The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum opened to the public on Sunday, Nov.11, 2012. Photo by The State News
Since its establishment in 1977 by the International Council of Museums, International Museum Day is recognized May 18 of each year by organizations around the world. Museums are acknowledged for their archival and preservation work in addition to their contributions and promotion of community engagement.
East Lansing and the surrounding areas are home to a number of museums that offer a variety of exhibits, shows and fun for all ages. Here are a few.
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum
Address: 547 E. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI
Hours: Tuesdays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Mondays.
MSU's contemporary art museum hosts a plethora of events to engage the local community.
The Broad Art Museum is open to the public at no charge. It plans to promote local community and art education with the grand opening of the MSU Broad Art Lab on Saturday, May 19. The opening of the lab will take place in conjunction with the East Lansing Arts Festival in the downtown area.
“We are encouraging people to come visit the museum on Friday and we have some social posts planned," said Madeline Rosemurgy, Broad Art Museum's communications coordinator.
Michigan State University Museum
Address: 409 W. Circle Dr., East Lansing, MI
Hours: Mondays and Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Science and culture meet at Michigan’s land grant museum.
“This weekend we have a curator-led tour of one of our exhibits on May 19 called 'War and Speech Propaganda, Patriotism and Dissent in the Great War' at 1 p.m.," said Stephanie Palatyi, communications coordinator for the MSU Museum.
Admission to the museum is donation-based.
Abrams Planetarium
Address: 755 Science Rd., East Lansing, MI
Hours: Mondays through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Abrams Planetarium encourages audiences to reach for the stars during weekly feature shows. It is open to for student field trips and the general public.
The show “Chasing the Ghost Particle” will feature at the planetarium Friday at 8 p.m.
Impression 5 Science
Address: 200 Museum Dr., Lansing, MI
Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.
The Impression 5 Science Center encourages kids and families to use their five senses to explore and create. They offer hands-on exhibits, workshops and opportunities for school field trips.
Michigan Women’s Historical Center and Hall of Fame
Address: 1982 W. Grand River Ave., Okemos, MI
Hours: Mondays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Founded in 1987 by the Michigan Women's Studies Association, the Michigan Women's Historical Center and Hall of Fame displays a variety of exhibits acknowledging the significant accomplishments of Michigan women.
Dr. Caitlyn Dial, the museum's executive director, talked about some of the exhibits they will be showcasing in honor of International Museum Day.
“We will have some special activities that surround women’s history, especially our two exhibits we have open right now," Dial said. "One is ‘Courage and Action’ highlighting Michigan women and the civil rights movement and ‘Petticoat Patriots’ honoring Michigan women’s contributions to suffrage. "
