Introduction: A landmark solo show in Southern California
Yoko Ono is bringing her first solo museum exhibition to Southern California with “Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind”, opening at The Broad on May 23. The 92-year-old artist, activist and cultural icon continues to push boundaries through participatory works that invite visitors to listen, reflect and act. This show marks a rare opportunity to experience Ono’s signature blend of conceptual art and social engagement in a major city renowned for its art scene.
What to expect from the exhibition
Designed as an immersive journey, Music of the Mind gathers key works from Ono’s vast archive alongside new installations conceived for this museum setting. Expect interactive pieces that encourage audience participation, sound-based works that transform everyday silence into collective action, and intimate, contemplative environments that invite personal reflection. The Broad has long been known for presenting ambitious contemporary art, and Ono’s return to a museum context promises a dialogue between her pioneering ideas and the venue’s programming strengths.
Interactive and participatory pieces
Visitors will likely encounter works that rely on audience involvement—an approach central to Ono’s practice. By inviting viewers to contribute sounds, phrases, or other elements, these pieces transform spectators into collaborators. The intention is not merely to observe art but to become part of its process, echoing Ono’s enduring message that creativity can be a catalyst for social change.
Sound and silence as artistic media
As a longtime advocate for peace and mindfulness, Ono frequently uses sound and silence to explore collective consciousness. Expect installations that manipulate ambient noise, encourage listening, or silence as a creative tool. These choices reflect Ono’s philosophy that even small acts—like a whispered word or a shared moment of quiet—can ripple into broader awareness.
Why this show matters in 2025
Ono’s work remains strikingly relevant at a time when audiences seek art that challenges, heals and unites. The Broad’s presentation of Music of the Mind aligns with ongoing conversations about accessibility, public engagement, and the role of artists as activists. As the art world continues to reevaluate its history and future, Ono’s rhythmic, participatory language offers a bridge between past movements and contemporary social practice.
Practical details for visitors
The exhibition opens May 23 and runs through an extended period, with hours, ticketing and accessibility information available on The Broad’s website. Expect afternoons and evenings to be popular, given Southern California’s spring weather and the museum’s central location in downtown Los Angeles. The Broad often offers timed-entry tickets to manage crowd flow, so plan ahead and reserve a slot. The show’s intimate scale may include docent-led tours or artist-centered programs, depending on scheduling and safety considerations.
What this means for fans and first-timers
For longtime Ono followers, the show offers a rare, in-depth look at the artist’s ongoing experimentation and advocacy. For newcomers, it provides an accessible entry point into a body of work that has influenced pop culture, feminist discourse, and the global peace movement. The Broad’s embrace of Ono’s Music of the Mind signals a broader willingness to present boundary-pushing work in a city that values both museum rigor and community engagement.
Conclusion: A moment of reflection and action
Yoko Ono’s Music of the Mind at The Broad is more than an exhibition; it is an invitation to participate in art as a means of reflection and social connection. Whether you are drawn by the historical significance of Ono’s career or the immediacy of interactive installations, the show promises a thoughtful, emotionally resonant experience that aligns with the artist’s lifelong commitment to peace, imagination and collective well-being.
