Saint Louis University follows in the Ignatian tradition of embracing the whole range
of human experience — and the arts are a significant dimension of life. SLU offers
a wide range of cultural experiences, from museums and galleries to performances of
instrumental and choral music, theater, dance and more.
Visual Arts
From studio practice to museum exhibitions, the visual arts at SLU inspire exploration
and discovery. Students create, curate, and engage with art that connects creativity,
culture, and the Jesuit mission.
Located on the lower level of Cupples House, the McNamee Gallery is the teaching gallery
for Saint Louis University's Studio Art program in the Department of Visual and Performing
Arts.
Performing Arts
Music, theatre, and dance thrive at SLU through vibrant productions and ensemble performances.
Students explore creativity, collaboration, and expression within a dynamic and supportive
artistic community.
SLU’s Music program allows you to master your musical talents while working under
the close tutelage of a faculty of professional musicians. Participation is open to
all students, regardless of major. Each ensemble culminates in a public performance.
The Theatre and Dance program at SLU collaborates as a performance company, fostering
commitment to the group while strengthening your abilities in performance, design,
direction and management. Students gain hands-on experience through a vibrant season
of plays, musicals, and dance concerts.
Museums
SLU’s museums and galleries showcase diverse collections that connect art, faith,
and inquiry. Through exhibitions, lectures, and educational programs, they foster
dialogue between the university and the broader community while inspiring lifelong
engagement with the arts.
The Saint Louis University Museum of Art exhibits and collects works by modern masters,
as well as displaying an extensive collection of Jesuit artworks and artifacts. It’s
also home to the John and Ann MacLennan Collection of Asian Decorative Art, one of
the largest collections of its kind in the U.S.
The Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) is the first museum to highlight
and explore the ways contemporary visual artists engage with the religious and spiritual
dimensions. With its expansive and inclusive approach, MOCRA facilitates personal
discovery, experience and inspiration while contributing to a culture of interfaith
encounters and dialogue.
One of the rare examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in St. Louis, Cupples
House dates to 1888 and today serves as a gallery for the University's collection
of fine and decorative art dating before 1919, including the Eleanor Turshin Glass
Collection.
Tucked into historic DuBourg Hall, the gallery's true highlight is its stained-glass
windows designed by Rodney Winfield. The iconography of the windows, executed by Emil
Frei Associates, depicts the spreading of the word-divine and human
Part of SLU's Lay Center for Education and the Arts in Louisiana, MO, this 20-acre
sculpture park is surrounded by 350-acres of natural meadows, wooded rolling hills,
lakes and streams.
Literary Awards
SLU celebrates the written word through readings, writing competitions, and creative
showcases that highlight student and faculty voices. The literary arts foster reflection,
imagination, and dialogue across disciplines.
Aesthetic Enrichment
Through the arts, we have the opportunity to develop intuition, appreciation, imagination
and insight.
Next Steps to SLU
Ready to take the next step? Request more information, schedule a visit or apply for admission.
