Guide To Los Angeles' Broad Museum
One of Los Angeles' newest and best museums is not only a cultural landmark that houses nearly 2,000 objects from billionaires Eli and Edythe Broad's personal collection of modern and contemporary art, but it's also a beautiful setting. At a cost of $140 million to build, and a zero dollar admission fee, this architectural and artistic wonderland is truly a gift to the city of Los Angeles.
The Broad Museum
221 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 493-5138
www.thebroad.org
Located in Downtown LA, the Broad Museum is conveniently located near major freeways, making it simple to get to. Whether you drive, take the metro, or another form of transportation, simply setting foot inside the museum will be worth the commute to get there.
By Car
If you're planning on getting to the museum by car, there are a variety of different ways to get to there. Depending on where you're coming from, these directions will help you get there.
- From The 110 North - Take the 4th Street exit on the right. Turn left onto Olive Street and then left onto 2nd Street. Make a left into The Broad parking garage.
- From The 110 South - Take the 4th Street exit on the right. Turn left onto Olive Street and then left onto 2nd Street. Make a left into The Broad parking garage.
- From The Valley - Take the 101 South take the Grand Avenue exit on the right. Turn right onto Grand Avenue and then a right 2nd Street. Make a left into The Broad parking garage.
- From The Westside - Take the 10 East. Exit 6th St/9th St from the 110N. Take South Hope Street to Grand Avenue.
- From The 101 South - Take the Temple Street exit on the right. Make a left onto Temple Street. Turn right onto Grand Avenue and then another right at 2nd Street. Make a left into The Broad parking garage.
By Public Transportation
The closest Metro station is the Civic Center / Grand Park Station (Purple or Red Line) located at First and Hill Streets. The museum is just a 0.4 mile walk from the station. In addition to the numerous Metro bus lines that pass The Broad, Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus offers weekday and weekend service to the museum.
Parking
An underground parking garage is available below The Broad with an entrance on 2nd Street between Hope and Grand Avenue. With validation, parking rates run at $12 per three hours on weekdays and $12 all day weekends or after 5pm on weekdays. The California Plaza garage (with entrance off Olive Street), also validates for The Broad, with a discounted rate of $8.
With a collection this immense, it can be a challenge to narrow down a visit to only the top five pieces. The inaugural installation features a predominantly chronological section of masterworks, beginning on the third floor, from the 1950s through today.
Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away
Artist: Yayoi Kusama
Definitely one of the major highlights of the museum, this mirror-lined chamber will amaze anyone that steps foot in the room. It's definitely a must-see piece. It's so important that it's been given it's own space in the museum. A free, timed entry ticket is required to this work of art consisting of mirrors and lights, accommodating only one visitor at a time for a 45 second glimpse into this soul-pondering work.
Fountain (Buddha)
Artist: Sherrie Levine
This 1996 piece, cast in bronze, is reminiscent of the porcelain urinal famously exhibited by Marcel Duchamp in 1917.
Cairo
Artist: Mehretu
This 2013 work represents the architecture, atmosphere and social dynamism of the Egyptian capitol during the Arab Spring turbulence, as portrayed with swirling ink and acrylic.
Deutschlands Geisteshelden
Artist: Anselm Kiefer
This piece addresses the post WWII recovery of Germany and is shown in relationship with German artist Joseph Beuys' multiples collection.
Untitled (Ferguson Police, August 13, 2014)
Artist: Robert Longo
The charcoal drawing which is mounted on paper and is 88x122x1/8 inches is an impeccable photo which captured the unrest between the police and citizens during a unique moment in history in Ferguson, Missouri from August 2014.
Additional Must-See Exhibits
The Broad Museum offers some of the best art in the world. From oil on canvas paintings to Andy Warhol's "Two Marilyns" piece of work, The Broad Museum offers a massive collection of terrific exhibits and paintings you won't want to miss out on.
Entrance into The Broad Museum is free. Patrons can book their visits through the end of 2015 online using The Broad's website. Same day and future tickets can also be obtained at the museum, although advance reservations are encouraged. Tickets have entry times beginning every half hour, but there is no time limit for spending time in the main galleries.
Note: General Admission ticket holders may be required to book a separate (but still free) timed ticket to view Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room installation, depending on museum capacity. This ticket time cannot be reserved in advance of your visit.
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11am - 5pm
Wednesday: 11am - 5pm
Thursday: 11am - 8pm
Friday: 11am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am - 8pm
Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Closes at 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Located on the plaza next to the museum, Otium Restaurant, set to open this fall, will be a contemporary eatery from Executive Chef Timothy Hollingsworth and restaurateur Bill Chait. The relaxed experience and sophisticated fare offered here will be a great complement to the museum's contemporary feel.
Patina
141 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-3331
www.patinarestaurant.com
For a fine dining experience, consider Patina, located just one block away alongside the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The flagship restaurant of the stellar restaurant group, Patina offers seasonal tasting menus, gourmet cheeses, caviar service, and an award-winning wine list.
Blue Cow Kitchen & Bar
350 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 621-2249
www.bluecowkitchen.com
Blue Cow Kitchen & Bar, located across the street in the California Plaza, puts the focus on local and artisan ingredients, modern small plates and entrees, craft beers, and seasonal cocktails, all working together to provide an innovative approach to upscale dining.
Noe Restaurant & Bar
Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
251 S Olive St
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 356-4100
www.noerestaurant.com
Next door to the museum, consider dining at Noe Restaurant & Bar, located inside the Omni Hotel at California Plaza, which is accessible via the plaza's corridor walkway or along Grand Avenue. The three-course prix fixe tasting menu gives you the a great sample of this Asian fusion fare.
Mendocino Farms
300 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 620-1114
www.mendocinofarms.com
If you are looking for something quick and easy, Mendocino Farms which offers up delicious sandwiches including favorites like the Steak BLT with carved steak, Prime applewood bacon, romaine lettuce, roasted tomatoes, herb aioli, and red wine onions on a toasted rustic white bread, or their Not So Fried Chicken sandwich, with shaved, roasted free range chicken breast rolled in Mendo's krispies with herb aioli, mustard pickle slaw,tomatoes, pickled red onions on toasted ciabatta with a side of their chipotle BBQ or mustard pickle remoulade.
- Make sure to download The Broad Museum's free mobile app which features audio, video, and self-guided tours. You can also manage your tickets via the app. A family audio tour is also available.
- The Shop at The Broad features a fine assortment of world class gifts and keepsakes.
- Don't bring large items; there is no coat check available at The Broad.
- Single-wide baby strollers are permitted. Kids under the age of 13 must remain with an adult during their visit.
