After not being on campus for a year and a half, you might’ve forgotten about some of the more aesthetic spots that the University of New Mexico has to offer. If you’re seeking interesting locations for your future Instagram posts, look no further — the Daily Lobo has you covered. Here’s our list of the top five most Insta-worthy spots on UNM’s main campus.
Center of the Universe
#SculptureArt #BruceNauman #I’mTheCenterOfTheUniverse #LookUp
Built in 1988 by artist Bruce Nauman is the immersive Center of the Universe, which can be found between Mitchell and Ortega Halls. This towering sculpture perfectly mimics the multidimensional architecture of Ortega Hall and the Humanities Building. It’s also lined with thick concrete walls that offer a perfect backdrop for grunge-type photos, as well as a perfect spot to cool off from the harsh New Mexico sun.
Grassy spot in front of Scholes Hall
#Shade #AllAboutThatGreen #NaturalBeauty #MaybeShe’sBornWithIt
Want to take a picture that captures the abundance of the natural world on campus, but you don’t want to take another photo at the Duck Pond? Look no further than the beautiful grassy area in front of Scholes Hall. This space is surrounded by trees that filter in just the right amount of sunlight to get a perfect blurred effect, or “bokeh.” There’s even a sculpture or two to be found and photographed amongst the natural beauty, so get to it intrepid content creators!
West side of Zimmerman Library
#PuebloRevival #JohnGawMeem #NativePlants #StopAndSmellTheCacti
Standing proud in the center of campus is Zimmerman Library, an iconic Pueblo Revival structure designed by John Gaw Meem that went up in 1938. The next time you’re headed to the library for a book or to do some research, be sure to stop by the west side of the building for a prickly surprise that most students walk right past. Blooming cacti in front of the instantly recognizable adobe walls make for a one-of-a-kind Southwestern-inspired photo.
University of New Mexico Fountain
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#SculptureArt #HerbGoldman #Relaxation #Abstract #MakingWavesNotRipples
There’s several fountains on campus, but none quite compare to the UNM Fountain in front of the College of Education on the north side of the Student Union Building. Sculpted by Herb Goldman in 1963, the natural flow of the piece matches the streams of water spraying out in the warmer months. A photo here will capture the beauty of the sculpture, the serenity of the water and, if you come during sunset, the pink Sandias in the background.
Community mosaic mural
#CommunityArt #AlmaMater #MosaicGlazing #WorkInProgress #ASUNM
What started as a series of workshops in 2016 hosted by the ASUNM Arts and Crafts Studio to create the first part of a community mural has since welcomed four colorful additions to the ever-growing piece of art located at the bottom of the SUB. A roadrunner surrounded by cacti and butterflies, a Lobo with her pups and a vista of hot air balloons are just a few of the stunning pieces in the mural that are sure to make for an eye-catching photo.
From works of art to pockets of the natural world, there’s an abundance of places on campus to take photos (and selfies!) that will add some pizzazz to your Instagram feed.
Shelby Kleinhans is the multimedia editor at the Daily Lobo. She can be contacted at multimedia@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @BirdsNotReal99
Joseph McKee is the design director at the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at designdirector@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @josephdmckee