Apr 22, 2014 08:09 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

Alumnus Eli Broad and his wife Edythe have made a gift of $5 million to the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University. The donation aims to increase the endowment plus support funding for exhibitions in the next five years.

The $5 million gift made in honor of Michael Rush, the museum's founding director, takes the overall investment in Broad MSU to $33 million. The couple previously donated $28 million for the design and construction of Zaha Hadid-designed Broad MSU.

"The exhibitions we develop at Broad MSU complement and add to Michigan State University's globally focused mission, and we often work with artists in countries where MSU has already developed programs," Rush said in a statement. "This new endowment gift will allow us to continue this type of programming well into the future."

The $40 million Broad MSU, opened November 2012, explores global contemporary culture and ideas through art. The collection of 7,500 objects covers Greek, Roman, Renaissance and Modern periods. Out of 32 exhibitions held so far, Broad MSU has displayed works by artists from more than 30 countries. More than 125,000 people have visited the museum so far.

"The exhibitions presented at the museum provide opportunities for students and the community to experience art that they might otherwise never see, while simultaneously drawing new visitors to East Lansing," Eli Broad said.

Lou Anna K. Simon, president of MSU, thanked Eli and Edythe Broad for their persistent kindness and support for programs at the museum.

"This new endowment gift will ensure the museum can continue to advance its mission through engaging exhibitions," Simon said.

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