Andy Tennant

Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art (JCSM) is housed on 15 acres at the southern entrance of Auburn University's main campus. The grounds of the museum feature an English-inspired formal area and woodland landscape, outdoor sculpture gardens, and landscaped walking paths around a man-made lake. The 40,000 square-foot modern structure incorporates six exhibition galleries, administrative offices, museum shop, café, a 127-seat auditorium, and a terrace overlooking the lake. The lower level accommodates a works-on-paper study room, a recently renovated permanent collection vault system, exhibition preparatory areas, loading dock, and additional staff and security offices. JCSM's permanent collection of more than 2,400 works is devoted primarily to 19th and 20th century American and European Art, which includes the Advancing American Art Collection and The Louise Hauss and David Brent Miller Audubon Collection. Other collection strengths include mid-20th-century American modernism, modern Mexican printmaking, The Helen and Dwight Carlisle Collection of Irish Belleek Porcelain, a three-tiered Dale Chihuly chandelier sculpture, and works on paper and self-taught artists pertaining to and from the southern United States. Gifts to acquisition funds have enabled the museum to develop areas of focus in outdoor sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass, and works by women artists. JCSM embodies the commitment and dedication the University has to advancing the arts in our daily lives through campus and community education and engagement opportunities for University and K-12 students, lifelong learners, and residents of Alabama. JCSM welcomes more than 30,000 visitors each year and maintains a strong and active annual membership base. JCSM received accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) in 2013 and is the only AAM accredited university museum in the state of Alabama. The museum is also an active member in the Association of American Museum Directors.