Overview
The Broad is a contemporary art museum located on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles (DTLA), California. It opened in September 2015 and was founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad to house their extensive private collection of postwar and contemporary art. The building itself, designed by architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is a striking presence on Grand Avenue, its perforated white "veil" exterior becoming a recognizable part of the downtown skyline.
The museum holds more than 2,000 works and is particularly strong in artists such as Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Barbara Kruger, Kara Walker, and Roy Lichtenstein, among many others. One of its most visited spaces is the "Infinity Mirrored Room" installation by Yayoi Kusama, which typically requires a separate, timed reservation due to very high demand.
Admission to the general collection is free, which makes The Broad one of the more accessible major art institutions in Los Angeles. However, free tickets must be reserved in advance through the museum's official website, and walk-up availability is limited — especially on weekends. Special exhibitions may carry a separate admission charge; verify current exhibition details and ticketing on the official site before your visit.
Before You Go
Tickets and Reservations
Free general-admission tickets are released online and go quickly, particularly for weekends and holiday periods. Book as far in advance as possible via The Broad's official website (thebroad.org). If you wish to experience the Kusama "Infinity Mirrored Room," note that this requires a separate timed-entry ticket that is in very high demand — check availability well before your trip.
What to Bring
- A valid photo ID may be requested at check-in.
- Large bags and backpacks are subject to security screening; a coat check or bag storage area is available — verify current policies on the official site.
- Photography for personal, non-commercial use is generally permitted in the galleries, but flash and tripods are typically prohibited. Confirm the current photography policy before your visit.
Accessibility
The museum is ADA-accessible. Elevators serve all floors, and wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact the museum directly for specific accessibility needs or accommodations.
Visas
The Broad is located in the United States. Entry requirements depend on your nationality. For visa information relevant to your situation, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.
Getting There
By Metro Rail
The most straightforward public transit option is the Metro B Line (Red) or D Line (Purple), alighting at Civic Center/Grand Park Station. From there it is roughly a 5–10 minute walk north along Grand Avenue to the museum. Check metro.net for current schedules, fares, and service updates.
By Bus
Multiple Metro bus lines serve the Grand Avenue corridor and the broader Civic Center area. Use the Metro Trip Planner on metro.net to identify the best route from your starting point.
By Car
The Broad is located at 221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Paid parking garages are available nearby, including the Music Center Parking Garage and the Broad's own adjacent garage. Rates and availability vary; verify locally before your visit. Traffic in downtown LA can be heavy, particularly on weekdays during commute hours and on event nights.
By Rideshare
Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services operate throughout Los Angeles. Drop-off and pick-up on Grand Avenue is generally feasible, though the area can be congested on busy days.
Getting Around
The Broad occupies a single building of approximately three gallery floors connected by escalators and a staircase, so navigation within the museum is straightforward. The lobby, gift shop, and the restaurant Otium (located adjacent to the museum, operated independently) are at street level.
The surrounding Grand Avenue Arts District is very walkable. The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grand Park, and Grand Central Market are all within a comfortable walking distance of The Broad, making it easy to combine several attractions in one visit without needing a car.
Things to See & Do
Inside The Broad
- Permanent Collection Galleries: Rotating displays from the Broad Collection span postwar abstraction, pop art, conceptual art, and contemporary figurative work. Highlights frequently include works by Koons, Basquiat, Sherman, Lichtenstein, and Kruger.
- Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room: This immersive installation is the museum's most in-demand experience. Separate timed-entry tickets are required — check the official site for availability well in advance.
- Special Exhibitions: The Broad periodically presents ticketed special exhibitions. Verify what is showing during your planned visit.
- The Oculus: A large skylight at the center of the building filters natural light through the veil exterior into the gallery spaces, creating a distinctive ambient environment.
Nearby on Grand Avenue
- Walt Disney Concert Hall (Frank Gehry's titanium-clad landmark) is directly across Grand Avenue and offers free self-guided exterior tours.
- Grand Park provides green space, public art, and seasonal programming steps from the museum.
- Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a short walk south on Grand Avenue and offers a complementary contemporary art experience.
- Grand Central Market is about a 10-minute walk and is a well-regarded food hall housed in a historic downtown building.
Food & Drink
Inside and Adjacent to The Broad
Otium is the restaurant directly adjacent to The Broad, operated independently of the museum. It serves California-influenced cuisine with a broad menu for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended, particularly on busy museum days. Verify current hours and reservation availability through their own website or by phone.
The museum itself has a café-style option in the lobby for lighter refreshments — confirm what food and beverage service is available on-site when you book your tickets.
Nearby Dining
Downtown LA's Grand Avenue and the surrounding blocks offer a wide range of options:
- Grand Central Market (Hill Street, roughly a 10-minute walk) is a historic market with dozens of vendors serving everything from tacos and ramen to pastries and coffee — a practical and popular choice for a casual meal.
- The Civic Center / Bunker Hill area has numerous cafés, quick-service spots, and sit-down restaurants catering to museum visitors, concert-goers, and office workers. Explore based on your preferences and budget.
Practical Information
Hours and Admission
The Broad's general admission is free, but timed-entry tickets must be reserved in advance at thebroad.org. Hours and days of operation can change; always verify current opening hours on the official website before your visit. The museum is typically closed on certain holidays.
Contact
For the most current information on exhibitions, accessibility, ticketing, and events, visit thebroad.org or contact the museum directly via the contact details listed on their official site.
Etiquette
- Maintain a reasonable distance from all artworks.
- Keep noise levels low inside galleries.
- Follow gallery staff instructions regarding photography, especially in special exhibitions or the Kusama room.
- The museum is a shared space; be considerate of other visitors, particularly in high-demand installations.
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is typically available inside the museum. Verify with staff on arrival.
Emergency Numbers
In any emergency in the United States, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical services.
Safety
The Broad is located in the Bunker Hill / Civic Center area of downtown Los Angeles, a generally active and visited part of the city during daytime hours. Grand Avenue and the immediate surroundings are frequented by museum visitors, concert-goers, and office workers.
As with any urban area, standard precautions apply: keep belongings secure, be aware of your surroundings when walking between attractions, and note the location of museum staff and security personnel if you need assistance. If you are unfamiliar with downtown LA more broadly, it is worth researching current neighborhood conditions and transit safety on up-to-date local sources before your visit, as conditions can vary by block.
