Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
4.3(736)google
4.1(33)yelp
Date SpotIndoorPhoto SpotFreeWheelchair AccessibleContemporary ArtSculptureArt Installation
Overview
The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum (MSU Broad or BAM) is a nonprofit, contemporary art museum designed by Zaha Hadid located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, United States. It opened on November 10, 2012. The rotating exhibition schedule allows for frequent new shows to be on view.
Practical Info
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeAn extraordinary year-round architectural and artistic masterpiece designed by visionary Zaha Hadid. The absolute peak photographic window is a bright afternoon between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM; the low-angle sun strikes the sharp pleated stainless steel and glass pleated facade at dramatic angles, creating an otherworldly, sharp geometric light contrast.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned on the northern perimeter of the Michigan State University campus at 547 E Circle Dr, East Lansing. Drivers should take I-496 to Exit 9 (Trowbridge Rd) onto campus, but park instead at the commercial multi-level Charles Street Garage directly across Grand River Ave, walking 2 minutes south into the arts plaza.
Travel Tips
- This Zaha Hadid-designed stainless-steel museum offers free admission but is permanently closed Mondays and Tuesdays, requiring an online zero-dollar timed ticket to pass the entrance scanners.
- Located on the MSU campus, weekday parking requires staff permits; visitors must target the paid visitor spaces at the Grand River Avenue ramp or designated campus metered visitor lots.
- Due to avant-garde sloped walls and sharp angles, children must be supervised closely; bags exceeding 11x15 inches and long umbrellas are legally barred from the galleries and must be checked.
Reviews
Positive
- The pleated stainless steel and glass facade designed by Zaha Hadid delivers immense futuristic impact, resembling a spaceship on campus; the building itself holds immense aesthetic value.
- The museum is completely free to the general public, kept immaculate by MSU, and regularly rotates cutting-edge contemporary art, offering great creative inspiration.
- The integration of internal accessible ramps and sharp-angled gallery spaces is masterful, the signage is ultra-modern, and the restrooms are high-end and clean.
- Located deep within the MSU campus, the visitor density is low, steering clear of traditional museum clamor while retaining a serene, intellectual art atmosphere.
Heads up
- Due to Zaha's unique sharp angles and sloped geometry, the internal visual perspective can induce mild disorientation or spatial vertigo for sensitive visitors.
- Focusing heavily on avant-garde, abstract contemporary art, it lacks universally recognized classical masterpieces, leaving casual tourists without art backgrounds feeling confused.
- Navigating campus driving is painful for off-campus visitors; adjacent lots mostly require university staff permits, and public paid visitor parking is distant and expensive.
- Frequent exhibit rotations can result in the unannounced closure of several main galleries, leaving travelers who journeyed far with only 1 or 2 small rooms open.