When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
The Broad
Why The Broad is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Broad is a premier contemporary art museum located in downtown Los Angeles, making it an exceptional spot to meet up with friends and immerse yourselves in a world-class art experience. Founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, the museum boasts a striking honeycomb-like exterior designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro that captures attention even before stepping inside. Inside, you'll find nearly 2,000 pieces by over 200 artists, including renowned names like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein, and Yayoi Kusama. Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room offers a mesmerizing, interactive experience that is a highlight for many visitors. The Broad's thoughtfully curated galleries blend pop art, abstract works, and politically charged pieces across three spacious floors filled with natural light. Admission is free, encouraging accessibility, but advance reservations are recommended due to popularity. The museum’s location next to other landmarks such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and proximity to Metro stations make it easily accessible. After exploring art, visitors can dine nearby at Otium, a high-end restaurant that complements the cultural outing. The Broad is much more than a museum—it is an inspiring destination to enjoy with friends, combining architectural beauty, a stellar art collection, and an inviting atmosphere for social and cultural engagement.
Here's what people think of The Broad
As of recent, The Broad holds a 4.7-star rating based on 16725 reviews.
User reviews of The Broad are overwhelmingly positive, reflected in its high rating of 4.7 from over 16,700 reviews. Visitors praise the museum for its exceptional contemporary art collection featuring iconic works by celebrated artists like Warhol, Basquiat, and Kusama. Many highlight Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room as a standout immersive experience that offers a unique sensory journey. The cutting-edge architectural design and the museum's spacious, light-filled galleries are also frequently commended as creating a memorable visit. Reviewers appreciate that admission is free, making art accessible to a wide audience, though they note the importance of reserving tickets in advance due to demand. Positive reviews emphasize the museum’s ability to engage visitors with thoughtfully curated exhibitions and the convenience of its downtown location. On the other hand, some negative feedback points to the challenges of waiting in long lines, particularly for popular installations like the Infinity Mirrored Room, and occasional crowding that can impact the experience. However, many feel the museum’s layout helps mitigate crowding issues. Overall, The Broad's reviews reflect a cultural venue that consistently delights art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike, making it a well-loved destination in Los Angeles’s vibrant art scene.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Atika Hussain
A must visit for the art lovers. We had a great time exploring the place. So many cool and unique things by talented artists. Loved it. Highly recommend. We did not buy tickets for this since there was some kind of special event/discount going on but do check their website if you require tickets for it.
Nancy Maxwell
The Broad is a wonderful experience for anyone who has even the smallest appreciation of art. The collection is well-curated and provides a diverse list of creators. I'm always excited when a new artist exhibition is on display. I recently visited the Jeffrey Gibson exhibit and it did NOT disappoint. A bounty of color was displayed in the most beautiful pieces! But I wanted to also address the staff for The Broad. They're truly one of the museum's greatest assets. I had a chance to speak with two ladies during my wait for Kusama's Infinity Room and they were absolutely lovely. They were the epitome of friendly, professional, and sincerely passionate about their roles. I fully appreciate the opportunity to come across team members like this. They are a credit to this locale! If you're in the DTLA area, visit the website for possible tickets. Walk-ups are welcome, but their ticketing system makes every visit worry-free.
1bunbo
Not the fan of the modern art but the building itself is the art. Love it!!! Free but need to reserve your time on line beforehand. On side parking was full that day so they directed us to the parking garage of Walt Disney concert hall cross the street for the same charge of $25. After The Broad we visited concert hall where you could get a sticker allowed you to see inside building and go up to the top no charge.
Rtexal Tan
The Broad setup by a philanthropist focuses on contemporary pop art. What impresses is the architecture of the main building, and the upcoming annex which looks really well designed and fitting with it's current building. Inside the museum, what is impressive is it's deep collection of pop art, especially the display of Roy Lichtenstein artworks, beyond his popular pieces, love his pieces that took a more abstract look with his signature styles. The infinity room by Yayoi Kusama is also really popular and it is worth booking your tickets (it's on top of the museum ticket) to ensure you can access it on the day of visit, for free. It also has a paid exhibition area.
Curt Weber
The permanent collection is well-rounded and very impressive. Gallery flow and layout leads to a great experience for solo viewers, couples, friends and families. A good mix of art that kids can enjoy too. There is an Infinity Room by Yayoi Kusama, and their special exhibits are world-class. Parking is a little pricey, even with validation.
How to reach The Broad
None
Website: None
Why The Broad may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Broad with your friends?
