The Broad Museum, which opened last fall in downtown Los Angeles, isn’t just newsworthy for its notable architecture, contemporary art collection, and billionaire founders, philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad. Its location is also exciting, in that it finally completes the Bunker Hill neighborhood as a rich cultural district. Nearby you’ll find Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Los Angeles Music Center (home of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and resident companies: L.A. Opera, Center Theatre Group, L.A. Master Chorale, and the L.A. Philharmonic).
Not far away, there’s also the Ace Hotel, Chinatown, Olvera Street, Union Station, Pershing Square, the wholesale Fashion District, and the Staples Center. If you’re visiting the Broad from out of town or across town, it’s a wonderful opportunity to indulge your passion for the arts and explore the area’s many offerings. (If you can, get a reservation for the museum early in the day. Entry into this museum is still a hot ticket, and advance online tickets are no longer available for many days; book far ahead for advance reservations.)
Here are four sample itineraries for what to do after you visit the Broad:
For Classical Music Lovers
What to Do: Hear world-class opera at the L.A. Opera or opt for classical music at its finest at the L.A. Phil.
Where to Eat and Drink: There are several upscale options nearby, including Patina, located inside Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Nick & Stef's Steakhouse, which hosts a daily happy hour and offers complimentary shuttle service to the Music Center.
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For the Trendy Set
What to Do: See an avant-garde performance at REDCAT, located just across the street from the Broad.
Where to Eat and Drink: Have brunch or dinner at Bottega Louie, housed in a gorgeous space with high ceilings (it was formerly a Brooks Brothers store), and pick up a macaron gift box while you’re there. If you want a nighttime cocktail, head to Upstairs Bar at the Ace Hotel, or see if anything’s happening at The Theatre at Ace Hotel, a recently restored 1,600-seat movie palace from the 1920s that hosts interesting concerts.
For History Buffs
What to Do: Go on one of Los Angeles Conservancy’s historic walking tours. The Historic Downtown L.A. tour meets on Saturday mornings at Pershing Square.
Where to Eat and Drink: Head to Grand Central Market, the city’s largest market, where handmade tamales, warm olive bread, dried figs, Mexican sodas, and much more can be enjoyed. Alternatively, grab a tray and fill it up with American classics at Clifton’s Cafeteria, an 80-year-old eatery that was recently reborn as an artisanal food hall following a five-year overhaul. Wind down with a late-night cocktail at the Edison, where the Roaring Twenties are alive and well.
For Art Fanatics
What to Do: The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) both locations. After your visit to the Broad, head across the street to MOCA’s location and then to The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. The Japanese American National Museum is right next to The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA.
Where to Eat: Sushi in Little Tokyo afterward. There are a plethora of options, including Hama Sushi.