The academics here are beyond solid, there are a wide variety of organizations to get involved with and both the campus’s landscaping and architecture — especially West Circle — look as if they came out of a storybook.

Little did I know that in addition to all of Michigan State’s terrific perks, a $40 million art museum would be placed on campus during my time here.

I have heard the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum referred to as “the space station” and a “spaceship.” And as cool as it would be for the museum to take flight to distant planets, it serves a much more beneficial purpose as an art museum.

The art museum will give students and faculty the opportunity to experience an array of art from across the globe. The generous gift, courtesy of Eli and Edythe Broad, along with other various donors, provides MSU another fun and exciting place to check out.

Even if you are not the biggest art fan or if you do not admire the unique design of the art museum — which I think is gorgeous, by the way — you still should take advantage of visiting the place, if for no other reason, because it is free.

Regarding how the museum looks, I believe it adds a new sense of beauty to our lovely campus. I have heard some people argue that the museum looks out of place, standing out from the historical architecture that fits in with the campus’s traditional feel.

Although the art museum’s exterior does seem to be unorthodox compared to the majority of other buildings here at MSU, it brings creativity and innovation to the campus.

The structure of the museum adds a slight bit of edginess to its location along Grand River Avenue.
I sincerely enjoy the traditional buildings that complement the university’s history. However, I also can appreciate the modern vibe the art museum provides.

According to the museum’s website, it was designed by architect Zaha Hadid, who just so happened to win a Pritzker Prize, a prestigious award given for outstanding work in architecture.

The fact that Hadid, an exceedingly credible visionary in architecture, was chosen to design the museum displays the legitimacy of it. Picking an architect who has shown a very impressive record of talent implicates there was indeed significant thought put into this project.

Not only is the museum a cool place to go and an architectural masterpiece, but it also adds glamour to the university.

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is such a groundbreaking haven for creativity that it is, and will continue to be, a highly respected establishment for beautiful works of art. The museum quickly will become a prominent attraction, drawing in new people to value one of the many treasures of MSU.

It is quite likely the establishment will bring recognition from various parts of both the nation and globe.

It is said that the university’s campus is the heart and soul of the city of East Lansing.

Therefore, the new museum is beneficial not only to the university, but ultimately will be positive for the city of East Lansing as well.

The museum also is a symbol of success for both MSU and Eli Broad. Being an alumnus from our great university, Eli Broad has demonstrated what it truly means to be extraordinary. Philanthropist, billionaire, namesake to the business college and now the new art museum, Broad perfectly exemplifies a life of vast achievement. It makes me proud to witness such a notable alumnus give back to his alma mater.

With an MSU graduate such as Broad, the school receives a reputation that displays what kinds of students can be bred here.

The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum forever will be a landmark for MSU.

It will continue to represent the outstanding work and efforts by Eli Broad and will inspire further excellence for the school as a whole.

Ron Kim is a guest columnist at The State News and an English junior. Reach him at kimronal@msu.edu.