceramic study.

Al
Review №77

Great atmosphere, artsy films, and solid popcorn

Ke
Review №78

Amazing venue, films and art to enjoy.

Ma
Review №79

That one special place i wish they had free parking so i could see more movies there

kj
Review №80

Thought provoking artist

Br
Review №81

Great space and wonderful programming especially for films!

Pa
Review №82

Very friendly people and interesting movies

Lo
Review №83

Interesting

E.
Review №84

Its alright.

Sh
Review №85

Horrible,I went there and there were five floors which the person didnt explain me at the front desk.I went to the elevator to the 5th floor which is the highest they have.I was trying go down,because I saw people like remolding it.Instead of offering help they laugh ,because I was trying to go floor number 3 which is for employees only.I was there for a while,thinking why would it go down.But,they were not helpful at all.As staff, you expect them to help you and not laugh at you.That was very disrespectful,until like 5 minutes passed they told me the third floor is for employees.

Bi
Review №86

Great films!

Je
Review №87

Great movies

Jo
Review №88

Great Indy film series

Wi
Review №89

Not the best at handling people that are handicapped

ja
Review №90

Nice

Ra
Review №91

Wonderful pieces and friendly staff

Ke
Review №92

Great movie, great staff

Jo
Review №93

Art

Al
Review №94

Such an awesome place

Jo
Review №95

What a beautiful theater!

Me
Review №96

Awesome shows and great space!

Ha
Review №97

The exhibits change on a regular basis. Local artists as well as national.

Pa
Review №98

Very cool

Ir
Review №99

Great place to see contemporary exhibitions

Da
Review №100

Cannot

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.6 Rating
  • Address:17 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, United States
  • Site:http://www.uica.org/
  • Phone:+1 616-454-7000
Categories
  • Art gallery
  • Art museum
  • Arts organization
  • Event venue
  • Tourist attraction
Working hours
  • Monday:12–9pm
  • Tuesday:12–9pm
  • Wednesday:12–9pm
  • Thursday:12–9pm
  • Friday:12–9pm
  • Saturday:12–6pm
  • Sunday:Closed
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
  • Toilets:Yes
  • Restaurant:No
Crowd
  • Family friendly:Yes
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