But a construction setback isn’t what’s rubbing MSU students and East Lansing residents the wrong way. After all, look at what everyone has endured with City Center II for nearly a decade.

The issue some people have with the modern-looking building is that it might be too modern for MSU’s traditional campus.

The museum sits directly on East Circle Drive, with a perfect view from Grand River Avenue. Berkey Hall sits on one side of the building, and Mason and Abbot halls are just across the street on the other side.

Although the contemporary Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum might offer a stark contrast to the traditional-style residence halls and buildings scattering that side of campus, the architecture is a modern eye-catcher for those passing through East Lansing.

The museum has glass panels along the outside of the building and has an unusual slanted shape. It can be argued that the museum would have fit in better at a different place on the MSU campus — possibly closer to the Chemistry Building, where the architecture is more modern and futuristic.

But despite some concerns that the museum’s architecture is unfavorable, the location along busy Grand River will give passers-by a view at the praiseworthy building.

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said in a press release that the museum is a powerful architectural statement.

“The museum will provide opportunities for students and faculty across disciplines to explore contemporary issues through art and for the university to engage with local, regional, national and international communities,” Simon said.

It’s encouraging to see the building is going to be used for students and faculty to further their academic learning with another museum directly on campus. The university has made continual developments, both for the betterment of education as well as the campus, and this museum is just one more step toward that goal.

Some might say the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is a contemporary eyesore on the traditional MSU campus, but the building offers a visual example of the university’s dedication to innovation, and hopefully will offer equal academic benefits to students as well.