Column: ‘Much anger’ and ‘ahhh-mazinggg’: Yelp reviews the new Broad museum

Since the opening of the new Broad museum in downtown Los Angeles, all manner of critics has descended on Los Angeles to deconstruct the building’s honeycomb facade and pick apart the placement and selection of the art collection.

Among them: the many critics of Yelp.

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The Internet’s favorite analysts have descended on the museum and helpfully posted more than seven dozen reviews offering tips that cover everything from parking validation to check-in to how to get a reservation for Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room — The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.”

In fact, it was getting a coveted 45-second slot for the Japanese artist’s room-sized reflective installation — which allows only two viewers at a time — that was the source of much agita among Yelpers who were unable to get in.

“Much anger,” wrote Lisa Q., from Alhambra, who gave the Broad a one-star review as a result.

An installation view of Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room - The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away,” which has turned out to be a highly popular attraction at the new Broad museum.

(Robyn Beck / AFP/Getty Images)

Overall, however, the ratings were quite favorable (the Broad currently has a four-and-a-half-star rating), with many visitors wowed by the sparkling Jeff Koons sculptures and Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s honeycomb architecture.

“I don’t want to spoil the many galleries and exhibits that they had,” wrote Sandy H., of Long Beach, who gave the museum five stars, “but everything I saw was ahhh-mazinggg!”

Celia Tran of West Covina, Kathy Tran of Glendale and Dee Tran of El Monte take a photograph in the reflection of Jeff Koons’ “Tulips” at the Broad. The sculptor’s work is popular with Yelpers.

(Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times)

Herewith, excerpts of some of the most intriguing critiques:

DRANK THE HATERADE:
“It is housed next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in a funky white structure that people either love or hate (me, I’m sipping on the haterade). There’s artwork by Murakami, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michael Basquiat, Roy Lichtenstein — basically, all of the T-shirt graphics at UNIQLO.” — Kristen H., Los Angeles, CA, four stars.

DRESS UP:
“I guess I should mention the crowd too. Pretty hipster, do not just roll out of bed and come here. Felt a bit like it could have been fashion week. If you aren’t up to pulling yourself together, visit on a day when you are because the crowd was just as much on display as the art itself and boy did it make LA look good ;)” — Candace L., Los Angeles, four stars

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT:
“Meh. Most of the art did not interest me at all and the gallery is much smaller than I expected. It only took about 30 minutes to see everything. I recommend coming here only if you’ve already been to these better museums: Geffen/MOCA, Getty, Getty Villa, Huntington Library, Norton Simon, & LACMA (not necessarily in that order).” — Dave R., Studio City, two stars

TOO MUCH FULL MONTY:
“And is it just me but does every piece of art have a penis on it — so in your face. Ok, not all of it, but a lot of it.” — Laila R., Burbank, CA, five stars

LIKE A MUSIC VIDEO:
“Have I mentioned how gorgeous the architecture of this place is yet, ‘cause [it’s] gorgeous! It’s very futuristic, reminded me of something out of a space movie or somewhere Purity Ring would host a concert for their admirable new album ‘Another Eternity.’ ” — Valerie S., Los Angeles, five stars

MORE VEIL, LESS VAULT:
“The ups: very diverse art with multiple culture and backgrounds ... The downs: second floor is storage, hope they open it soon.” — Icy L., El Monte, four stars

REALLY WANTED TO SEE THE KUSAMA:
“If you have a job you can forget about seeing the Infinity Room ... The rest of the museum was mostly just a bunch of art that the LACMA just finished showing. I rarely give 1 star reviews but I’d give this 0 if I could.” — Christina A., Los Angeles, one star

Find me on Twitter @cmonstah.