The Broad — Downtown LA's Contemporary Art Destination

The Broad, a private contemporary art museum, is located at 223 S Grand Ave in Downtown Los Angeles. Opened in September 2015, it houses the extensive collection of philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, featuring over 2,000 works of contemporary art. The museum offers free admission to its permanent collection, making it a highly accessible cultural institution on the US West Coast. Its location on Grand Avenue places it amidst other significant cultural landmarks, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall and MOCA Grand Avenue.

The museum's establishment reflects the Broads' commitment to sharing their passion for modern and contemporary art with the public. Their collection, built over decades, showcases a wide array of artists and movements from the 1980s to the present day, providing a comprehensive overview of recent art history.

Architectural Design: The Veil and The Vault

Designed by New York-based firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, The Broad's architecture is as much a part of its artistic identity as its collection. The building features a distinctive exterior known as "The Veil," a porous, honeycomb-like structure made of 2,500 diamond-shaped glass-fiber-reinforced concrete panels. This innovative skin filters natural light into the gallery spaces, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.

Internally, the museum incorporates "The Vault," a massive storage area for the collection, strategically placed between the second and third floors. Unlike traditional hidden storage, The Vault is partially visible through glass walls, offering visitors glimpses of the artworks in transit or storage. This design choice highlights the vastness of the Broad collection and provides a unique behind-the-scenes perspective.

Highlights from the Broad Collection

The Broad's collection is renowned for its depth in post-1980s contemporary art, featuring iconic works by leading artists. Key pieces include Jeff Koons's <Tulips> and <Rabbit>, which are emblematic of the early Broad collection and Koons's exploration of pop culture and consumerism. The museum also boasts one of the largest public holdings of Jean-Michel Basquiat's works, offering a profound insight into his raw and powerful artistic expression.

Other significant artists in the collection include Andy Warhol, with works like <Small Torn Campbell's Soup Can>, showcasing his pivotal role in Pop Art. Takashi Murakami's large-scale flower murals and Superflat series bridge Japanese traditional art with contemporary pop culture. A major draw is Yayoi Kusama's <Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away>, an immersive installation requiring separate timed passes due to its immense popularity and limited viewing capacity.

The collection further explores themes of identity and narrative through works by prominent American contemporary artists such as Kara Walker, Cindy Sherman, and Kerry James Marshall. These artists challenge societal norms and engage with complex social and historical issues, reflecting the diverse voices within modern art.

Visitor Information and Tips

General admission to The Broad's permanent collection is free, though reservations are recommended and walk-up tickets are subject to availability. Access to the Yayoi Kusama Infinity Mirrored Room requires a separate, highly sought-after timed pass, which typically sells out quickly upon release on Monday mornings. The museum is easily accessible via Metro B/D lines to Civic Center/Grand Park station, a five-minute walk away.

For an optimized visit, it is advisable to pair a trip to The Broad with a visit to the nearby MOCA Grand Avenue, located on the same block. Visitors can enjoy lunch at the historic Grand Central Market and explore the vibrant Arts District for dinner, completing a comprehensive cultural experience in Downtown Los Angeles. The museum is closed on Mondays. Operating hours vary: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 AM to 5 PM; Thursday from 11 AM to 8 PM; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Special exhibitions may have an additional fee.