In its time — 150 years and counting — the MSU Museum has seen the U.S. Supreme Court rule that people of African descent would never be considered American citizens, and Congress had no authority to end slavery, which also is known as the Dred Scott case.
The building outlived poet and author Rudyard Kipling, who penned the classic novel “The Jungle Book.”
It even existed before, during and after the Civil War.
The century-old MSU Museum is one of the oldest in the Midwest and could be moved from its location in the middle of campus next to Beaumont Tower — not exactly a hidden spot but certainly not the best location. The museum’s possible relocation from West Circle Drive to downtown East Lansing is still up for discussion, but, it seems the move would benefit both the city and MSU.
We constantly hammer home the importance of strengthening the relationship between East Lansing and MSU. This move could only help to reinforce those ties.
If MSU opens its museum doors to the public in downtown East Lansing, where it is more visible and easily accessible, residents might feel more inclined to become involved in university activities and discussions. Placing the museum off-campus also will let residents know MSU wants them to be a part of its community. And it shows a great interest on the university’s part in expanding its presence in the city.
By increasing the museum’s visibility, it seems natural that more people would attend exhibits and help out MSU.
After all, in 2001 the MSU Museum became the first in the state to receive Smithsonian-affiliate status from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. A museum with that status deserves to be in the spotlight on Grand River Avenue. It shouldn’t be hidden in the middle of campus.
Another reason to consider the move has to do with a primary concern of many MSU students — parking. It’s no secret parking on campus is an issue, so it should come as no surprise that parking by the MSU Museum is anything but convenient. There is no point in moving the life-sized dioramas or the dinosaur skeletons downtown if there is not going to be adequate parking for museum-goers there either. Better parking conditions are reason enough for the move.
While moving the museum downtown seems like a fool proof idea, there is opportunity for backfire. The MSU Museum would likely occupy one floor of a multi-use building. Viewing fossil displays in the same building as restaurants, residential and retail units could take away from the feel and authenticity of the museum. The public might not be happy if the museum ended up in between clothing stores.
Like any worthwhile project, the move could cost quite a bit. MSU should not have to empty its pockets in order to relocate. It would be nice if the price remained on the lower side, seeing as MSU would be giving back to the city of East Lansing by sharing the museum with residents.
The decision to relocate the museum will not be finalized until December, but as far as we’re concerned, bring on the moving vans!
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