Reviewed by: Sarah Gronberg
4 museums in Auburn you have to check out
From fine art to a stunning arboretum, Auburn’s museums are a fantastic way to explore the rich history and cultural variety of Auburn and Opelika. No matter your interests, you’ll want to check out these four spots and what each one has to offer.
1. Museum of East Alabama
Located in the heart of Downtown Opelika, The Museum of East Alabama links the past to the present. It focuses on the intriguing history of the region, as well as its agriculture industry from Native American times to the Civil War.
Over 2,000 annual visitors get to discover East Alabama’s and Opelika’s history as it comes alive through over 5,000 local and state artifacts representing many centuries.
The Museum of East Alabama doesn’t just offer a taste of history within their walls but outside of them, too. Christoph Johnson, a talented artist, is responsible for the outdoor mural representing people and historic elements central to Opelika’s regional core.
If you’re a history buff, this museum is worth a walk-through!
- Location: 121 S 9th St, Opelika, AL 36801
- Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10AM–4PM | Saturday 2PM–4PM
- Admission: Free
- Website | Facebook
2. Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art
The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art is an art museum on the campus of Auburn University. It is the only accredited university art museum in Alabama, and holds six exhibition galleries within its 40,000 square feet of interior space.
This museum is grounded in art-historical, multi-disciplinary, object-based research and believes in innovation and the freedom to try new things while evaluating the world around you.
It is the cultural heart of Auburn University and welcomes everyone to explore, experience and engage with the visual arts. If you’re looking for paintings, sculptures, sensory experiences and more, this museum is. must-visit.
- Location: 901 S College St, Auburn, AL 36849
- Hours: Friday–Wednesday 10AM–4:30PM | Thursday 10AM–8PM
- Admission: Free
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Auburn University Museum of Natural History
The Auburn University Museum of Natural History is a research and education museum with a mission is to conduct biodiversity research, preserve and document our planet’s biodiversity and promote activities related to natural history education for Auburn University and all Alabama citizens.
This museum uses the vast organismal knowledge of the curators and staff to help locals and visitors to discover the natural sciences and appreciate biodiversity. Some of their exhibits include the Theropod Dinosaur Egg and the National Geographic Photo Ark Collection.
The Auburn University Museum of Natural History is open to the public the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30PM for an hour-and-a-half tour. Groups interested in touring during scheduled times are encouraged to contact the museum.
However, the museum’s public displays are open during business hours. They are located throughout Auburn’s campus in the Rouse Life Sciences Building, the Science Center Auditorium Building, Greene Hall and the Crop Improvement Association Building.
- Location: 381 Mell St, Auburn, AL 36849
- Public display hours: Monday–Friday 9AM–5PM
- Admission: Free
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. Donald E. Davis Arboretum
The Donald E. Davis Arboretum in Auburn is a public native plants museum and botanical arboretum. It has water features, miles of walking trails and places to relax in a beautiful nature setting.
The arboretum specializes in conserving local plant life, including The Founder’s Oak tree, which is more than 150 years old and has received National Accreditation from the Plant Collections Network for its Deciduous Rhododendron Collection in 2019.
The arboretum also offers engaging events throughout the year, including Auburn’s Azalea Festival, Red, White and Blueberry Bash, an Annual photo contest and more!
- Location:181 Garden Dr, Auburn, AL 36849
- Hours: Monday-Sunday 6AM-7PM
- Admission: Free
- Website | Facebook | Instagram
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