Muhammed Ali’s lighting of the Olympic cauldron in 1996 signaled the beginning of the Olympic Games — at the same moment, it launched Atlanta to the international stage. Thirty years later, a new exhibit at the University of Georgia Richard B. Russell Building Special Collections Libraries looks back on the formative moment in Georgia history and the marathon of preparations leading up to the opening ceremony that would secure the city’s future.

The exhibit, entitled “Beyond the ’96 Games: Atlanta’s Olympic Legacy,” features an original torch from the opening relay and other authentic memorabilia. The athletic accomplishments of the ’96 Olympics serve as a backdrop to the story of the city, which was considered an underdog for the successful host city bid of the 100th anniversary of the Games. Through articles, photographs, pamphlets and memorabilia, the exhibit narrates how Atlanta officials prepared for the world spotlight while positioning the city for international prominence in business and tourism for decades to come.

Among the medals, commemorative pins, ticket stubs and other merch on display in the Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies’ Harrison Feature Gallery, visitors can trace leaders’ work to transform a 5-mile radius of Atlanta known as the Olympic Ring. The exhibit illuminates the construction of new landmarks such as the Centennial Olympic Stadium, which later served as Turner Field, home to the Atlanta Braves, and the Olympic Village that ultimately became college dorms.

The exhibit also documents attempts to tackle traffic and other logistics, while it narrates efforts to build the city’s reputation as a tourist attraction and partnerships with Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co.

Centering on Georgia’s Capitol, where the events were headquartered, the exhibit also spotlights Athens’ role with photos and mementos from soccer games at UGA facilities and highlights UGA alumna Teresa Edwards’s participation on the Team USA women’s basketball team.

In February, visitors are invited to celebrate the opening of the exhibit. The free event begins at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, and it also celebrates the opening of a new exhibit entitled “Fashioning the Modern Bride” in the Hargrett Library Gallery.

In March, the Russell Library will host a Family Day event highlighting the exhibit. Children and parents can enjoy story time, crafts and other Olympic-inspired activities during the free event scheduled for 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28.

Galleries at the Russell Special Collections Building are open to visitors for free from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays with extended evening hours until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit libs.uga.edu/scl.