As the Michigan State University Museum embarks on an exciting 18-month renovation, community engagement remains a priority through various initiatives, including artist residencies, research presentations and special events that invite the public to connect with art, science and culture. The museum is committed to fostering inclusive and enriching experiences, ensuring that the community stays actively involved throughout the renovation process. Learn more about the renovation and find out about upcoming ways you can engage with the Museum.
$2M gift from Forest Akers Trust will fund visionary project at MSU Museum
The MSU museum has received a transformative $2 million gift from the Forest Akers Trust to create an Immersive Lab and an Exhibit lab, reimagining how the museum engages with its communities and educated further generations. The investment will redesign new spaces fostering hands-on learning and collaboration in an inclusive space for students and the community.
MSU Museum receives grant to enhance accessibility
The MSU Museum has received a $190,132 grant from the institute of Museum and Library Services to improve accessibility for visitors with visual impairments. This funding will support staff training, the development of audio descriptions for exhibits, and the creation of an accessibility plan, all aimed at making the museum more inclusive as it undergoes renovations and prepares to reopen in January 2026.
Two international artists selected for MSU residency at intersection of art, science and technology
MSU has announced the 2024 MSUFCU Arts Power Up artists-in-residence, Abel Korinsky and Violeta López López, who will collaborate with the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams to create innovative works at the intersection of art, science, and technology. This residency, supported by MSUFCU, the MSU Museum, and FRIB, will culminate in groundbreaking exhibitions blending artistic vision with scientific exploration. The first exhibition, Monumentum, inspired by Korinsky's residency, is now on view through Dec. 14 at the MSU Museum's temporary exhibition and programming space at 311 Abbot in downtown East Lansing. López López will exhibit her work in fall 2025.
Ignite talks
The MSU Museum CoLab Studio is hosting the third edition of Ignite Talks MSU on Oct. 30, featuring 10 MSU students presenting their research through fast-paced, dynamic talks. Topics range from physics to linguistics, animal science and artificial intelligence, offering insights into cutting-edge ideas and discoveries at MSU. The event is free with limited seating, and pre-registration is encouraged.
Indigenous hip hop
The MSU Museum is hosting a conversation with award-winning Sicangu Lakota artist and activist Frank Waln, moderated by Kevin Leonard from the MSU Native American Institute, in celebration of Native American Heritage Month on Nov. 7. Waln will discuss his journey through music, activism, and cultural preservation, followed by a reception.