What happens when James Beard-recognized chefs, student musicians, and projection artists take over a museum for one night? The Michigan State University Museum invites you to find out. Ascent Act II returns on Friday, March 20, from 6:00–9:00 p.m., transforming the newly renovated museum into an immersive evening of live performance, world-class food, and discovery unlike anything else on campus.
“Ascent Act II isn’t just a celebration. It’s a statement about the kind of institution we’re building,” said MSU Museum Director Devon Akmon. “Bold interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation are at the heart of everything we do here, and this evening puts that on full display. That’s the MSU Museum we’re creating.”
When the MSU Museum launched Ascent in October 2024, it was a new kind of bet for a museum with deep roots. The debut event brought together students, faculty, and community members in ways the building hadn’t seen before. Act II goes further.
Guests will enjoy culinary creations from Joseph VanWagner of Echelon Kitchen + Bar in Ann Arbor, a national semifinalist for 2026 Best New Restaurant from the James Beard Foundation; Kate Williams of Detroit’s celebrated Lady of the House, a James Beard semifinalist for both Best New Restaurant and Best Chef; Michael Ransom of Ima in Detroit, an East Lansing native and returning Ascent favorite; and Alexandra Clark, founder of Bon Bon Bon in Detroit, known for her inventive and joyful approach to chocolate. VanWagner, Williams, and Clark are proud MSU alumni bringing world-class talent back home.
The evening also features a 30-minute live concert inspired by the exhibition Blurred Realities, curated by College of Music doctoral student Michael Antonio Gabriel and performed with fellow MSU musicians. At 9:00 p.m., the night culminates outdoors as Professor Alison Dobbins and her students illuminate the exterior of the MSU Museum with an original projection accompanied by music arranged by College of Music faculty.
Throughout the night, guests will enjoy culinary stations in Habitat Hall, drinks and gathering spaces in The Commons, special collections experiences in the Forest Akers Trust Immersive Lab, and dessert in the Digital Double gallery.