Visiting The Broad Museum in Los Angeles: What to See, Tickets & Tips
Updated: Oct 22
From larger-than-life sculptures and pop art to immersive installations, The Broad is one of Downtown LA's most compelling cultural experiences. And general admission is free.
Looking for something interesting to do in Los Angeles? Head to The Broad, a contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in Downtown LA, directly across from Walt Disney Concert Hall.
With more than 2,000 works in its collection, The Broad brings together some of the most recognizable names in modernand contemporary art, including Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, and Yayoi Kusama.
We visited with family and spent a fascinating couple of hours exploring the galleries. Some artworks were playful, others provocative, and quite a few sparked spirited conversations about what makes something art. That's part of the fun. Whether you're a contemporary art enthusiast or simply curious, here's what makes The Broad worth visiting and how to plan your time there.
Is The Broad Museum worth visiting?
Yes. The Broad is a free contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles, known for its collection of more than 2,000 artworks, striking architecture, and artists including Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Takashi Murakami, Andy Warhol, and Yayoi Kusama. Visitors should allow approximately two hours and reserve free admission tickets in advance. Kusama's Infinity Mirror Room requires a separate free timed reservation.
What Makes The Broad Museum Special?
The building itself is a work of art. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, its distinctive white, honeycomb-like exterior surrounds light-filled galleries. Inside, expect bold paintings, unexpected materials, oversized sculptures, and installations that challenge how we see everyday objects.
Unlike museums where every exhibit remains in place for years, The Broad regularly rotates artworks from its collection. A recent reinstallation has refreshed nearly two-thirds of the collection galleries, bringing more than 30 works out of storage. Even if you've been before, there's a good reason to return.
Tulips by Jeff Koons 
Michael Jackson and Bubbles 
Balloon Dog Blue by Jeff Koons
What to See at The Broad
Jeff Koons: Balloon Dog, Tulips, and More
Jeff Koons was one of the artists we were most excited to see. During our visit, we admired his famous Balloon Dog (Blue), Tulips, and Michael Jackson and Bubbles. Koons transforms recognizable objects into extraordinary sculptures through scale, material, and highly polished surfaces. A balloon animal becomes a monumental stainless-steel sculpture, while an ordinary bouquet is transformed into a reflective, larger-than-life arrangement. These are among the works that make contemporary art immediately engaging, even for visitors who don't usually spend much time in museums. The artworks belong to The Broad's collection, but individual pieces may rotate off display.
Takashi Murakami: Where Art Meets Anime and Pop Culture
Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami combines traditional Japanese art influences with anime, popular culture, and imaginative characters. His colorful paintings and sculptures feature flowers, exaggerated expressions, and fantastical creatures. During our earlier visit, we especially enjoyed Hustle'n'Punch By Kaikai And Kiki. The Broad currently features a rotating Murakami installation on its third floor. It's an excellent introduction to an artist whose work bridges fine art and popular visual culture.
Jean-Michel Basquiat: Powerful, Expressive Paintings
The Broad also has an important collection of works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose paintings bring together energetic brushwork, figures, symbols, and fragments of text. His art often explores identity, race, power, and history, encouraging viewers to look closely at the layers of meaning. A dedicated Basquiat installation currently features works including Untitled (1981) and Melting Point of Ice (1984).
It's one of the museum's strongest experiences for visitors interested in the ideas and cultural conversations behind contemporary art.
Robert Therrien: Under the Table
One of our favorite works from our visit was Robert Therrien's Under the Table. Imagine a dining table and chairs so enormous that you can stand underneath them. Suddenly, an everyday object becomes something extraordinary. Standing beneath the installation made us think about how small children must experience the world, surrounded by furniture that seems impossibly large. It's a clever, memorable example of how contemporary art can change your perspective without requiring an elaborate explanation. Check the museum's collection information before visiting if you're hoping to see this particular installation.
Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrored Room
One of The Broad's most sought-after experiences is Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.
Inside a small mirrored chamber, suspended LED lights appear to extend endlessly in every direction, creating the sensation of standing in a universe of stars. Visitors can enter the installation for up to one minute, making it a brief but immersive experience.
Important: The Infinity Mirror Room is free but requires its own timed reservation. A regular general admission ticket does not include access. Tickets are typically released at 10 a.m. Pacific on the last Wednesday of each month for the following month. Availability is limited, so this is the one experience we'd plan well ahead.
