Thursday, 7 May 2026

Why The Broad Is One Of Los Angeles’ Must-Visit Art Experiences

For travellers planning a cultural escape to Los Angeles this summer, few attractions capture the creative energy of the city quite like The Broad.

Located in the heart of Downtown LA’s thriving arts district, the internationally acclaimed contemporary art museum offers free general admission and houses one of the world’s most celebrated collections of postwar and contemporary art. With iconic works from globally recognised artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Takashi Murakami, and Yayoi Kusama, the museum has become an essential destination for visitors exploring Los Angeles.

This year, the spotlight shines on the groundbreaking exhibition Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, a powerful and immersive artistic experience running from May 23 to October 11, 2026.

A Major Yoko Ono Exhibition Arrives In Southern California

Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind marks the first solo museum exhibition in Southern California dedicated to visionary artist, musician, and activist Yoko Ono.

Organised in collaboration with Tate Modern in London, the exhibition celebrates more than seven decades of Ono’s influential creative work and her enduring impact on global contemporary culture.

Visitors to The Broad are invited to actively participate in many of the exhibition’s installations, transforming the museum visit into a deeply personal and interactive experience.

Interactive Art Experiences That Inspire Peace And Connection

One of the exhibition’s most anticipated installations is Wish Trees for Los Angeles, located among the olive trees on East West Bank Plaza outside the museum.

Originally created in 1996, the installation invites visitors to write personal wishes and tie them to the branches of living trees, creating a collective expression of hope, unity, and peace in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.

Participation lies at the centre of Ono’s artistic philosophy. Throughout the exhibition, guests are encouraged to engage directly with her famous “instruction works,” which blur the boundaries between visual art, poetry, music, and imagination.

These conceptual works include thought-provoking prompts such as:

“Listen to the sound of the Earth turning.”

“Put your shadows together until they become one.”

“Draw a map to get lost.”

Many of these works originated in Ono’s influential 1964 publication Grapefruit, which remains one of the defining works of conceptual art.

Exploring Art, Activism And World Peace

The exhibition also explores Ono’s decades-long commitment to peace activism and anti-war movements, particularly through collaborations with her late husband John Lennon.

Visitors can learn about famous projects including Acorn Event and the internationally recognised Bed Peace protests staged in Amsterdam and Montreal during 1969 as protests against the Vietnam War.

Historical photographs, film footage, and multimedia displays showcase how Ono and Lennon used art and media attention to advocate for peace and social change around the world.

Groundbreaking Films And Performance Art On Display

Film and video installations form a major part of the exhibition experience at The Broad.

One highlight is documentation of Ono’s landmark performance work Cut Piece, first performed in Kyoto in 1964, where audience members were invited to cut pieces from the artist’s clothing while she remained seated silently on stage.

Other featured works include experimental films such as FILM NO. 1 (“MATCH”), FILM NO. 4 (“BOTTOMS”), and collaborative video projects with Lennon including FLY and Freedom.

These works continue to challenge audiences while exploring themes of vulnerability, feminism, peace, and human connection.

Art That Invites Visitors To Become Part Of The Exhibition

The exhibition’s contemporary installations encourage visitors to reflect on shared humanity and collective experiences.

In Helmets (Pieces of Sky), guests take individual puzzle pieces from overturned World War II-era helmets, symbolising humanity’s interconnectedness and shared future.

Another moving installation, My Mommy is Beautiful, invites visitors to write messages or display photographs honouring their mothers, gradually transforming the exhibit into a growing collection of personal stories from around the world.

This participatory approach makes Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind far more than a traditional museum exhibition. It becomes an emotional and deeply human travel experience.

Why The Broad Is Essential For Los Angeles Visitors

As one of the leading cultural attractions in Los Angeles, The Broad offers travellers a unique opportunity to experience world-class art completely free of charge.

Located near many of Downtown LA’s best restaurants, theatres, and entertainment venues, the museum is an ideal addition to any Los Angeles itinerary.

Families will also appreciate that admission to the Yoko Ono exhibition is free for children aged 17 and under, making it an accessible and enriching activity for travellers of all ages.

Visitor Information And Contact Details

Museum: The Broad, 221 S. Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012Exhibition: Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind
Exhibition Dates: May 23 – October 11, 2026

Website: The Broad Museum
Tourism Information: Discover Los Angeles

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