Eli and EdyBroad Art Museum | Lansing

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum—commonly called the Broad Museum—is a landmark of contemporary art and modern architecture located on the campus of Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Michigan. This museum is both an academic resource and a public cultural hub, renowned for its cutting-edge exhibitions, global vision, and innovative architecture by Zaha Hadid.

🏛️ Origin and Purpose

Named after Eli Broad, a billionaire philanthropist and MSU alumnus, and his wife Edythe Broad, the museum was conceived as a gift to the university and community to promote cultural understanding, global perspectives, and contemporary creative expression. The Broads contributed $28 million to build the museum—$21 million for construction and $7 million for an endowment—making it a transformative act of philanthropy for MSU and the Midwest art scene.

🧱 Architecture by Zaha Hadid

Designed by the celebrated Zaha Hadid, the museum is a signature piece of contemporary architecture that embodies dynamism, innovation, and contrast. Known for her expressive, angular structures, Hadid designed the Broad Museum as a folding, pleated façade of stainless steel and glass.

Key Architectural Features:

Size: Approximately 46,000 square feet

Exterior: Reflective steel plates and sharp angles evoke motion and transformation

Interior Layout:

3 main levels with interconnecting exhibition spaces

Floating central staircase that appears to slice through the building

Open floor plans designed to be flexible and reconfigurable

The building is oriented diagonally, intentionally challenging the traditional grid of the MSU campus. This diagonal placement was symbolic, indicating a break from academic tradition and an embrace of bold, global creativity.

🎨 Art Collection and Exhibitions

Although best known for its contemporary art exhibitions, the museum’s permanent collection spans a wide historical and cultural range, including pieces from antiquity to modern times.

Permanent Collection Highlights:

Over 10,000 objects

Ancient Art: Greek, Roman, and Egyptian artifacts

Medieval and Renaissance: Manuscripts, illuminated texts, religious icons

19th and 20th Century American Art: Works by George Inness, Thomas Cole

Modern & Contemporary Art:

Artists include Kara Walker, Nick Cave, Jenny Holzer, Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, and El Anatsui

Emphasis on global voices, underrepresented perspectives, and experimental media

Temporary Exhibitions:

The Broad regularly presents rotating exhibits focusing on:

Political and social themes (e.g., identity, colonialism, surveillance)

Regional and emerging artists

Cross-disciplinary work, including video art, sound installations, and mixed media

It positions itself as a "museum without a front door", meaning the visitor journey is non-linear and exploratory, just like the art itself.

🧑‍🎓 Educational Mission

As part of a major public university, the museum functions as an educational institution as much as an art venue.

Academic Integration:

Hosts lectures, panels, and symposia featuring artists, curators, and scholars

Collaborates with MSU departments like Art, History, African Studies, and Urban Planning

Offers internships, research opportunities, and curatorial fellowships

K-12 & Community Outreach:

Free school tours tailored to curriculum themes

Art-making workshops and storytelling for younger audiences

Public events: First Saturdays, Family Days, Community Conversations

🤝 Accessibility and Inclusivity

The Broad Art Museum reflects the Broads’ core belief that art should be accessible to all. In alignment with this:

Admission is free

The museum is ADA compliant

Exhibitions are accompanied by multilingual materials, interactive displays, and guided tours

Focus on social justice themes, often featuring artists from marginalized backgrounds

The museum also runs programs tailored to specific communities:

Art Lab: A satellite space for experimental and community-driven work

Art for Social Justice: Programs that explore art’s role in activism and equity

🌐 Global Perspective

While firmly rooted in the MSU community, the Broad Art Museum has a global focus. Its curatorial approach emphasizes art that reflects global trends and concerns.

Participates in international collaborations and traveling exhibitions

Features artists from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East alongside Western artists

Hosts biennials and major thematic exhibitions that examine global issues like migration, climate change, and digital surveillance

🕰️ Visiting Experience

Hours & Admission:

Typically open Tuesday through Sunday

Closed Mondays and major holidays

Admission: Always free

Amenities:

Gift shop with unique books, art prints, and locally made items

No on-site café, but located within walking distance of many MSU eateries

Bicycle racks and easy access from the Lansing River Trail

Location:

547 E Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI

Located at the edge of MSU’s campus, facing Grand River Avenue (MSU's main pedestrian gateway)

🏁 Legacy and Impact

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is not just a building or a collection—it is a living, evolving space that fosters dialogue, creativity, and transformation. It has redefined how museums function on university campuses by:

Bridging the academic and public spheres

Reimagining what architecture can say about space and thought

Giving voice to the artists and cultures shaping the 21st century

Its impact resonates far beyond East Lansing, establishing Michigan State University as a force in the global contemporary art scene.