Eugene is known for having an electric and vibrant arts and culture sector. Part of what makes our community unique is having a mixture of professional arts organizations as well as universities and colleges that also offer top-notch arts and culture experiences. These experiences are not just for students but are open to the entire community. Not only can you experience students training to become the next generation of artistic producers, but also the world-class artists training them and exciting visiting artists. The highlights below are just to kick-start your exploration of all the campus has to offer you. You can explore a wealth of arts of culture right on campus.
school of music & dance
The University of Oregon School of Music and Dance serves as an educational and cultural resource for the University of Oregon, the local community, and the state of Oregon. Students and faculty foster experimentation and innovation by supporting the creation of new work that is grounded in the traditional canon and technique. There are over 40 student ensembles and 300+ performances each year for you to enjoy!
university theatre
University of Oregon students provide the community with live theatrical performances. The Miller Theatre Complex features two recently renovated spaces – the Robinson and the Hope. The Robinson Theatre is a 300-seat proscenium theatre with a beautifully expanded lobby, acoustics upgrades, and greatly improved sightlines from stadium-style seating. The Hope Theatre is a 150-seat flexible space designed with state-of-the-art sound and light capability. They present exciting new work as well as well-known classics.
public art
Campus Art Tour – Explore the University of Oregon’s rich array of free-standing sculptures and incorporated artworks of the university’s campus buildings. It will take approximately one hour to complete this one-mile tour.
museum of natural and cultural history
The Museum of Natural and Cultural History enhances knowledge of Earth’s environments and cultures, inspiring stewardship of our collective past, present, and future. Officially created in 1935-36 as the Oregon State Museum of Anthropology and Museum of Natural History, the museum has its roots in the late 1800s, when geologist Thomas Condon joined the University of Oregon as one of its first three professors and brought his extensive fossil collection to the UO. There is free admission on the first Friday of every month.
jordan schnitzer museum of art
The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA), founded in 1933, features engaging exhibitions, significant collections of historic and contemporary art, and exciting educational programs that support the university’s academic mission and the diverse interests of its off-campus communities. There is free admission on the first Friday of every month.
galleries
There are delightful gallery spaces sprinkled throughout campus. The LaVerne Krause Gallery is a student exhibition space located in Lawrence Hall. They showcase talented student artists and have exciting new exhibitions every week during the fall, winter, and spring terms. The gallery is open Monday- Thursday from 9 am – 6 pm. There are typically opening receptions on Thursdays at 5 pm. Make sure to check the UO Event Calendar for updates on receptions. The Erb Memorial Union’s Adell McMillan Gallery (on the second floor) and Aperture Gallery (on the first floor, east of the Metolius Room) display artwork by the greater UO community—including students, alumni, faculty members, and staff—as well as artists from around the world.
uo craft center
The Craft Center is open to UO students, faculty, staff, UO alumni, and community members. Located in the Erb Memorial Union, the Craft Center has studio spaces for darkroom photography, woodworking, glassworking, paper arts, printmaking, fiber arts, jewelry and metalsmithing, painting and drawing, and ceramics. Each of these studios comes equipped with professional quality materials and tools.
