The Broad Los Angeles: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Broad Museum is a landmark of contemporary art and innovative architecture in downtown Los Angeles. Opened in 2015, it was founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad with the mission to make contemporary art accessible to all. The museum houses more than 2,000 works from leading postwar and contemporary artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Roy Lichtenstein. The Broad’s distinctive “veil and vault” design by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, in collaboration with Gensler, has become an architectural icon, while its commitment to free general admission and engaging public programs ensures a welcoming experience for all visitors.

With its location on Grand Avenue—close to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, MOCA, and other cultural destinations—The Broad is a prime starting point for exploring Los Angeles’ dynamic arts district. As the museum prepares for a major expansion ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics, visitors can look forward to even more gallery space, flexible programming areas, and enhanced public amenities (The Broad About; Architizer; OC Register).

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, from practical information on hours and tickets to highlights of the collection, architectural features, accessibility, nearby attractions, and essential travel tips.

Table of Contents

1. History and Founders
2. Architectural Highlights: The “Veil and Vault”
3. The Collection: Must-See Artworks and Exhibitions
4. Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
5. Travel Tips and Getting There
6. Nearby Attractions
7. The Broad Expansion 2025: What to Expect
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
9. Summary and Key Travel Tips
10. References

History and Founders

The Broad is the vision of Eli and Edythe Broad, who sought to democratize access to contemporary art and enrich Los Angeles’ cultural life. Their philanthropic ventures have supported numerous institutions, but The Broad stands as a testament to their commitment to public engagement and art education (The Broad About).

Conceived as a permanent home for their extensive art collection and as the headquarters for The Broad Art Foundation, the museum reinforces Grand Avenue as the city’s cultural corridor (World City Trail). Since its opening in September 2015, The Broad quickly became a cornerstone of the arts community, attracting nearly a million visitors annually and delivering free general admission to ensure broad access (OC Register).

Joanne Heyler, The Broad’s founding director and president, played a pivotal role in shaping its curatorial vision and public programming, emphasizing accessibility, social justice, and community outreach (The Broad About).

Architectural Highlights: The “Veil and Vault”

Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, The Broad’s 120,000-square-foot building is defined by its innovative “veil and vault” concept. The “vault” is a solid core housing collection storage and administrative spaces, while the “veil”—a honeycomb-like facade made from glass-fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels—envelops the building, filtering natural light into the galleries and creating a striking visual identity (Architizer; The Broad Foundation).

Key architectural features include:

• The Veil: 2,500 GFRC panels supported by 650 tons of steel, providing both daylight and environmental control.
• Column-Free Gallery: The third-floor main gallery boasts a nearly acre-sized, column-free expanse for flexible exhibition layouts (The Broad Fact Sheet).
• Public Plaza: A 24,000-square-foot plaza enhances pedestrian access and supports community events.
• Integration with the City: The building’s design activates the street level and connects seamlessly to surrounding cultural landmarks (Architizer).

The careful interplay of solid and void, light and shadow, and the use of innovative materials have earned The Broad architectural acclaim and helped revitalize downtown Los Angeles (Springer).

The Collection: Must-See Artworks and Exhibitions

The Broad’s collection features over 2,000 works by more than 200 artists, spanning key movements from the 1950s to today (The Broad). Visitors can expect to encounter:

• Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms: Including “Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away” (2013) and “Longing for Eternity” (2017). These immersive installations are extremely popular; timed tickets are required (Time Out LA).
• Jeff Koons: Notable sculptures such as “Balloon Dog (Blue)” and “Tulips.”
• Jean-Michel Basquiat: Highlights like “Untitled” (1981) and “Obnoxious Liberals” (1982).
• Roy Lichtenstein: Works including “I…I’m Sorry!” (1965) and “Mirror #1” (1969).
• Cindy Sherman: Her “Untitled Film Stills” series, exploring identity and representation.
• Mark Bradford: Large-scale mixed-media pieces that reflect on urban life and social issues.
• Other Artists: Ed Ruscha, Barbara Kruger, Glenn Ligon, Kara Walker, and more (Los Angeles Museums; Holiday Landmark).

Special Exhibitions: The Broad regularly presents rotating installations and major shows, such as Jeffrey Gibson’s “The Many Worlds” (May–September 2025) (Secret Los Angeles). Check the official website for current and upcoming exhibitions.

