Most students don’t dare venture to the south end of campus once they move out of the dorms. If we can’t even get students to pack into Ford Stadium for a football game, how in the world does the school expect to draw students to the Meadows Museum? Sure, both are free for students, but that doesn’t seem to work around here.

Unless students are required to visit the arts museum for a class, they probably don’t even know of its existence short of the iron fountain in front. Actually, maybe that’s what the museum should do; turn the wave machine on for more occasions than Family Weekend and Orientation and students may just be drawn to what other fascinating exhibits are offered inside.

Currently on display at the museum are Spain’s War of Independence: 1808-1814, From Manet to Miro and Medieval and Early Renaissance Spain.

The Meadows Museum prides itself on its wide collection of Spanish art decorating the two-floor building. Particularly, the 19th century Realist and Impressionist works from Spain and the Spanish Golden Age, reflect the foreign culture that many students often fail to learn about. Most recently, the museum acquired 29 ivory miniatures of the court and family of King Charles IV of Spain. How’s that for a lesson in art history?

In addition to the vast array of paintings, statues and other exhibits adorning the halls, students can also enjoy lunch in The Gates Restaurant. Featuring a variety of Spanish dishes, the restaurant also caters its menu to feature food from the current theme of the museum. For those wanting to escape from the drudgery of RFOC and Goff’s, this is the perfect place to go when you want to enjoy a nice meal.

Also offering a wide variety of programs and activities for the SMU community, the museum offers information sessions about specific sections in the museum. Beginning drawing classes are also offered through the museum. All programs are free to SMU students.

The Meadows Museum’s next exhibit will arrive in January and will feature artifacts and paintings from temples and tombs in Tuscany.

The Meadows Museum is open Tuesday through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has extended hours on Thursdays until 8 p.m. Free to all SMU students with a valid SMU student I.D., the Meadows Museum is a great place to take a break from the stress of class and wander the halls to learn about some of the greatest artwork in Spanish history.