IC 4397 is a spiral galaxy in the constellation of Boötes. Its velocity with respect to the cosmic microwave background is , which corresponds to a Hubble distance of . It was discovered by French astronomer Guillaume Bigourdan on 23 June 1889.
IC 4397 has an active galactic nucleus, i.e. it has a compact region at the center of a galaxy that emits a significant amount of energy across the electromagnetic spectrum, with characteristics indicating that this luminosity is not produced by the stars. It is a Seyfert II galaxy, i.e. it has a quasar-like nucleus with very high surface brightness, whose spectra reveal strong, high-ionisation emission lines, but unlike quasars, the host galaxy is clearly detectable. The nucleus also shines brightly in the ultraviolet. IC 4397 is listed in the Markarian catalogue as Mrk1510.
According to A. M. Garcia, IC 4397 is part of the NGC 5653 group (also known as LGG 383). This group of galaxies has at least 15 members, including NGC 5629, , , NGC 5641, NGC 5642, NGC 5653, , , , , NGC 5735, , , and .
Three supernovae have been observed in IC 4397: