the broad exhibits

Alright, real talk—has anyone else ever stood outside The Broad in downtown LA and thought, "Wait, did someone take a giant piece of Swiss cheese and decide it would make a killer museum?" Because we definitely have. That honeycomb facade isn't just for show, y'all—it's basically the museum's way of saying "I'm weird, I'm wonderful, and I'm not here to play by the rules." And honestly? We're totally here for it. The the broad exhibits housed inside this architectural marvel are just as boundary-pushing as the building itself, serving up contemporary art that'll make you laugh, cry, scratch your head, and maybe even question reality—all before you've finished your third cup of coffee. It's like the art world's version of a rollercoaster, except instead of screaming, you're having existential crises (in the best way possible).

Before we even get to the the broad exhibits inside, let's take a minute to appreciate the vessel. The Broad (pronounced like "road," not like the adjective, thank you very much) opened its doors in 2015 and immediately became the cool new kid on Grand Avenue. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the building's "veil-and-vault" concept is basically architectural poetry—there's this porous, honeycomb-like exterior (the "veil") that wraps around a solid concrete core (the "vault") where all the precious art lives. It's like the museum is wearing a lace dress over a bulletproof vest, and honestly, we're obsessed. The whole thing cost about 140 million USD to build, which sounds like a lot until you realize you're getting free admission to one of the most important contemporary art collections on the planet. Talk about a bang for your buck.

So who exactly are these Broad folks who decided to drop a fortune on an art museum for the rest of us to enjoy? Eli Broad was a self-made billionaire businessman who made his fortune in homebuilding and insurance (SunAmerica, anyone?), and his wife Edythe was his partner in both life and art collecting. Together, they spent decades amassing what would become one of the most significant collections of postwar and contemporary art in the world. We're talking over 2,000 works by more than 200 artists, all acquired with the vision of making contemporary art accessible to everyone, not just the elite gallery crowd. The the broad exhibits program is their legacy—a gift to Los Angeles and the world that keeps on giving, long after Eli's passing in 2021. It's like they looked at the art world and said, "Nah, we're making this free and fabulous for everyone."

Okay, let's get to the main event—the the broad exhibits that everyone actually comes to see. And by everyone, we mean the thousands of people who wait in line for hours just to spend 60 seconds inside Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away." This isn't just an exhibit; it's a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Step inside this tiny mirrored room filled with LED lights that seem to stretch into eternity, and suddenly you're floating in space, questioning your place in the universe, and trying to get the perfect selfie all at once. It's equal parts profound and ridiculous, which is basically the Broad's whole vibe. Pro tip: get there early or be prepared to wait. Like, "bring a book and maybe a sandwich" wait. But trust us, it's worth it.

While the Infinity Mirrored Room might be the star of the show, the the broad exhibits permanent collection is where the real magic happens. This is the art that lives at the Broad full-time, the pieces that Eli and Edythe fell in love with over decades of collecting. We're talking major works by Jean-Michel Basquiat that'll make you feel things you didn't even know you could feel, vibrant pop art by Roy Lichtenstein that looks like it jumped straight out of a comic book, and those iconic balloon animal sculptures by Jeff Koons that are somehow both playful and deeply unsettling at the same time. The collection spans from the 1950s to today, giving you a crash course in contemporary art history without having to read a single textbook. It's like art school, but with better lighting and no student loans.

But wait, there's more! The the broad exhibits program isn't just about the permanent collection—oh no, they keep things fresh with rotating special exhibitions that bring in works from artists around the world. Sometimes it's a deep dive into a single artist's career, like that massive Takashi Murakami show that turned the entire museum into a psychedelic wonderland of smiling flowers and anime-inspired characters. Other times it's thematic group shows that tackle everything from climate change to digital identity to the politics of representation. The beauty of these temporary the broad exhibits is that no two visits are ever the same. You could come one month and see cutting-edge digital art that makes your phone look like a potato, and come back the next month to find yourself surrounded by massive abstract paintings that look like someone spilled their entire emotional baggage onto canvas. It's like a box of chocolates, but instead of getting a caramel, you might get a life-changing artistic experience.

Speaking of exhibits, let's take a quick detour into Museum 101. Not all the broad exhibits are created equal, and understanding the different types can help you appreciate what you're seeing (and sound super smart at parties). First, there are solo exhibitions, which focus on a single artist's work—think of it as the art world's version of a greatest hits album. Then there are group exhibitions, where multiple artists come together around a shared theme or concept. Retrospectives look back at an artist's entire career, while contemporary exhibitions showcase brand-new work that might have been created literally yesterday. There are also traveling exhibitions that tour from museum to museum, and site-specific installations that are created specifically for a particular space (like Kusama's Infinity Room, which was designed just for the Broad). The the broad exhibits program mixes all these types, keeping things interesting for both casual visitors and serious art nerds.

Alright, let's get practical for a minute. Visiting the broad exhibits can be overwhelming if you don't go in with a game plan. First things first: reserve your free timed tickets online. Like, yesterday. The Broad operates on a timed ticketing system to manage crowds, and those slots fill up faster than free pizza at a college party. Second, wear comfortable shoes. We're talking "I-could-walk-all-day-and-still-have-energy" comfortable. The museum might not be huge, but you'll be on your feet for hours if you actually want to see everything. Third, consider going on a weekday morning when the crowds are thinner and you can actually hear yourself think. And fourth—this is important—don't try to see everything in one visit. The the broad exhibits are meant to be savored, not devoured. Pick a few pieces that speak to you and spend real time with them. Trust us, your Instagram followers will wait.

So what exactly is The Broad known for, besides that weird cheese-grater building and the Kusama room that everyone's obsessed with? Well, for starters, it's known for being completely free. That's right—zero dollars, no hidden fees, just pure unadulterated art access for everyone. In a city where everything costs money (looking at you, $18 avocado toast), this is basically a miracle. It's also known for its focus on postwar and contemporary art, which means you won't find any Renaissance paintings or ancient Egyptian artifacts here. This is art that was made in your lifetime, by artists who are probably still alive and making work right now. The the broad exhibits are about the present and the future, not the past. And finally, it's known for its accessibility—not just financially, but intellectually. The Broad doesn't talk down to visitors or assume you have an art history degree. It meets you where you are and invites you to engage with the work on your own terms.

Alright, you're sold. You're ready to experience the broad exhibits for yourself. But where do you even start? Here's our foolproof guide to making the most of your visit. First, check the museum's website for current the broad exhibits and any special events happening during your planned visit date. Second, arrive early—like, "beat the crowds" early. Third, start on the third floor and work your way down. This might seem counterintuitive, but it actually gives you the best flow through the galleries and helps you avoid the worst of the crowds. Fourth, take breaks. There are seating areas throughout the museum where you can sit and actually process what you're seeing instead of rushing from one piece to the next. And fifth, don't skip the gift shop. Even if you're not buying anything, it's like a mini-museum of art books and design objects that'll make you want to redecorate your entire apartment. For more art insights, check out Galerie Im Regierungsviertel, explore our Art category for more cultural deep-dives, or read our feature on Modern Picture Frames For Wall: Sleek Displays to learn how to showcase your own art collection at home.

References

• https://www.thebroad.org/art/collection
• https://www.archdaily.com/774732/the-broad-diller-scofidio-plus-renfro
• https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2021-04-28/eli-broad-dead-philanthropist
• https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/broad-museum-los-angeles-free-admission-180956388/