Tucked behind a shimmering pond on manicured grounds sits Auburn’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Affectionately referred to as “the Jule,” the museum has become a hot spot for art appreciators, class trips and university events.
The exhibits are changed each August and December to fit the semester schedule. The Jule is also open over the summer for faculty and students to enjoy while taking a break from classes.
“We plan our academic year around an organizing theme. This last academic year, we were inspired by the Auburn Creed and looked at the tenant of work from the Auburn Creed,” said Charlotte Hendrix, the director of communications and external relations for the Jule.
One of the current exhibitions, running until July 6, is titled “Showcase: Faculty Exhibition 8” and features work done exclusively by Auburn faculty studying film, sculpture, new media, textile arts and more.
“In this next fall semester and into the spring, we’re drawing inspiration from the 250th birthday of America. 2026 will mark 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, so our theme for the year is going to be built around belonging. What does American art look like? What does it mean to be an American? What does it mean to belong?” Hendrix said.
The upcoming exhibitions will feature loans from the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City and focus on American modernism as the overarching style of works.
One exhibition will be curated by guest scholar and art historian Elizabeth Betsy Holly. The pieces will be chosen from the current university art collection to compile the mid-20th century exhibition.
Professors often use the Jule as a learning tool for their classes. Whether one is taking an introductory-level engineering course or is a fourth-year art major, the Jule has something for everyone.
“I visited the Jule for an assignment for one of my classes and I definitely found it informative and interesting. Looking at the different exhibits was really cool because most of them related back to Alabama or Auburn in some way, so it was cool to make those connections,” said Hannah Kussin, senior at Auburn.
In addition to the wide variety of art styles and mediums, the Jule hosts events free to students and the Auburn community. Their “self-care Saturdays” are exceptionally popular, offering yoga classes and sound baths on the patio overlooking the grounds to embrace wellness through art.
Auburn has much to offer for those wanting to immerse themselves in cuture, and the Jule is no exception. The exciting new exhibitions and events are a great way to spend a free weeknight or Saturday afternoon.
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