Guided by a comprehensive strategic building plan, and with the management of Auburn’s Office of the University Architect, JCSM is addressing the need for improved educational, storage and public spaces necessary for a 21st-century museum. During the summer of 2017, contractors will renovate collections storage areas to accommodate current holdings and plan for future growth, as well as rectify acoustic, lighting and temperature concerns in the Grand Gallery, Rotunda, Dwight and Helen Carlisle Lobby and Museum Café.
Project Timeline
April 17
Permanent collection galleries close
Curatorial staff begin preliminary work
April 30
Closing date of Jiha Moon: Double Welcome, Most Everyone’s Mad Here
May 5
Last café service until fall
May 8
Museum closes to public
Susan Phillips Gardens & Lethander Art Path remain open
Sept.
Operations resume
New exhibitions open: Leo Twiggs, Permanent Collection
Oct. 6
Opening reception of
Out of the Box:
A Juried Outdoor
Sculpture Exhibition and exhibition with Jean Shin
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the last day I can visit the museum galleries, cafe and shop?
A: The last day to view permanent collection artwork is Sunday, April 16. The closing day for Jiha Moon: Double Welcome, Most Everyone’s Mad Here is Sunday, April 30.
The museum and Museum Shop will close to the public at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 7. The final Museum Cafe service for the summer is Friday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Museum Shop will have select items available online for purchase via Auburn University Marketplace. Please call 334-844-3084 for assistance.
Q: When can I visit the museum again?
The construction inside the building is expected to be completed in the fall of 2017, with regular operations resuming on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. Exhibitions on view will include the exhibition Leo Twiggs: Requiem for Mother Emanuel and permanent collection selections. Our community celebration of Out of the Box: A Juried Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition is slated for Friday, Oct. 6. Juror Jean Shin will also exhibit her work inside the museum.
Any date changes will be posted to our website and publicized within the community. We hope you will continue to enjoy our grounds, including the Susan Phillips Gardens and Lethander Art Path. There are seven sculptures on our grounds.
Q: Will I be able to contact university art museum staff members?
A: The museum staff will continue to report from 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please see our staff directory or call 334-844-1484.
Q: What about hosting my special event at the museum?
A: Bookings will continue for the fall 2017-2018 special event season and beyond. Please contact Lauren Horton, special events coordinator, at 334-844-3488 or lauren.horton@auburn.edu.
Q: What summer art club programming will the museum offer?
A: The museum will remain active with K-12 participants through City of Auburn partnerships with Camp Kaleidoscope, Therapeutic Recreation Camps and other outreach programs. We also plan to participate in the City of Auburn’s Summernight Downtown Art Walk.
Q. If I am an area K-12 teacher or faculty member, can I still arrange my class tours for the fall semester?
A: Yes, we have an online form to assist you, you may contact jcsmtours@auburn.edu, or call 334-844-3486. All guided tours must be requested at least two weeks in advance.
Q. How will the museum keep the community engaged and informed about the project?
A: Relevant construction status updates will be posted to the jcsm.auburn.edu news page. We also invite you to connect with @JCSMAuburn on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Q: What will the museum staff do while the galleries are closed?
A: Staff at JCSM will still have access to the museum’s collections and will take this opportunity to focus on collections assessment and maintenance, as well as planning events to celebrate our reopening and other exciting programs.
Q. What if I need to access the museum collections?
A: The museum has an online database for the permanent collections. Because JCSM holds the permanent collection in public trust we will take every opportunity to provide researchers access to works of art not currently on view, but this must be done as a pre-arranged appointment. Please remember that some works of art may not be available due to outgoing loans, conservation concerns, or other considerations. Special access is not guaranteed, and is at the discretion of the curatorial staff.
