University Libraries

Exhibits

Discover rotating exhibits that happen in library spaces and feature items from our distinctive collections and the Western Michigan University community. All exhibits are free and open to the public.

Student exhibits

Browse creative and research works by Western students. These works represent a variety of artistic approaches and research topics.

Two mixed media art pieces featured in the student exhibit at Waldo Library during spring 2026 semester.

Spring 2026 student exhibit

This exhibit is no longer on display at Waldo Library, but you can still read about the featured student works. Check back soon for details about our next exhibit.

Read about our spring 2026 student exhibit

Interested in having your work displayed at Waldo Library? Any two-dimensional visual works created by WMU undergraduate or graduate students—whether for a class, for research, or just for fun—are eligible for display, provided they meet the exhibit criteria.

Review criteria and submit your work

Browse past exhibits

Distinctive collections

Explore items from our distinctive collections including unique and rare materials from our regional history, WMU archives and special collections materials. Student employees from our Zhang Legacy Collections Center often curate these exhibits.

Waldo Library exhibits

Exhibit case at Waldo Library about Lincoln Around the World.

Lincoln Around the World

Curated by student Joshua Kuiper with items from Special Collections.

—Waldo Library, first floor, in lobby

Western Michigan University student Autumn Ropp working on exhibit case about the Chicago World's Fair in 1893.

The Chicago World's Fair 1893

Curated by student Autumn Ropp with items from Special Collections.

—Waldo Library, first floor, in lobby

Western Michigan University student Meena Jacobs working on exhibit case about Western State Normal School titled The Quad of Yore.

The Quad of Yore

Curated by student Meena Jacobs with items from WMU Archives.

—Waldo Library, first floor, along main hallway

Western Michigan University student Zach Fanklin working on exhibit case about Trip it on Fantastic Toe: Going to the Ball in Early Kalamazoo County.

Trip it on Fantastic Toe: Going to the Ball in Early Kalamazoo County

Curated by student Zach Fanklin with items from Regional History Collections.

—Waldo Library, second floor, near rotunda by stairway

Western Michigan University student Whitney Griffin working on exhibit case about Roller Skating in the Kalamazoo Area..

Roller Skating in the Kalamazoo Area

Curated by student Whitney Griffin with items from Regional History Collections.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

Western Michigan University student Autumn Ropp working on exhibit case about Manuscript Illumination in Flander..

Manuscript Illumination in Flanders

Curated by student Autumn Ropp with items from Special Collections.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

Exhibit case at Waldo Library about Beatrix Potter.

The Tales of Beatrix Potter

Curated by student Autumn Ropp with items from Special Collections.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

Western Michigan University student Owen Wittbrodt working on exhibit case about The Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company (KVP)..

The Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company (KVP)

Curated by student Owen Wittbrodt with items from Regional History Collections.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

Western Michigan University student Bo Boughton working on exhibit case about Numazu, Japan: Kalamazoo's Sister City.

Numazu, Japan: Kalamazoo's Sister City

Curated by student Bo Boughton with items from Regional History Collections.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

Western Michigan University student Malia Garrison working on exhibit case about The Ladies' Library Association of Kalamazoo.

The Ladies' Library Association of Kalamazoo

Curated by student Malia Garrison with items from Regional History Collections.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

Zhang Legacy Collections Center exhibits

Items on display at Zhang Legacy Collections Center exhibit featuring materials from the John Kemper collection.

The John Kemper Collection

Curated by John Winchell, archives curator, with items from WMU Archives

—Zhang Legacy Collections Center, lobby

Prehistoric Popups

Curated by Susan Steuer, distinctive collections librarian, with items from Special Collections.

—Zhang Legacy Collections Center, lobby

Ward C. Morgan photo exhibit at Zhang Legacy Collections Center.

Ward C. Morgan Studio

Curated by Lynn Houghton, regional history curator, with items from Regional History Collections.

—Zhang Legacy Collections Center, lobby

Questions about our exhibits?

Contact us