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

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

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

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

Western Michigan University student Graham Alburtus working on exhibit case about Bronco's Best Season: 1975-1976 Drive to Glory.

Bronco's Best Season: 1975-1976 Drive to Glory

Curated by student Graham Alburtus with items from WMU Archives.

—Waldo Library, first floor, in lobby

Western Michigan University student Owen Wittbrodt working on exhibit case about Kleinstuck Preserve.

The Kleinstuck Preserve Today

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

—Waldo Library, first floor, in lobby

Buster Bronco: Horsin' Around exhibit at Waldo Library.

Buster Bronco: Horsin' Around

Curated by student Meena Jacobs with items from WMU Archives.

—Waldo Library, first floor, along main hallway

Western Michigan University student Hope Donovan working on exhibit case about 50 years of WMU Theatre graphic design.

Print & Perform: 50 Years of WMU Theatre Graphic Design

Curated by student Hope Donovan with items from WMU Archives.

—Waldo Library, second floor, near rotunda by stairway

Exhibit case at Waldo Library about early photography in Kalamazoo by Herman Siewert.

Herman Siewert: Early Photography in Kalamazoo

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

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

Western Michigan University student Meena Jacobs working on exhibit case about W. K. Kellogg and health.

W. K. Kellogg and Health

Curated by student Meena Jacobs with items from Regional History 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

Exhibit case at Waldo Library about fairy tales.

Fairy Tales

Curated by student Leo Gingerich with items from Special Collections.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

Western Michigan University student Hope Donovan standing next to an exhibit at Waldo Library that they curated with items honoring the legacy of Banjamin C. Wilson.

Honoring the Legacy of Benjamin C. Wilson

Curated by student Hope Donovan with items from WMU Archives.

—Waldo Library, second floor, in rotunda

Exhibit case at Waldo Library about Waldo Library through the years.

Waldo Library Through the Years

Curated by student Malia Garrison with items from WMU Archives.

—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