What's New at The Broad?
One of the best reasons to revisit The Broad is that its galleries continue to evolve. The museum has refreshed much of its third-floor collection space, bringing additional works out of storage and creating new conversations between artists. Recent installations have included pairings of Cindy Sherman and John Baldessari, Urs Fischer and Jonas Wood, and Anselm Kiefer and Kara Walker.
The Broad also presents temporary exhibitions that examine contemporary art through different cultural and historical perspectives.
Among its announced programs is Has the myth been shattered, a collection exhibition running from November 21, 2026, through April 4, 2027. It explores the relationship between art, media, history, and collective memory, featuring works by artists including Guadalupe Rosales, Hank Willis Thomas, Barbara Kruger, Glenn Ligon, and Andy Warhol.
Because exhibitions change, check The Broad's Now on View page for current installations before visiting. The museum is also expanding its Downtown LA campus, with additional gallery and programming space planned to open in 2028.
Is The Broad Good for Families?
Yes. The Broad's larger-than-life sculptures, vivid colors, and imaginative installations can make contemporary art approachable for visitors of different ages.
That said, not every work is intended for children. Some exhibitions address mature themes, and visitors may encounter nudity or provocative imagery. The museum offers family-oriented resources, including Looking with LeVar, a free audio tour narrated by LeVar Burton, available through its mobile guide.
Our suggestion is to let everyone explore and interpret the artwork in their own way. You don't have to agree about what you're seeing to enjoy the experience.
How Long Do You Need at The Broad?
Allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed visit to the collection galleries. We spent around two hours exploring, and that felt comfortable without rushing through everything. Allow extra time if you have a separate Infinity Mirror Room reservation or tickets for a special exhibition.
Plan Your Visit to The Broad Museum
Address: 221 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Visitor information | Details |
General admission | Free |
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Thursday | 11 a.m.–8 p.m. |
Saturday and Sunday | 10 a.m.–6 p.m. |
Monday | Closed |
Reservations | Recommended; standby admission available |
Infinity Mirror Room | Separate free timed reservation required |
Parking | Museum garage, entrance on 2nd Street from Grand Avenue |
Suggested visit | 1.5–2 hours |
The museum garage costs $19 for up to three hours with validation, with additional charges for longer stays. Weekend parking has a $19 flat rate. Check the official website for changes to pricing and access.
Our tip: Reserve free timed-entry tickets online to avoid the standby line, especially on weekends. Same-day tickets are also released online, and walk-up admission is available, subject to capacity.
What Else Can You See Near The Broad?
The Broad sits in Downtown Los Angeles' Grand Avenue cultural district, so it's easy to combine your museum visit with other landmarks. Directly across the street is Walt Disney Concert Hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry. Its sweeping stainless-steel exterior makes it another striking architectural stop.
If you have more time, explore Grand Park or head to Downtown LA's Arts District, known for its colorful murals, galleries, and creative spaces.
Read our guide to the murals of Downtown LA's Arts District for more inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Broad Museum free?
Yes. General admission to the collection galleries is always free. Some special exhibitions and events require separate paid tickets.
Do you need reservations for The Broad?
Reservations aren't required for general admission, but they are recommended. Visitors without tickets can join the standby line. The Infinity Mirror Room requires a separate free timed reservation.
What is The Broad Museum famous for?
The Broad is known for its contemporary art collection, distinctive architecture, and works by artists including Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Takashi Murakami, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Yayoi Kusama.
How long does it take to visit The Broad?
Most visitors can explore the collection galleries in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Special exhibitions and immersive installations may require additional time.
Is The Broad worth visiting?
Absolutely. With free general admission, recognizable artists, frequently refreshed galleries, and thought-provoking installations, The Broad is one of Downtown LA's most accessible cultural experiences.
What makes The Broad memorable isn't simply the famous names or oversized installations. It's the way the artwork invites conversation. Some pieces inspire immediate admiration. Others make you smile, question what you're seeing, or wonder what the artist was thinking. We experienced all of that during our visit, and it was precisely what made the afternoon enjoyable. Whether you're visiting Los Angeles or looking for something different to do in your own city, The Broad deserves a place on your list.
