The MSU Museum is celebrating 25 years as Michigan’s first Smithsonian Affiliate, marking a milestone in a partnership that has connected Michigan State University students, faculty and communities with one of the world’s leading cultural institutions while contributing the university’s own research, collections and expertise to a national network.
Since becoming a Smithsonian Affiliate in September 2001, the MSU Museum has collaborated with the Smithsonian Institution to bring nationally recognized exhibitions, educational programs, research partnerships and public engagement opportunities to Michigan. The relationship also enables the museum to share its own scholarship, collections and innovative approaches with Smithsonian museums and affiliates across the country.
“The Smithsonian partnership reflects the very best of what a university museum can be,” said Devon Akmon, director of the MSU Museum. “For 25 years, it has allowed us to connect our campus and community with extraordinary national resources while contributing Michigan State University’s research, creativity and public scholarship to conversations that reach far beyond our state. We are proud to celebrate this milestone and excited about what we will build together in the future.”