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.

Charcoal on newsprint art titled "Commuity Pilars."

Fall 2026 student exhibit

Come discover the student works now on display in our fall exhibit.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda
Read about our fall 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 the 1920s automotive industry in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

"1920s Automotive Industry in Kalamazoo"

Curated by student Joshua Kuiper with items from Regional History 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
Exhibit case at Waldo Library about Shaping Medieval Manuscripts.

"Shaping Medieval Manuscripts"

Curated by student Autumn Ropp with items from Special Collections.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda
Exhibit case at Waldo Library about Shawn Sheehy.

"Shawn Sheehy"

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

WMU Archives exhibit

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

Special Collections exhibit

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

Regional History Collections exhibit

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

Need help?

Questions about our exhibits?

Contact us