The building's pleated stainless steel skin was designed to change appearance based on the viewer's position and the time of day.
The museum was constructed with a focus on sustainable design, utilizing geothermal heating and cooling systems.
The collection includes a significant number of works by contemporary artists such as Cecily Brown and Shirin Neshat.
The site previously housed a campus botanical garden, and the museum's layout was designed to maintain campus pedestrian circulation routes.
The museum does not feature a single 90-degree angle in its exterior architecture.
The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is a contemporary art institution located on the Michigan State University campus, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Zaha Hadid. The structure features a distinctive pleated facade made of stainless steel and glass, intentionally avoiding right angles to create non-linear, dynamic interior spaces. The museum focuses on international contemporary art, holding a collection of over 10,000 objects ranging from Greek and Roman antiquities to modern works. Its exhibition galleries are distributed across three levels, providing a mix of rotating temporary installations and permanent collection showcases. The building serves as a gateway to the campus, positioned on the intersection of Grand River Avenue and Circle Drive. As of August 2026, the museum remains fully operational as a center for experimental art and research.
The sharp angular corner at the exterior entrance where the stainless steel cladding meets the floor-to-ceiling glass facade.
Check the museum's digital event calendar before arriving, as they frequently host artist talks and interactive workshops.
Use the museum’s free Wi-Fi to access the mobile-friendly gallery guides during your walk-through.
Take advantage of the Education Wing if you are interested in the behind-the-scenes research processes of the curatorial staff.
Do not attempt to park in nearby permit-restricted campus lots, as enforcement is frequent; use the designated public visitor parking ramps.
Closed on Mondays and major university holidays.
Standard museum decorum: no flash photography, no food or drink in galleries, and avoid touching the art installations.
