Visitors to the new Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center in Athens can explore Georgia music thanks to a new display recently installed by the University of Georgia Special Collections Libraries.
The Georgia Music Collections exhibit features display cases filled with memories of concerts, stories about the recording process, fan merchandise and interactions, behind-the-scenes moments representing more than two hundred legendary artists from the Peach State.
From James Brown’s red velvet cape to a megaphone used by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe, the exhibit includes instruments, t-shirts, shoes, photos, and hundreds of concert posters and album covers. Interactive displays allow concert-goers to explore facts about musicians and invite music lovers to listen to Spotify playlists featuring hours of songs.
The arena’s entrance features a mural entitled “A Blossoming Ode to Georgia’s Musical History,” painted by Florida-based muralist Steven Teller. In addition, photos from local photographer Jason Thrasher’s book “Athens Potluck” can be found throughout the second floor.
The Georgia Music Collections exhibit also includes information about the vast collections held at the UGA Special Collections Libraries. For now, you need tickets to an event to visit the arena, but the community can engage with even more moments in Georgia music history by exploring the Special Collections’ galleries, open for free on weekdays throughout the year.
For more information or to schedule a tour of special collections, visit libs.uga.ed/scl.