Make a Day of It: L.A.’s Broad Museum
25 Fellows were inspired by a recent tour of The Broad Art Museum in February. Home to the 2,000 plus works of art in the Eli and Edythe Broad collection. Diller Scofidio and Renfro in collaboration with Gentler designed this contemporary art museum in Downtown Los Angeles. With its innovative “veil and vault” concept, the 120,000 square foot, $140 million building features two floors of gallery space to showcase the Broads comprehensive collection and is the headquarters of The Broad Art Foundation’s worldwide lending library.
Contemporary just means, “art that has been and continues to be created during our lifetimes.” In other words, contemporary to us. The group was led by knowledgeable docents thru the contemporary art ranging from the 50’s thru to the present time. The docents are referred to as ‘ambassadors’ that engage and educate the over 350,000 visitors that have visited The Broad since it opened 5 months ago. All advance tickets through the end of May have been reserved.
Our access was before the morning opening of the museum. One of the artists represented is Jeff Koons. The Broad’s Koons collection is unrivaled. Tulips 1995-2004 is grand in scale and greets all visitors as they step off the Gaudi distinct style escalator at the top of the museum on the 3rd floor. These colorful balloon flowers are constructed of seamless and mirror-polished stainless steel. Another artist we were drawn to is Damien Hirst. Hirst, one of the most prominent of the Young British Artists that emerged in the 90’s is controversial whether he is dissecting a butterfly, covering a canvas in a series of dots, or using formaldehyde in aquarium-like containers to showcase animals. He draws the viewer in to explore his pieces further. We returned to the first floor to experience Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room. It’s walls, floor, and ceilings are covered with mirrors.
The Fellows program also included lunch at Otium. A contemporary restaurant that draws from the rich culinary heritage and experience of Timothy Hollingsworth. It is designed to be a social restaurant with a dramatic open kitchen merging indoor and outdoor spaces. The restaurant’s name, Otium has its roots in Latin; a word that is meant to emphasize a place where time can be spent on leisurely social activities.
It was a special day for the Fellows of VRG. Surrounded by friends, immersed in an in-depth viewing of art. Bringing further momentum to Downtown L.A., a city that continues to evolve—enticing visitors of The Broad to want to return again and again.
Post by Wendy Wintrob
Friends of Robinson Gardens
Leave a Reply