Frequently Asked Questions

The MSU Museum is an innovative and experimental collaboratory where visitors explore the intersections of arts, sciences, cultures, and technologies. Below are answers to common questions to help you plan your visit.

General Information

Where is the MSU Museum located?

The MSU Museum is located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Address:
409 West Circle Drive
East Lansing, MI 48824

How much does it cost to visit the Museum?

Admission to the MSU Museum is free for everyone. No tickets are required, though visitors are encouraged to register online or at the Welcome Desk.
REGISTER HERE

What are the Museum’s hours?

The Museum is open:

Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Closed Sundays and Mondays

Hours may vary for special events or holidays.

Is the Museum really free?

Yes, completely. Admission and public programs are free as part of Michigan State University’s land-grant mission to make knowledge and learning accessible to all. Whether you are a student, faculty member, visiting scholar, or community visitor, the Museum is open to everyone.

Exhibitions & Experiences

What exhibitions are currently on view?

The Museum features rotating exhibitions that explore contemporary ideas, research, and creativity across disciplines. Exhibitions change regularly, so each visit offers something new.
See Current Exhibitions

What is Science On a Sphere?

Science On a Sphere is an immersive experience that uses a suspended globe to display real-time data about Earth and space. Visitors can explore weather patterns, ocean currents, climate change, and planetary science through dynamic visualizations.
Learn about Science on a Sphere

Is the Museum kid-friendly?

The Museum welcomes visitors of all ages and offers interactive exhibitions and hands-on experiences. MSU students and faculty are the primary audience for exhibitions and programs, but families and community visitors are encouraged to explore the Museum together.

Accessibility & Visitor Services

Is the Museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes. The MSU Museum is committed to accessibility and inclusion.

Features include:

Wheelchair-accessible entrances and spaces
Accessible restrooms
Audio-based and sensory-friendly experiences in select galleries

Explore Accessibility

Where do I park when visiting the Museum?

Visitors have several convenient parking options, including:

Parking Ramp 6 (Grand River Ave. & Charles St.), approximately one block away
Limited metered parking near the Museum
Accessible parking spaces located near the building

Visitors are encouraged to review the Museum parking guide before arriving.
Parking Guide

Does the Museum have a gift shop or café?

The MSU Museum does not currently operate a café or gift shop. Food and beverage options are available throughout the Michigan State University campus and nearby downtown East Lansing.

Group Visits & Educational Experiences

How do I book a school or group visit?

Groups of 10 or more should schedule visits in advance.

Please book at least two weeks ahead
Visits are typically self-guided
An optional 5–10 minute orientation is available

To schedule a visit, complete the group visit form or contact Museum Education at 517-432-1472.
Schedule a Group Visit

How does the Museum translate academic research for the public?

The MSU Museum works closely with faculty, students, and researchers across campus to transform academic research into accessible public experiences through exhibitions, programs, and interdisciplinary collaborations. The goal is to make complex ideas engaging, relevant, and accessible to broad audiences.

What is an interdisciplinary museum, and why does it matter?

An interdisciplinary museum does not separate art, science, history, and culture into isolated categories. Instead, exhibitions often combine these perspectives to explore complex contemporary issues.
At a major research university like Michigan State University, this approach reflects how important discoveries and conversations happen across disciplines. The Museum helps visitors better understand a rapidly changing world by connecting ideas in new and unexpected ways.

Collections & Research

How big is the Museum’s collection?

The Museum stewards more than one million objects and specimens spanning the sciences, cultures, and archaeology. These collections support:

Research and teaching
Student learning
Scholarly access
Public exhibitions
Loans to other museums and institutions

The Museum maintains accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, a distinction held by only a small percentage of museums nationwide.

Can I donate objects or specimens to the collection?

Thank you for your interest in supporting the Museum’s collections. All potential acquisitions are reviewed by the Museum’s Collections Committee and guided by the Museum’s Collections Development Plan and Collections Policy.
Donations Inquiry Form

What does it mean to be a Smithsonian Affiliate?

The MSU Museum is Michigan’s first Smithsonian Affiliations Affiliate. This partnership allows the Museum to collaborate with the Smithsonian through traveling exhibitions, artifact loans, public programming, and research initiatives.
The relationship is collaborative and reciprocal, with MSU faculty, students, and Museum staff contributing scholarship and creative work to a national network of cultural institutions.

Renovation & Future Vision

What was included in the recent renovation?

The Museum recently completed a major infrastructure renovation focused on behind-the-scenes improvements that help protect collections and improve the visitor experience. Upgrades included:

HVAC and climate control systems
Windows and building infrastructure
Collection care improvements
Visitor accessibility enhancements

With this foundation in place, the Museum is continuing to redevelop its exhibition halls while introducing new temporary exhibitions and experimental experiences. Visitors are encouraged to return often as galleries continue to evolve.

Support the Museum

How can I support or donate to the Museum?

You can support the MSU Museum by:

Making a donation through Michigan State University
Supporting exhibitions and public programs
Attending fundraising events and benefit experiences

Support helps expand access to creativity, research, and learning for the community.
Donate