The Broad
4.7(18K)google
4.3(2.9K)yelp
ArtContemporary ArtEducationalArt InstallationIndoor
Overview
The Broad is a spectacular contemporary art museum located on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the building features an innovative 'veil-and-vault' architectural concept with a honeycomb-like exterior. The museum houses an exceptional collection of post-war and contemporary artworks, including prominent pieces by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama's legendary, mesmerizing Infinity Mirror Rooms.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeWeekday mornings right around the 11:00 AM opening are best. While general admission is free, booking timed tickets online well in advance is mandatory. Upon scanning in, immediately use the museum app to join the virtual queue for Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room.
Getting ThereLocated directly next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Take the Metro A or E Line to Grand Avenue Arts / Bunker Hill Station, and you are a 30-second walk from the entrance. Paid parking is available in the subterranean garage directly beneath the museum.
Travel Tips
- General admission is free but requires advance booking; tickets for the following month release on the last Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM PT. Walk-ups are available but wait times can exceed 1 hour on weekends.
- The iconic Yayoi Kusama 'Infinity Mirrored Room' is not included in standard general admission; you must specifically book the dedicated ticket variant online as no walk-up adds are permitted.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Strict bag policies apply: any backpack or bag larger than 11x14 inches must be checked at the complimentary coat check. Flash photography, selfie sticks, tripods, and video recording are prohibited.
Reviews
Positive
- Free admission (with timed-entry tickets booked in advance) to see iconic works like Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Rooms, Andy Warhol, and Basquiat makes it an incredible value for contemporary art lovers.
- The 'veil-and-vault' architectural design of the building itself is a stunning piece of modern art, making it incredibly photogenic and a great photo spot.
- The compact space and well-designed layout allow for an easy, satisfying visit in about 1.5 to 2 hours without the exhaustion of larger museums.
- The museum gift shop is a treasure trove of vibrant, creative design items and art books, perfect for finding unique souvenirs.
- Despite the crowds, the staff manages the reservation and standby lines very efficiently, and the gallery attendants are incredibly friendly.
- The restrooms are spotless, and the multi-language digital guide system works perfectly, greatly enhancing understanding of the contemporary art pieces.
- Centrally located in Downtown LA with easy access via the Metro D or B lines, and within walking distance of many other cultural landmarks.
Heads up
- Even though it's free, if you don't secure tickets online weeks in advance, the standby line on the day of can take one to two hours, which is exhausting.
- Some of the most popular special exhibits (like the Infinity Mirror Rooms) require separate booking slots or extra fees, and slots sell out instantly, leaving many disappointed.
- Located in Downtown LA (DTLA), the surrounding traffic is highly congested, and the museum's onsite underground parking is quite expensive.
- For visitors who aren't deeply into or don't understand modern/contemporary installation art, the exhibits can feel a bit obscure and overrated.
- You must book tickets online way in advance, otherwise the standby line on-site can take one to two hours or more.
- The time limits in core exhibition areas like the Infinity Room are too short, making it feel rushed and assembly-line-like rather than a peaceful art experience.
- The on-site underground parking is overpriced at dozens of dollars, and finding street parking nearby is extremely difficult.
- Some popular galleries are overcrowded, with tourists often blocking walkways just to take photos, making it feel a bit too commercialized for social media.