Can’t Make It to the Getty? Try This Southern California Alternative

Los Angeles is a great many things: film and television, fantastic food, beach life, and shopping excursions. But the art scene is not to be missed. When planning a visit, most people think of The Getty, and who can blame them? The Getty offers panoramic views, a gorgeous garden, and a vast collection of art that spans lifetimes. However, depending on where you’re staying and how much time you have to dedicate, The Getty can be overwhelming. You will have to brave the 405 freeway and dedicate an entire day to your visit. However, if you are only here for an extended weekend and still want to fit in art, enter The Broad.   

Vibrant and contemporary, The Broad connects you to the energy of the present moment. Best of all, you can experience it in just a few hours, leaving plenty of time to explore the rest of Downtown Los Angeles, all while keeping your visit modern, streamlined, and budget-friendly.

A Striking First Impression

Even before you step foot inside, The Broad makes a statement. Covered in a white, honeycomb-like facade, it is a piece of contemporary architecture that stops you in your tracks. Located directly across the street from the Walt Disney Concert Hall, this is where The Broad belongs, right in the heart of the city.  

Unlike the Getty, The Broad is easily accessible on foot, by car, or by public transportation—no long tram ride to the top, no isolation from the bustling city down below. Here, you’ll find the visit feels more spontaneous and connected to the rhythm of Los Angeles.  

Inside: Bold, Playful, and Thought-Provoking

Upon entry, the experience is quite different than more traditional museums. This museum focuses exclusively on post-war and contemporary art. The collections feel daring, unique, and, at times, quite cheeky. There are legendary pieces by Jeff Koons, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein, and Cindy Sherman.   

The shiny balloon animal sculptures by Koons invoke childhood memories of the past, while Basquiat’s raw paintings hit you with a quiet brilliance. Every room you enter invites curiosity and confusion, but it’s all in good fun. 

No visit to The Broad is complete without mentioning Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room – The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away. You’ll feel whisked away into another universe in this immersive exhibit, where twinkling lights stretch into infinity, and you can look on forever. Tickets are required and free, but be sure to reserve your time slot in advance or you’ll miss your chance to step inside.  

The Broad frequently houses guest artists with a rotating curation of pieces, exploring themes of racial identity, urban life, and abstract expressionism. Be sure to check ahead as many of these pondering installations require tickets, usually around the low cost of $15 to $25.    

Though the Getty invites quiet contemplation of our world history, The Broad challenges you to remain in the present. Themes of identity, technology, and consumer culture run through the museum, making the art not only beautiful but also relevant.

Art for thought

If you’re craving an art experience that speaks to our current world, The Broad is an incredible choice. Plus, with free admission and a prime downtown location, it’s a no-brainer for anyone exploring L.A.