Gathering friends or family at The Broad in downtown Los Angeles is a vibrant and enriching experience unlike any typical social outing. With its exceptional rating of 4.7 from over 16,700 reviews, The Broad promises an atmosphere that cultivates awe, inspiration, and connection through contemporary art. Founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, the museum houses one of the world’s leading collections of postwar and contemporary art, available to the public largely through free general admission. This accessibility removes financial barriers and encourages more inclusive group visits. The museum’s design by the renowned architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro is itself a masterpiece, featuring an innovative “veil-and-vault” concept that blends art display and collection storage in a visually stunning environment. Visiting The Broad is not only about viewing art but experiencing it in a thoughtful space that invites dialog and shared discovery. With over 120,000 square feet of space featuring two floors of galleries and rotating exhibitions, friends can wander freely, spark meaningful conversations, and create lasting memories. The welcoming atmosphere and stimulating environment make The Broad an ideal destination to rally with friends for both casual socializing and deep cultural engagement.
What activities can groups enjoy at The Broad?
The Broad offers diverse activities that cater perfectly to groups looking for a mix of cultural exploration and social fun. Visitors can explore more than 2,000 works of seminal contemporary art ranging from the 1950s to the present. The museum’s galleries showcase renowned artists and often change with rotating temporary exhibitions, providing fresh experiences with each visit. Guided tours and interactive educational programs can enhance group engagement by offering detailed insights into the artwork and artistic movements. The museum’s lending library, the headquarters of the Broad Art Foundation, adds an extra dimension by being a center for art loans to museums worldwide, underscoring the significance of its collection. For groups who appreciate architecture, the building itself—especially the “veil,” a honeycomb-like structure filtering beautiful natural light—acts as an immersive art piece. The outdoor East West Bank Plaza provides another lively setting with century-old Barouni olive trees and a green lawn, perfect for groups to relax and socialize between gallery visits or enjoy casual picnics. Additionally, the adjacent Otium restaurant offers an upscale dining experience with creative cuisine helmed by an acclaimed chef, making meals part of the day’s activities for your party. Altogether, The Broad presents a comprehensive cultural outing where every member of your group can find unique ways to engage and enjoy.
Why is The Broad the perfect place for a group meetup?
The Broad is uniquely suited for group meetups for several reasons, beginning with its open, spacious design that accommodates large parties comfortably without feeling cramped or rushed. The two floors of gallery space span a full city block and feature open layouts that allow groups to split up and explore different interests, then converge to share their experiences. This flexibility accommodates a wide range of group sizes and preferences, whether for friends wanting to immerse themselves in modern art or families introducing younger members to cultural institutions. The museum’s location in downtown Los Angeles on Grand Avenue is accessible by public transportation and offers convenient parking, facilitating easy arrival for everyone in the group. Admission is free to the general collection, which lowers the barrier for larger groups to visit economically. Programs such as interactive tours, family-friendly activities, and special events foster group engagement and educational opportunities. The communal plaza outside and the acclaimed onsite restaurant provide inviting spaces for relaxed conversation, refreshments, or celebratory meals, extending the social atmosphere beyond the galleries. This combination of thoughtful architecture, inclusive programming, and excellent amenities creates an environment where groups can naturally bond over shared artistic experiences while enjoying each other’s company.
What makes the architecture and design of The Broad so special for visitors?
The architecture of The Broad is an art experience in itself, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro in collaboration with Gensler, blending form and function to elevate the museum visit. The most striking feature is the building’s “veil-and-vault” concept, where a luminous, honeycomb-like “veil” envelops the structure, diffusing natural light into the galleries while shielding the artworks from harsh sunlight. Inside, the “vault” is a large, dense form visible throughout the museum that serves as a storage space for the art collection not currently on display. This design choice makes the typically unseen collection part of the visitor experience, offering viewing windows into the vault and highlighting the museum’s dedication to art preservation. This merging of exhibition and storage signifies transparency in museum operations and invites curiosity about the extensive scope of the collection. The placement of large galleries around this central vault allows for fluid movement and maximizes space for art display. The adjoining East West Bank Plaza extends the museum’s architectural grace outdoors with historic olive trees and landscaping that provide a serene urban oasis. This integration of innovative design and sustainability features, reflected in the museum’s LEED Gold certification, enhances visitors’ sensory experience and provides a striking backdrop for group meetups and photo opportunities. The building’s sheer creativity and attention to environmental impact offer guests a unique and memorable setting that complements the artworks shown inside.
