MSU Museum

The MSU Museum is Michigan’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate with three floors of natural history exhibits. Family favorites include the dinosaur bones casts in Habitat Hall and the elephant skeletons on the second floor. Exhibits portray cultural history with an emphasis on the Great Lakes region. 

The MSU Museum collects, preserves, studies, and interprets cultural artifacts and natural history specimens. Find artifacts and specimens in the collection room to help visitors gain a better understanding of what museums collect, what those collections signify, how they are stored and preserved, and how they are used.

Hours

Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission

Admission is free, but registration is required. Register in person at the Museum's Welcome Center or register online. You do not have to arrive at an exact time and are welcome to stay during the open hours. 

Last updated March 17, 2026

Don't Miss Checklist

• Habitat Hall: See life-sized dioramas of the major habitats of North and Central America with hoofed mammals and other animals, showing their adaptations to the different environments. You can also view skeleton casts of an Allosaurus and a Stegosaurus, and several smaller displays related to dinosaurs.
• Elephants & Mammoth: View an African Bush Elephant (full skeleton and skull), an Asian Elephant (full skeleton and skull), and a Columbian mammoth skull.
• Blurred Realities (a 2026 Feature Exhibit:  Explore the cutting-edge CoLab space to see the Blurred Realities exhibition. It’s an interactive look at how AI and technology shape our world.
• The Science of Salt: Check out this 2026 temporary exhibit that reveals the surprising history and science behind something we use every day.
• The Gift Shop: Stop by the museum gift shop for a souvenir or gift. It has a nice selection of books, jewelry, traditional arts, and educational gifts for children.

Pro Tip

After exploring the MSU Museum, make sure to visit the iconic Beaumont Tower, just west of the museum and the adjacent W.J. Beal Botanical Gardens.

Know Before You Go

Is the MSU Museum free?

Admission is free, but registration is required. Register in person at the Museum’s Welcome Center, located via the wheelchair-accessible entrance on the ground floor, or register online.

Where do I park? 

Limited paid parking is available in front of the MSU Museum. On the weekends, there is limited free parking available in designated faculty/staff parking spots. Grand River Avenue Ramp Parking No. 6, located at the corner of Grand River Ave and Charles St., is one block from the MSU Museum. 

Is the museum kid-friendly?

Yes! The museum is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Lansing, Michigan. 

What accessibility options does the museum offer?

Accessible parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in front of the museum. The main entrance is wheelchair-accessible, with power-assist doors. At the front desk, you can ask for additional assistance, such as tactile and braille maps, audio equipment, sensory kits, and a wheelchair to borrow for in-building use. All floors open to the public are available by elevator. For additional information or requests, please contact the Education Team at 517-432-1472.

Can I bring a stroller into the galleries?

Yes, the  MSU  Museum is fully stroller and wheelchair accessible.

Are food and drinks allowed?

Food and drink are welcome in the lounge areas, but not in the exhibition spaces. 

Can I take photos?

Non-flash photography for personal use is encouraged! 

What other activities are nearby?

The MSU Museum is in the heart of Michigan State University.

• Abrams Planetarium: Catch a star show and rediscover the wonders of the universe.
• Beal Botanical Gardens: Take a quiet stroll through the Beal Botanical Gardens. The garden's mission is to illuminate the interconnectedness of people, plants, and place through learning, research, and stewardship.
• Beaumont Tower: Listen to the music of Beaumont Tower. Every Wednesday at noon during the school year, the carillon is played. The tower is open to the public during certain weekends.
• Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum: The Broad Art Museum connects people with art through experiences that inspire curiosity and inquiry. 
• Lansing Duckpin: A modern twist on traditional bowling, featuring a unique duckpin experience in the Lansing/East Lansing area. 
• Lansing River Trail: A paved pathway over 20 miles long, most of which follows the Grand & Red Cedar Rivers.
• MSU Horticulture Gardens: Discover a world of beauty in the form of plants. Visit the perennial or annual gardens throughout the year for gorgeous blooming flowers. Explore the MSU 4-H Children's Garden, designed especially for children, this garden features over 55 themed gardens, including the Pizza Garden, Peter Rabbit Herb Garden, Butterfly Garden, and ABC Garden.
• Potter Park Zoo: Explore the home of over 250 animals, from the North American river otter to the majestic snow leopard. 
• Wharton Center for Performing Arts: Watch a Broadyway production or a can't miss concert, comedy, dance or play on the stages of the Wharton Center.