From R.E.M to The B-52s: Athens’ Music Legacy on Display

Athens, GA, a city known for its passion for football, is also the birthplace of some of the most influential sounds in music history. Now, the new Akins Ford Arena showcases this rich heritage with the Georgia Music Collections exhibit, a dynamic tribute to the state’s legendary artists and musical evolution. 

Installed by the University of Georgia Special Collections Libraries, the Georgia Music Collections exhibit pays homage to more than 200 iconic artists who shaped Georgia’s soundscape. From James Brown’s electrifying red velvet cape to Michael Stipe’s megaphone and Cindy Wilson’s signature style with the B-52s, it’s a treasure trove for music lovers. 

Highlights include: 

• 18 instruments that graced legendary stages. 
• Hundreds of posters and album covers showcasing Georgia’s music history. 
• An interactive digital table, pulling from the New Georgia Encyclopedia, to dive into facts about the state’s most influential artists. 

With artifacts spanning Soul, R&B, alternative rock and Hip-Hop, the Georgia Music Collections traces the journey from Macon and Augusta’s soulful beginnings to Athens’ alternative rock revolution and Atlanta’s rise as a southern Hip-Hop powerhouse. 

The exhibit is housed within Akins Ford Arena, where a striking mural at the entrance sets the stage for a fully immersive experience. Visitors can explore original artifacts, engage with interactive displays, play music trivia and learn behind-the-scenes stories of the artists and their work. 

Akins Ford Arena is home to the Athens Rock Lobsters hockey team and UGA Hockey, as well as many special events. Find their full schedule HERE.