What dining options does The Broad offer for groups?
Dining at The Broad is an integral part of the visit, with the onsite restaurant Otium providing an exceptional culinary experience tailored for groups seeking quality meals in a stylish setting. Developed by Eli Broad in collaboration with prominent chefs and restaurateurs, Otium offers contemporary American cuisine with seasonal ingredients, creative flavors, and a convivial atmosphere. Timothy Hollingsworth, the executive chef, brings culinary expertise from his tenure at The French Laundry, ensuring refined dishes that appeal to a broad array of tastes. The restaurant’s location on the museum plaza allows diners to enjoy indoor and outdoor seating, adding flexibility for group arrangements and weather preferences. Art lovers can appreciate the fusion of visual and culinary arts here, as the restaurant’s facade features a monumental photographic mural by Damien Hirst, connecting the dining experience back to contemporary art themes. The menu’s variety, from small plates to hearty entrées, accommodates groups with diverse dietary preferences and encourages sharing, making it ideal for socializing around food. For groups wanting a more casual refreshment break, the museum also provides cafes and lounge spaces in and around the galleries, enabling relaxed intermissions between art explorations. This array of dining choices completes the group outing by enhancing comfort, stimulating conversation, and allowing guests to celebrate the day with well-crafted meals.
How does The Broad engage diverse audiences for group visits?
The Broad stands out for its commitment to welcoming and engaging a highly diverse audience, making it an especially appealing venue for group visits including multi-generational families and friend circles from varied backgrounds. The museum’s visitor demographics defy traditional stereotypes of art attendance; on average, visitors are younger than at most other art museums, and the ethnic diversity of its patrons is nearly triple the national average for similar institutions. This inclusivity is a direct result of The Broad’s proactive programming that offers educational activities, the Diversity Apprenticeship Program to promote opportunity within the arts, and free general admission that removes financial barriers. For groups, this means an environment where everyone feels part of the art conversation, with programs designed to engage novices and aficionados alike. The museum’s contemporary collection, featuring globally recognized artists, appeals to a wide range of cultural interests and perspectives, fostering shared appreciation and dialogue. The Broad’s active efforts to host events and exhibitions highlighting underrepresented voices further enrich the group experience by showcasing the multiplicity of today’s art landscape. Ultimately, this diversity and openness enrich group visits by creating a welcoming space where collective exploration advances mutual understanding and enjoyment.
What special experiences and exhibitions await groups at The Broad?
Groups visiting The Broad are treated to a dynamic roster of special exhibitions and immersive experiences that provide fresh and thought-provoking perspectives on contemporary art. Besides the permanent collection of over 2,000 postwar and contemporary works, the museum frequently hosts guest-curated exhibitions that showcase cutting-edge trends, thematic explorations, and notable retrospectives. These temporary exhibitions often include interactive installations, multimedia components, and artist talks or performances that encourage active participation and dialogue. For groups, this variety means that no two visits are alike, and returning guests can continually discover new artwork and ideas to discuss together. The museum also organizes public programming such as panel discussions, family workshops, and evening events with music or performance art, which create lively settings for group engagement beyond passive viewing. Art education through interpretative materials, digital guides, and dedicated staff enhances comprehension and enriches the shared experience. By providing a calendar filled with evolving exhibitions and events, The Broad ensures that groups can tailor their visits to interests ranging from innovative technologies in art to social justice themes, making it a culturally immersive destination that sparks curiosity and collective reflection.
Why is The Broad accessible and convenient for group meetups?
Accessibility and convenience play crucial roles in The Broad’s suitability for group visits. Located at 221 S Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, The Broad benefits from a central urban location that is easily reachable by public transit, including proximity to the Metro Regional Connector station, bike parking, and electric vehicle charging stations. For groups traveling by car, ample parking options are available nearby, and the surrounding area is pedestrian friendly, facilitating easy arrivals and departures. The museum’s open hours, clear signage, and accessible facilities ensure a comfortable visit for visitors of all abilities, including those using wheelchairs or strollers. Free general admission removes financial barriers for large groups, allowing organizers to plan events without worries about ticket costs. The spacious lobby and gallery layouts create natural meeting points and facilitate group orientation before dispersing to explore individually or in smaller clusters. Additionally, the museum provides online resources such as advance ticket reservations for special exhibitions and concierge services to support group planning. All of these features combine to make The Broad an accessible, convenient, and hassle-free venue for hosting meetups that prioritize quality time together in an inspiring cultural setting.