Built to last centuries, the Michigan Library and Historical Center is home to the Library of Michigan, Michigan History Museum, and the Archives of Michigan. Located just two blocks southwest of the state Capitol, this five story, 312,000 square foot facility is a striking addition to Lansing's Capitol Complex.
Architect William Kessler incorporated materials native to Michigan throughout the Center. Literally built around a Michigan white pine tree, the facility features a copper-clad outdoor courtyard, white oak doors, furniture, and trim, limestone exterior and polished granite walls. Spectacular glass atriums up to 93 feet tall add sunlight to the Library and Museum. A classical forum/auditorium can seat 240 people.
Michigan Library and Historical Center The Michigan Library and Historical Center is a place where scholars and artists come together to express their unique visions of Michigan.
An ingenious combination of classical and modern architectural elements, the Center is the state's first public building expressly designed to accommodate commissioned artworks.
In true renaissance tradition, each Michigan artist chosen by the Commission on Art in Public Places worked with architect William Kessler to become familiar with the Center's innovative design. Individual works were chosen for their representation of the state, ability to involve the viewer and effectiveness in eliciting the viewer's thoughtful response.
This outstanding collection of artwork illustrates the magnificent natural beauty and diversity of life- styles found in Michigan through a distinctive array of art forms - from an outdoor geostructurist sculpture constructed of steel columns and five-ton boulders to an impressionistic oil painting of a Michigan forest.
Each piece reveals a different chapter in the story of our state and its people. Time seems to stand still as we celebrate the past, contemplate the present and look forward to the future through these visions of Michigan.
Michigan Library and Historical Center 