You know that feeling when you finish a museum marathon? Your feet are killing you. You’ve seen twenty Basquiats and a giant balloon dog, and honestly, your brain is kind of fried. Most people just hit the exit and look for the nearest taco truck in DTLA. But if you walk past The Shop at The Broad without stopping, you’re basically missing the final gallery. It’s not just a gift shop. It is a curated extension of Eli and Edythe Broad’s massive contemporary art collection, and it’s arguably one of the most well-thought-out retail spaces in Los Angeles.
The shop is tucked right into that iconic "veil and vault" architecture by Diller Scofidio + Renfro. It feels like an Annex. It doesn’t have that dusty, "here is a postcard of a painting you just saw" vibe. Instead, it’s packed with stuff that feels like it belongs in the galleries upstairs.
Getting Your Hands on The Shop at The Broad Exclusives
If you’re hunting for something specific, you’ve gotta understand how they cycle through inventory. They don't just stock generic art books. They lean hard into the artists that define the museum's permanent collection. We're talking heavy hitters like Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami, and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The exclusives are the real draw. You’ll find limited-edition skate decks that you can’t get anywhere else. Sometimes they drop items tied to specific temporary exhibitions, like the "William Kentridge: In Praise of Shadows" run. Those items disappear fast. Seriously, if you see a specific enamel pin or a high-end monograph you like, grab it. The turnover is high because the museum attracts millions of people, and the shop is relatively small compared to the scale of the building.
Most people don’t realize that the shop actually supports the museum’s mission of keeping general admission free. Every time you buy a $15 notebook or a $500 limited-edition sculpture, you’re helping keep those tickets $0 for the next person. It’s a virtuous cycle. Plus, the packaging is sleek. Even if you just buy a pencil, they put it in a bag that looks like a piece of minimalist architecture.
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The Basquiat and Warhol Factor
The Broad holds one of the most significant collections of postwar and contemporary art in the world. This reflects heavily in the merchandise. You’ll see a lot of "Crown" motifs from Basquiat. It’s everywhere. From hoodies to high-end plates. It’s easy to think it’s just commercialism, but the museum works closely with the estates of these artists.
The quality is actually there. It’s not the flimsy stuff you find at a tourist trap on Hollywood Blvd. The textiles are heavy. The prints are crisp. They carry a lot of items from Skateroom, which partners with artist estates to produce high-end decorative skateboards. These aren't really for skating—though you could—they're meant to be hung on a wall as affordable art.
The Architecture of the Experience
The Shop at The Broad is located on the ground floor, right near the lobby. You don't actually need a museum ticket to enter the shop, which is a pro tip if you're just in the neighborhood and want to browse. The space mirrors the rest of the building—lots of grey, lots of light, and that weirdly organic, honeycomb-ish feel.
It’s crowded. Expect that. Especially on weekends. But the staff actually knows their stuff. If you ask about a specific artist, they won’t just point to a shelf; they usually have a bit of trivia or can tell you if a more comprehensive book is coming in next month.
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What to Look for Besides Postcards
- The Jewelry: They often feature local LA designers who take inspiration from the museum's "veil" architecture.
- Home Goods: Look for the Yayoi Kusama-inspired items. Since The Broad is famous for its Infinity Mirror Rooms, the shop is usually stocked with "dotted" goods that are surprisingly functional.
- Kids Section: It’s small but curated. No cheap plastic toys. Think MoMA-level design kits and books that actually explain abstract expressionism to a five-year-old without being condescending.
Dealing with the Hype
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the Jeff Koons "Balloon Dog" multiples. These are the holy grail for a certain type of collector. They are expensive. They are fragile. And they are iconic. The Shop at The Broad is one of the most reliable places to find official editions.
A lot of people think everything in there is overpriced. Is $45 for a T-shirt a lot? Yeah, maybe. But compared to the prices at high-end boutiques in the Arts District, it’s actually pretty standard for the quality. You're paying for the curation. You're paying for the fact that a team of experts spent months deciding which specific hue of blue should be on that tote bag to match the artist's original vision.
The shop also does a great job of highlighting social issues through art. You’ll find books on Kara Walker or works by Barbara Kruger that challenge your perspective. It’s not all just "pretty things." It’s a bit edgy. It’s very LA.
How to Shop Like a Pro
If you want to avoid the madness, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. The light hits the lobby beautifully then, and you can actually browse the book section without someone bumping into your elbow.
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Also, check their online store before you go. Sometimes they have "web only" specials, or conversely, you can see if a high-ticket item is in stock so you don't waste a trip. But honestly, the physical experience of being in that room, surrounded by the grey concrete and the high-design atmosphere, is half the fun.
One thing people often overlook: the catalogs. The Broad produces its own scholarly publications. These are thick, heavy, and full of essays by world-class curators. If you really loved a specific gallery, buying the catalog is the only way to "take it home" in a meaningful way. It's way better than a grainy photo on your phone that you’ll never look at again.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
- Check the bag policy: The museum has a strict bag check. If you buy a huge, heavy art book at the shop before you see the art, you’re going to have to check it. Shop on your way out.
- Membership Perks: If you’re a local, consider a membership. It usually gets you a 10% or 20% discount at the shop. If you’re planning on buying a Koons piece or a set of dinnerware, the membership basically pays for itself in one transaction.
- Shipping: If you're a tourist, don't try to lug a massive coffee table book through LAX. They offer shipping. Use it. Your back will thank you.
- The "Secret" Finds: Look at the bottom shelves. That’s where the weird, niche art theory books live. They aren't the bestsellers, but they are often the most interesting things in the store.
The Broad isn't just about the "Instagrammable" moments in the mirror rooms. It's a massive, serious collection of some of the most important art of the last century. The shop reflects that. It's a place where high-brow art meets street culture, and somehow, in the middle of Downtown LA, it just works. You might walk in looking for a souvenir and walk out with a genuine piece of culture. Or at least a really cool hat.
Don't rush the exit. Take ten minutes. Look at the textures. Feel the paper in the books. The Shop at The Broad is the final "wow" moment of the museum, and it’s worth the detour before you head back out into the California sun.