Dr. James Naismith’s original rules of basketball, which were recently purchased by Kansas University graduates David and Suzanne Deal Booth for more than $4 million, will be on display in Kirkwood Hall from March 5 through May 29 at The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Mo.

“My family is very proud to bring this important treasure to the Nelson-Atkins, where the rules will be enjoyed by sports fans and museum-goers alike,” David Booth said.

The exhibition will be free and open to the public. Free timed tickets to the exhibition will be available through the Museum’s website, nelson-atkins.org, at the info desk in the Bloch Building, or by calling (816) 751-1278.

“The Booths understand the pride, the intensity and the traditions that people in the Midwest hold for their teams, and we are extremely grateful for their generosity in sharing this historic document with our visitors,” said Julián Zugazagoitia, who became Menefee D. and Mary Louise Blackwell Director & CEO of the Museum Sept. 1. “The Nelson-Atkins is attuned to this part of our cultural fabric, and we all look forward to celebrating James Naismith’s entrepreneurship and world legacy.”

Ultimately the original rules are destined for a permanent home in Lawrence, possibly in the Booth Family Hall of Athletics.

The 13 basic rules were typed on two sheets of paper, now yellowed with age, so that Naismith could introduce his new game at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Mass.

The Nelson-Atkins is located at 45th and Oak Streets in Kansas City, Mo.