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Laying of the cornerstone. (6/17/1908)
Bentley Historical Library Photo: BL001780
Alumni Memorial Hall
Bentley Historical Library Photo: BL001786
Alumni Memorial Hall Today
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Constructed
in 1910, Alumni Memorial Hall (known today as the Museum of Art) was built to honor the fallen men of the
Civil War.[25]
However, there was disagreement as to what purpose this building would
serve, as well as reasons behind the necessity of such a structure. In December of 1904, the Memorial Committee
enlarged the idea for the memorial to serve other purposes with offices, an
assembly hall as well as rooms for student and faculty study and gatherings.[25]
In the end, the Memorial Committee, in conjunction with the Regents,
decided that its main purpose would be an art gallery and the headquarters of
the Alumni Association. Donaldson and
Meier architects of Detroit were hired to design a “direct, simple, and dignified”
building at the cost of about $175,000.
In 1907, the first cornerstone was laid with its completion in 1910. [25]
This large
stone building located on the corner of State and South University Streets,
has an impressive front portico with four classical pillars. The bronze faced doors open into the main
lobby with a statuary hall toward the back.
For the donors who supported the project, four rooms have been named
in their honor: Ezra Rust, main gallery; Dexter M. Ferry, south upper
gallery; Simon T. Murphy, north upper gallery; and Arthur Hill, lower north
front room.[25]
Since the Museum of Art moved into building in 1949, the
collections have steadily increased making it necessary for an addition.
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