The Broad Art Museum, which celebrated its six-month anniversary this past week, has had more than 70,000 visitors since opening, according to Michael Rush, founding director of the museum.

Rush said the numbers were much more than anyone expected.

“We get people from all over,” Rush said. “(We have) visitors from more than 30 countries, from many different states in the United States; largely the business is from Michigan.”

Rush said the building’s unique architecture creates exciting spaces for art.

“We have many galleries, all of which are flexible and can be used in different ways,” Rush said. “Not only for painting, but for performances and dance.”

Rush added people also are very drawn to programs where artists give talks about their work. In addition, Rush said all of the museum’s programs have drawn good crowds well above expectations.

Annie Elshoff, visitor services coordinator for the museum, said the building’s unique features make it a destination location on campus.

“The building is very different, so when it’s something that you’re constantly walking by, it definitely attracts your eye,” Elshoff said. “(And it’s) something they can enjoy without paying admission.”

The museum offers free admission to the public with the exception of certain exhibitions or programs and is funded by three primary sources including private donations, memberships and rental costs.

The memberships, ranging from $25 for students to $5,000 for Director’s Club, offer discounts for priced tickets and exclusive invitations to members-only exhibitions, signature events, lectures and tours, Sandra Szymanski, development and membership coordinator for the museum, said.

Szymanski said the museum has raised $83,940 in membership.

Rush said the museum also draws interest from educational organizations, business organizations and private parties who rent the space for meetings and parties. Rush said more than $60,000 has been raised in facility rentals.

The summer season has not seen a decline in customers yet, Elshoff said.

“I think certain days there are definitely more families,” Elshoff said. “We’ll see older couples, younger couples, college students. I would say there is a good mix of different age groups.”
Elementary education senior Julie Campbell said she always has wanted to go to the Broad Art Museum.

“I hope there’s a lot of student exhibitions,” Campbell said, mentioning she plans to stop by the museum sometime this summer. “I’ve been to the Kresge (Art Museum), so I’m hoping it’s like that, but more sophisticated.”

Szymanski said she is “stunned” by the interest in the museum and is thankful to the community for its support. She hopes to continue to give back through the activities at the museum.

“We’re trying to feed their love, their passion,” Szymanski said. “A lot of different things are going on to appeal to a wide variety of people.”