Museum NameThe Broad Museum LocationLos Angeles, California, USA Type of MuseumContemporary Art Museum

The Broad is a contemporary art museum on Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. The museum is named for philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, who financed the $140 million building which houses the Broad art collections.

Overview

The Broad Museum is a contemporary art museum located in downtown Los Angeles. The museum is named for philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, who financed the $140 million building which houses the Broad art collections. The museum offers free general admission to its permanent collection galleries. It opened on September 20, 2015.

The Broad houses a nearly 2,000-piece collection of contemporary art, featuring 200 artists. This includes works by major artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, and Jeff Koons. It is also home to the 2,000-work Broad Art Foundation collection which is lent to museums around the world. The collections in the museum span the gamut from post-war to present-day art.

Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, the museum’s innovative architecture offers a sense of transparency and openness, inviting public engagement. The white honeycomb-like 'veil' that wraps around the building allows natural daylight into the galleries, while the 'vault' in the center of the museum stores the collection and works not on display. The veil and the vault, together form a symbiotic relationship, giving the museum its distinctive character.

The museum also features a 15,000 square foot, column-free gallery space on the third floor to display art. The first floor hosts a lecture hall, a public lobby with display space, and a museum shop. The Broad also features a restaurant, named Otium, which offers a unique dining experience inspired by the fresh, vibrant flavors of Los Angeles.

In addition to housing outstanding collections of contemporary art, the Broad Museum also offers a range of public programs and events including talks, film screenings, and family workshops. The museum also has a commitment to education and offers school visits and teacher programs. The Broad Museum has become a cultural landmark and a hub for the exploration of contemporary art, attracting locals and tourists alike.

The Broad Museum also has a distinctive presence online, with a robust website that offers virtual tours and an extensive digital archive of the collection. It also has a strong social media presence, allowing art lovers all over the world to engage with the museum and its collection. The Broad’s mobile app also features self-guided audio tours that provide additional layers of information about the artworks, the architecture, and the Broads’ collection.

The Broad Museum is not just a place to view art, but also a place to engage in meaningful conversations about art and culture. It provides a space where the public can interact with contemporary art, and it encourages visitors to form their own interpretations and connections with the works on display.

Overall, The Broad Museum is a testament to the power of philanthropy and a love for art. It stands as a significant contribution to Los Angeles vibrant cultural scene, providing access to an extensive collection of contemporary art and enriching the community with its educational programs. With its striking architecture and impressive collection, The Broad Museum has quickly become an iconic part of Los Angeles cultural landscape.

The Broad Museum continues to evolve, with new acquisitions added to the collection regularly. It remains committed to its mission of making contemporary art accessible to the widest possible audience. With its free admission policy, innovative architecture, and diverse programs, The Broad Museum has established itself as a leading cultural institution in Los Angeles and beyond.

Key Highlights & Collections

The Broad Museum, located on Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, California, is one of the most popular museums in the city, drawing visitors from around the world with its impressive collection of contemporary and postwar art. The museum is named after philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, who financed the $140 million building and stocked it with their extensive collection of art.

The museum, which opened in 2015, was designed by the architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler. The building's unique honeycomb-like exterior, often referred to as the 'veil,' is one of its most recognizable characteristics. This innovative design not only contributes to the aesthetic appeal of the museum but also helps to naturally illuminate the gallery spaces inside.

The Broad houses more than 2,000 works of art, making it one of the most prominent museums of contemporary art in the world. The collection features works from the 1950s to the present and includes pieces by many influential artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, Cindy Sherman, Barbara Kruger, and Jeff Koons. The museum's holdings also reflect the Broads' long-standing commitment to collecting works by artists of color and female artists, which has resulted in a diverse and inclusive collection.

One of the museum's key highlights is its collection of Cy Twombly's works. The Broad owns 21 of the artist's pieces, making it the largest public repository of his work in the country. Twombly, known for his large-scale, freely scribbled, calligraphic-style graffiti paintings, has a dedicated gallery on the museum's third floor.

Besides Twombly, the museum also holds an impressive collection of works by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Known for his raw and powerful pieces that combine text and image, Basquiat's works are a testament to his unique and unfiltered view of society. The Broad's collection includes several of his most significant works, including 'With Strings Two' and 'Horn Players.'

Another key highlight of The Broad is its collection of works by pop art icon Andy Warhol. The museum boasts over 50 works by Warhol, including some of his most famous pieces like 'Twenty Jackies,' 'Campbell's Soup Can,' and 'Self-Portrait.'

The museum also features works by Roy Lichtenstein, a leading figure of the new art movement. His works, particularly his comic strip-based paintings, are some of the museum's most popular pieces. The Broad's collection includes several of his most iconic works, such as 'I...I'm Sorry!' and 'Mirror #1.'

