The Broad museum in Los Angeles is preparing to host "Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind," a major retrospective marking the artist's first solo exhibition in Southern California. Running from May 20 to October 11, the show explores seven decades of her contributions to music, peace activism , and conceptual art.

Seven decades of activism and music at The Broad

The upcoming exhibition at The Broad museum seeks to re-establish Yoko Ono as a singular force in the contemporary art world, independent of her association with John Lennon. By showcasing her work as a musician and peace activist alongside her visual art, the retrospective places her within the broader history of 20th-century conceptualism. this move aligns with a growing institutional trend where major museums are revisiting the legacies of female pioneers who were often sidelined in historical narratives.

According to the exhibition details, the show will feature "instructional" art pieces that invite the public to participate in the creative process. This participatory approach has been a hallmark of Ono's career, encouraging viewers to move from passive observers to active contributors in the art experience.

The legacy of 'Cut Piece' and peace-themed billboards

Visitors to the Los Angeles exhibition will encounter several of Ono's most iconic contributions to performance and visual media. The Broad will display a video of her seminal performance piece, 'Cut Piece', which remains a cornerstone of feminist and conceptual art history. Additionally, the exhibition will feature a series of billboards dedicated to the theme of peace , reflecting her lifelong commitment to global activism.

As reported in the initial announcement, these works are designed to bridge the gap between the artist's musical sensibilities and her visual provocations. The inclusion of both video and large-scale billboard imagery suggests a multi-sensory approach to her "Music of the Mind" concept.

Why the 93-year-old New York resident won't attend

Despite the significance of this Southern California debut, Yoko Ono herself will not be present for the opening or the duration of the show. Due to her age and health, the 93-year-old New York resident will not be making the trip to Los Angeles for the event. This absence leaves a notable gap in what would likely have been a historic cultural moment for the city.

While the museum has clarified the reasons for her absence, several questions remain regarding the depth of her involvement in the curation. It is currently unverified whether Ono provided direct input on the selection of the "instructional" pieces or if the exhibition is a purely archival retrospective. Furthermore, there is no word on whether a digital or remote component will be integrated to allow the artist to connect with the Los Angeles audience from New York.

Free gallery access and the May 20 opening date

The Broad has confirmed that while tickets for the specific Yoko Ono exhibition are currently on sale, the museum's main galleries remain free to the public. This accessibility ensures that a wide demographic can engage with the museum's broader collection, even as the Ono retrospective draws significant crowds.

The exhibition is scheduled to run from May 20 through October 11, offering a seasonal window for fans of conceptual art and peace activism to experience the work in person. Given the popularity of both the venue and the subject, early ticket acquisition is recommended for those wishing to see the specific retrospective pieces.