“He wanted to create a building like a musical instrument that can be played,” she said. “When you think of that analogy, instruments can be played many different ways, depending on the musician. As curators, we’re looking forward to doing the same thing with this building.”

She added that the ICA “couldn’t be more pleased” about making the list.

“It’s why we selected Steven Holl Architects. We knew they would develop a signature building for Richmond and for VCU,” she said.

Some of the ICA staff began moving into the building in October.

“The light punctures the walls and the ceilings. It creates this liveliness that moves through the space throughout the day,” Freiman said.

She noted how the spaces were designed with volume and a sweeping atrium that opens to three floors of gallery space.

“It feels so much bigger on the inside than it looks on the outside. The gallery spaces are well-proportioned and give us a lot of flexibility to install different kinds of artwork,” she added.

The ICA plans to host a variety of exhibitions, from visual art and design to performances, films and special programs that will address current issues.