Since 1948, the Georgia Museum of Art has been serving the University of Georgia by providing inspiration without admission charges. Its collection has grown from an initial 100 American paintings to more than 17,000 objects. Its founder, Alfred Heber Holbrook, also served as its director for 21 years and set the tone for the museum’s mission. Holbrook said that he selected UGA after extensive investigation “because he had found more evidence of genuine art culture in Athens than any university he had visited in the South.” He also saw “the museum of the future as an instrument for serving Georgia and the entire region.” Holbrook often drove around Georgia with paintings from the collection in his car, giving talks and tours. And in 1982, the Georgia General Assembly designated the museum the official art museum of the state. Over the decades, it has maintained Holbrook’s goal of going to and being for the people. The objects on display here tell a little bit about its history and predecessors.
Visit georgiamuseum.org for more information on 75th anniversary events or to learn more about the museum’s history.