The Broad is a contemporary art museum in downtown Los Angeles. It’s famous for free general admission and a jaw-dropping building that turns heads. As of 2026, it’s still one of the city’s most popular cultural spots, pulling in over 1.2 million visitors each year.
Where exactly is The Broad located?
The Broad sits in downtown Los Angeles on Grand Avenue.
Right in the middle of the Grand Avenue cultural corridor, it faces Walt Disney Concert Hall and is just a short walk from The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). This puts it smack dab in the heart of L.A.’s arts scene, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Southern California’s cultural offerings.
What should I know about The Broad at a glance?
The Broad is a free contemporary art museum with a striking architectural design and a massive collection.
| Feature |
Details |
| Coordinates |
34.0531° N, 118.2479° W |
| Architectural Design |
Dreamed up by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the building features a 2,500-panel glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) veil that looks like it’s floating |
| Collection Highlights |
Over 2,000 postwar and contemporary pieces, including works by Yayoi Kusama, Cindy Sherman, and Jeff Koons |
| Annual Visitors (as of 2026) |
Around 1.2 million |
| Special Exhibitions |
Some shows need timed tickets, with entry every 15 minutes |
| Architectural Materials |
650 tons of steel and 2,500 GFRC panels |
What’s the backstory behind The Broad?
The Broad was started by Eli and Edythe Broad, a legendary philanthropic power couple.
Eli Broad co-founded KB Home and SunAmerica Inc., and he’s the only person to build two Fortune 500 companies in different industries. The museum opened in September 2015, blending art space with architectural innovation. Its “veil-and-vault” design plays with light and shadow, reflecting the Broads’ goal of making contemporary art open to everyone.
Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Rooms used to be a huge draw, but they’ve been closed since 2023 for conservation work. The museum also loans art worldwide through The Broad Art Foundation, which has sent out over 8,700 loans to more than 500 institutions since 1984.
How do I visit The Broad?
General admission is free, but you’ll need a timed ticket for entry every 15 minutes.
Special exhibitions might have separate fees. The museum’s at 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012—easy to reach via Metro’s Civic Center/Grand Park station. Parking’s available nearby, though street parking gets tricky during busy times. Plan on spending 1–2 hours for the permanent collection, and add more time if you’re checking out special shows.
For updates on reopening exhibitions or special events, sign up for the museum’s newsletter on their official website. As of 2026, The Broad stays true to its founders’ mission: keeping art creative and accessible.
According to the Broad Museum, general admission remains free with timed tickets.
The museum’s architectural details are outlined in a Architectural Digest feature from 2025.
Visitation statistics are reported in the Los Angeles County Arts Commission annual report for 2025.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