The Broad's collection isn't limited to paintings. The museum also has an extensive collection of photography, featuring works by artists like Cindy Sherman and Andreas Gursky. In addition, the museum boasts a significant collection of works by artists working in the field of video and installation, including Ragnar Kjartansson, Yayoi Kusama, and Barbara Kruger.

The museum also hosts a variety of special exhibitions, performances, and educational programs. It offers free general admission to its collection galleries, making art accessible to people of all backgrounds.

In conclusion, The Broad Museum is a must-visit for art lovers. Its impressive collection, ranging from pop art to photography, provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary and postwar art. The museum's innovative architecture, coupled with its diverse and inclusive collection, makes it a standout attraction in downtown Los Angeles.

Visitor Experience

The Broad Museum, located in downtown Los Angeles, offers a unique and enriching visitor experience. As soon as you set foot into the museum, you are greeted by the stunning architectural design of the building. The honeycomb-like exterior, known as the veil, is a sight to behold and sets the tone for the exciting journey of visual and intellectual stimulation that lies ahead.

Inside, the Broad houses an impressive collection of contemporary art from the mid-20th century to the present day. The collection includes more than 2,000 works by over 200 artists, making it one of the most prominent holdings of postwar and contemporary art worldwide. The museum showcases a wide array of mediums and styles, featuring pieces from iconic artists such as Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Jeff Koons. Whether you are a seasoned art enthusiast or a novice, the museum offers something for everyone.

The Broad prides itself on its visitor-centric approach. The museum is free to the public, in line with its mission to make contemporary art accessible to as many people as possible. While walk-ins are welcome, it is recommended to reserve tickets in advance due to the museum's popularity. Tickets are released on the first of every month for the following month, and they often go quickly.

The museum is thoughtfully designed to ensure a seamless visitor experience. There are friendly and knowledgeable staff members located throughout the museum, ready to answer any questions and provide insights into the art on display. The Broad also offers free public tours daily, led by museum educators who offer a deeper understanding of the collection and special exhibitions.

The Broad's visitor experience extends beyond the art on the walls. The museum also features a bookshop where visitors can find a carefully curated selection of books, postcards, and other unique items related to contemporary art and culture. For those who want a bite to eat, the museum's restaurant, Otium, offers a modern take on traditional comfort food, with a menu inspired by Los Angeles' diverse food culture.

The Broad is designed to be accessible for all visitors. The museum offers wheelchair rental, and all galleries, restrooms, and the dining and shopping areas are wheelchair accessible. There are also elevators available for those who prefer not to use the stairs. For visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing, assistive listening devices are available, and the museum offers interpreted tours upon request.

The Broad's commitment to enhancing the visitor experience is evident in its digital initiatives. The museum offers a mobile app that provides an interactive guide to the collection and exhibitions, complete with artist interviews and behind-the-scenes content. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the museum also offers a printed guide that includes a map and information about the artworks on display.

Visiting the Broad is not just about viewing art; it's about engaging with it. The museum encourages visitors to take photos and share their experiences on social media. However, they ask that visitors respect the art and other museum-goers by not using flash or tripods, and by keeping a safe distance from the artworks.

Visitor experience at the Broad is not limited to the physical space of the museum. The Broad's website provides a wealth of information for those who want to learn more about the collection and exhibitions, including high-resolution images of artworks, artist bios, and articles about contemporary art. The website also offers resources for educators, such as lesson plans and activities that can be used in the classroom.

The Broad's visitor experience is continually evolving. The museum regularly hosts special exhibitions, performances, and events, offering new ways for visitors to engage with contemporary art. Past special exhibitions have included 'Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors', 'Cindy Sherman: Imitation of Life', and 'Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power'.

Furthermore, the museum is always adding new works to its collection, ensuring that there is always something new to see. Whether you are making your first visit or your hundredth, the Broad offers a unique experience that is sure to inspire and captivate.

In conclusion, a visit to the Broad is more than just a trip to a museum; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of contemporary art. From the stunning architecture to the extensive collection of art, the thoughtful amenities for visitors, and the engaging digital resources, the Broad offers a visitor experience that is both enriching and accessible. Whether you are a local Angeleno or a visitor from afar, the Broad is a must-see destination in Los Angeles.

References

New York Times: Review of The Broad Museum

The Broad Museum: Visit Information

TimeOut: The Broad Museum, Los Angeles

W Magazine: The Broad Museum, Los Angeles

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Overview

Key Highlights & Collections

Visitor Experience

References

Museum Name

The Broad Museum

Location

Los Angeles, California, USA

Type of Museum

Contemporary Art Museum

Year Established

2015

Notable Collections/Features

The Broad Museum has a collection of over 2,000 works of contemporary art, featuring 200 artists, including Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Ed Ruscha, and Roy Lichtenstein.

Website

https://www.thebroad.org/