Thematic Galleries and Interactive Features: Galleries are organized thematically and chronologically, and the visible storage vault offers a unique behind-the-scenes look. Free mobile guides and family-friendly audio tours are available (The Broad).

Visiting Information: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Hours:

• Tuesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Closed Mondays and major holidays
• Extended hours may occur during special exhibitions (The Broad)

Tickets:

• General admission is free, but advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for the Infinity Mirror Rooms and special exhibitions.
• Reserve online via The Broad’s official website. Walk-up standby tickets may be available but are limited.

Accessibility:

• Fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.
• Wheelchair and stroller rentals available.
• Assistive listening devices and ASL interpretation provided upon request.
• Braille and large-print materials available.
• Service animals welcome (The Broad).

Visitor Services:

• Clear signage and staff assistance.
• Free public Wi-Fi.
• Gift shop and café on-site.

Travel Tips and Getting There

Location: 221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA.

Public Transit:

• Metro B and D lines: Civic Center/Grand Park Station (short walk to the museum).

Parking:

• No on-site parking, but several paid garages nearby:
  • LAZ Parking Garage (330 S. Hope Street)
  • Patina Garage (601 W. 5th Street)
• Limited street parking; public transit is recommended.

Tips for a Smooth Visit:

• Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
• Book timed tickets for popular installations in advance.
• Photography is allowed without flash in most galleries.

Nearby Attractions

Enhance your visit by exploring these cultural and historical sites within walking distance:

• Walt Disney Concert Hall: Iconic architecture and world-class performances.
• Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA): Complementary modern art exhibitions.
• Grand Park: Outdoor urban park for relaxation and events.
• El Pueblo de Los Angeles: Historic district with Olvera Street and heritage sites.
• The Music Center: Home to LA’s top performing arts organizations.

The Broad Expansion 2025: What to Expect

To accommodate growing attendance and a continually expanding collection, The Broad is undergoing a $100 million expansion set to open before the 2028 Summer Olympics (OC Register; Secret Los Angeles). Highlights include:

• 55,000 Additional Square Feet: A 70% increase in gallery space.
• Visible Storage and New Event Spaces: Enhanced access to the collection and live programming.
• Outdoor Courtyards and Improved Public Plaza: More green space and connectivity.
• Sustainable Design: Energy-efficient systems and environmentally conscious materials.
• Seamless Visitor Experience: The museum will remain open during construction, with clear updates and wayfinding (SoCal Museums).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are The Broad’s visiting hours?
Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM. Closed Mondays and major holidays.

Is admission free?
Yes, general admission is free. Special exhibitions may require a separate ticket.

How do I get tickets?
Reserve online in advance on The Broad’s website. Walk-up tickets are limited.

Is The Broad accessible?
Yes, with full wheelchair and stroller access, assistive listening devices, and other accommodations.

Are guided tours available?
Yes, both free and paid guided tours, as well as audio guides, are offered.

Can I take photos?
Non-flash photography is permitted in most galleries; check for exhibition-specific restrictions.

What are the best photo spots?
The honeycomb facade, third-floor gallery, escalator tunnel, and outdoor courtyards.

Summary and Key Travel Tips

The Broad Museum offers a world-class contemporary art experience in the heart of Los Angeles. Highlights include:

• Free general admission with easy online ticket reservations.
• Architectural innovation with the “veil and vault” design.
• Iconic installations by Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, Basquiat, and more.
• Accessible facilities for all visitors.
• Expanding gallery space and enhanced amenities by 2028.
• Prime location near other top LA attractions.

Travel Tips:

• Reserve tickets in advance, especially for special exhibitions.
• Arrive early and use public transit when possible.
• Explore nearby cultural sites to maximize your visit.
• Check The Broad’s website and social channels for current exhibitions and expansion updates.
• Download the Audiala app for personalized recommendations and up-to-date information.

References

• The Broad About
• Architizer
• OC Register
• Secret Los Angeles
• The Broad Foundation
• World City Trail
• Los Angeles Museums
• Holiday Landmark
• The Broad
• SoCal Museums
• Springer
• The Broad Fact Sheet
• Time Out LA
• The Art Newspaper

Plan your visit to The Broad Museum and explore the best of contemporary art and architecture in Los Angeles. For the latest updates, download the Audiala app and follow The Broad on social media.