Institute for Contemporary Expression - ICE

ICE-DC will transform the former Franklin School into a “kunstalle”, a world-class showcase for contemporary art, music, performance and new media—the first of its kind in the nation’s capital. Housed in a spectacular historic venue, ICE-DC will create a singular space for learning and expression at the cutting edge of contemporary art. The former Franklin School is a monumental, three-story 19th-century landmark built in 1869 and designed by renowned architect Adolf Cluss. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1996. The building had been abandoned for decades until 2013, when the DC Office of Planning and Economic Development issued a Request for Proposals to re-purpose the building. In 2014, ICE-DC was awarded the right to re-develop the building. As an innovative cultural center, ICE-DC will build a promising future on the solid footing of a magnificent location and create a new destination area. ICE-DC leaders will restore the historic building and undertake a conversion that will preserve the structure’s unique character while enabling it to serve as a center for contemporary art. For more information about ICE-DC, visit www.ice-dc.org.