Visitors to the new Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center in Athens can explore Georgia music, thanks to a new display installed Dec. 19 by the University of Georgia Special Collections Libraries.
On a larger-than-life video board, The B-52s member and Athens resident Cindy Wilson welcomes visitors to peruse the memorabilia on display, representing more than 200 legendary artists, from Whisperin’ Bill Anderson to Run the Jewels.
Display cases share memories of concerts, stories about the recording process, fan merchandise and interactions, behind-the-scenes moments, and more. For example, a cold medicine bottle Duane Allman used to make his distinctive slide guitar sounds is on display alongside the Gibson Les Paul he played while recording “Statesboro Blues.”
From James Brown’s red velvet cape to the megaphone used by Michael Stipe, the exhibit includes 18 instruments, 11 t-shirts, 4 pairs of shoes or boots worn on stage, dozens of photos, and hundreds of concert posters and album covers.
In front of a gigantic mural at the entrance to the arena, guests can explore facts about musicians at an interactive digital table, pulling information from the New Georgia Encyclopedia, a project of Georgia Humanities, the University of Georgia Libraries, the University of Georgia Press, and the University System of Georgia/GALILEO.
The exhibit also includes information about the Georgia Music Collections held at the UGA Special Collections Libraries. Visitors can engage with even more moments in Georgia music history by exploring the building’s galleries, open for free on weekdays throughout the year. (Note: UGA Libraries will be closed Dec. 25-Jan. 1.)
Check out photos of the installation in the slideshow above.