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Venues #9 in Athens, Georgia

University of Georgia Performing Arts Center

4.8 · 548 reviews
Refined and focused
University of Georgia Performing Arts Center, 230 River Rd, Athens, GA 30605, United States
Interesting facts
1

The design of Hodgson Concert Hall was inspired by the acoustics of the Musikverein in Vienna.

2

The facility houses the second-largest pipe organ in the state of Georgia.

3

The building was constructed using over 300,000 bricks to match the traditional architectural aesthetic of the surrounding university campus.

4

The acoustic panels in the concert hall can be adjusted to change the reverberation time based on the specific type of musical performance.

5

The center is part of a larger arts complex that includes the UGA Lamar Dodd School of Art.

Overview

The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center is a prominent cultural institution on the university campus featuring two distinct performance venues: the 1,100-seat Hodgson Concert Hall and the 360-seat Ramsey Concert Hall. Hodgson Concert Hall is specifically designed with a shoebox shape and adjustable acoustic panels to prioritize high-fidelity sound for orchestral and choral performances. The center serves as the primary home for the UGA Performing Arts Series, which hosts touring musicians, chamber ensembles, and vocalists. The facilities are constructed with extensive wood paneling and specialized architectural geometry to minimize sound distortion. The venue complex also supports the university's Hugh Hodgson School of Music by hosting student and faculty recitals throughout the academic year. Its location on the banks of the Middle Oconee River provides a secluded setting integrated into the university's botanical and educational corridor.

Photo spot

The glass-enclosed lobby area during sunset provides a clear view of the surrounding Georgia pines.

Insider tips

Arrive early to enjoy the lobby's floor-to-ceiling windows which overlook the forested river area.

Check the digital seat map on the official website before booking, as specific sections in the orchestra offer superior acoustic balance.

Parking is primarily located in the adjacent Performing Arts Center parking deck.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to park in the nearby staff lots without a valid university permit, as ticketing is strictly enforced.

Good to know

Events are most frequent during the academic calendar (August through May); performances are significantly less frequent during university breaks and summer months.

Etiquette

Business casual attire is standard; silence all electronic devices and refrain from photography during active performances.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Fall and spring semesters are the best times to visit when the academic season is in full swing and the concert series is most active.
Address
University of Georgia Performing Arts Center, 230 River Rd, Athens, GA 30605, United States
33.942, -83.370
Get directions
Details
Venue HallsHodgson Concert Hall (Large) and Ramsey Concert Hall (Chamber)
Performance FocusClassical, Jazz, and World Music

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Fall and spring semesters are the best times to visit when the academic season is in full swing and the concert series is most active..

The glass-enclosed lobby area during sunset provides a clear view of the surrounding Georgia pines.

Close by you'll find Georgia Museum of Art, Tree That Owns Itself, Memorial Park.