The current museum was founded in 1956, and is operated by the university's College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.

The museum has over 45,000 square feet of exhibit space, and offers free admission to the general public.

In 1925, the state legislature appropriated $900,000 (equivalent to $12,500,000 in 2023) for the construction of a new museum building, which would house researchers' offices and public exhibits.

[1][2] The University Museums Building was built with two pedestals at its main entrance for sculptures, but none were installed at the time of its construction.

The pumas were cast by the Detroit unit of the Works Progress Administration to Angell's design, and installation was complete by August 1940.