Highlights

Alma Mater, 2003, by artist William Baggett
(b. Montgomery, AL, 1946)

More than two years of conceptualization and design preceded the four months that renowned muralist and Auburn alumnus William Baggett ('68) spent painting the monumental mural Alma Mater, 2003 in situ in the Museum's beautiful Auditorium. Commissioned by The Lethander Foundation, the oil-on-canvas painting measures 36' long and 18' tall at the highest point. Evoking daily life at Auburn University and the surrounding community, the mural subtly juxtaposes old and new; past, present and future; tradition and innovation.

Amber Luster Chandelier, 2003, by Artist Dale Chihuly

A gift of the John H. Hughes Family, the three-tiered glass chandelier created by internationally-known glass artist Dale Chihuly was designed specifically for the Rotunda of the museum. Working in their Seattle studios, Chihuly and his team created more than 600 pieces of hand-blown glass in six shapes and a unique coloration including amber, olive, gold leaf and lavender to produce the organic, mesmerizing effect of the chandelier. A team of three Chihuly Studio technicians spent four days atop scissor lifts installing the sculpture, piece by piece. The brilliant 17' x 7' sculpture, weighing more than 1,000 pounds, makes the Rotunda come alive.

Spinoff by artist Jean Woodham

Jean Woodham, ('46), an Auburn alumna and noted sculptor, generously donated her 11 ½' tall brass sculpture, Spinoff. Composed of striking geometric forms, the sculpture complements the sleek modern lines of the museum design. Woodham is one of the first artists to apply industrial methods to create monumental outdoor sculpture. Instead of creating a model and then entrusting the final development of a piece to fabricators, Woodham translates her models in her own Westport, Connecticut studio.

The Helen and Dwight Carlisle Collection of Irish Belleek Porcelain

Donated to the museum in 2003 by Auburn alumnus Dwight Carlisle and his wife Helen, the collection of Irish Belleek porcelain is one of the most comprehensive in existence. Comprising of 354 pieces from each period of production, the collection features a rare spider plate, woven baskets, vases, busts, tea sets, place settings and decorative objects.

The Nelson and Joan Cousins Hartman
Collection of Tibetan Bronzes

In 1997, a collection of more than 40 rare Tibetan bronzes was donated to Auburn University by alumnus Joan Cousins Hartman of St. Louis, Missouri. Complementing the Tibetan works in the collection are several bronzes executed in India and China. The sculptures date from the 14th-20th century.