Auburn residents are lucky—their hometown features an amazing array of landmarks. There’s Toomer’s Corner, Chewacla State Park, and of course the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. As a center of art and culture, students, citizens, and tourists alike can mingle and enjoy its attractions. Did we mention that it also has free admission? If you’ve never visited this Auburn hotspot—or you want to learn more about just how much it has to offer—it’s time to find out just what makes it so important.
History
Founded in 2003, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art has been enriching Auburn for 15 years. Ten years later, in 2013, it also received a great distinction: it earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. Only 6 percent of the museums in the United States of America have earned this prestigious distinction.
As for the meaning behind its name, this museum bears the moniker of Jule Collins Smith, whose husband Albert gave the building a generous donation of 3 million dollars. Even better, it was a present for his wife to commemorate their anniversary. Sounds like a fantastic gift!
Features
The 40,000 square-foot museum consistently features interesting collections and exhibitions throughout its six galleries. Currently, you can find exhibits including ceramics and watercolors by famous Mississippi artist Walter Inglis Anderson, as well as American Modernist paintings, and even work by Diego Rivera and Georgia O’Keeffe.
Are you hungry? On Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can enjoy a delicious lunch at the café. The menu changes every few days too, giving a sense of variety to patrons.
As for souvenirs—the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art also features a gift shop. Whether you’re looking for presents for an art connoisseur or something nice to remember your visit, you can find a nice item to take home with you.
Events
Throughout the year, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art hosts a variety of art-related events. With musical performances, the occasional Auburn Circle literary magazine launch party, and art collection spotlights, the museum is a beacon of culture.
It also features a fairly famous monthly tradition: the third Thursday poetry readings. Like it says on the tin, when the third Thursday of the month rolls around, a famous poet will come to the museum and read his or her poems. The event also features voluntary readings from attendees and a selection of wines and beers. It’s also free to attend, though drinks and refreshments cost extra.
Conclusion
Art, culture, and yes, food—the Jule Collins Smith Museum has it all. Not only can you enjoy its incredible collections, but you can come back again and again to experience something new with its free events. Leave it to the Loveliest Village on the Plains to offer up another important landmark.
If you love Auburn, but still don’t have a home here, it’s time to contact Ryan Roberts. Not only can he help you buy a place in the Auburn, Opelika, and Lake Martin area, but he can help you sell here as well. To begin, fill out a contact form here. Plus, to find out more about the many local landmarks and institutions, you can read our blog here.
