An interactive public artwork in Jacksonville, Fla., celebrates the city’s rich musical heritage while inviting visitors to become part of the creative experience.

Located within the new Jacksonville Riverfront Music Garden along the St. Johns River and created by design studio Urban Conga, A Cappella is divided into four interconnected sections inspired by the movements of a symphony. Each area explores a distinct theme—motivation, home, love, and freedom—while reflecting Jacksonville’s diverse identity.

The installation was developed through extensive community participation and features lyrics from 84 songs by more than 60 Jacksonville musicians spanning the 1920s to the 2020s. Selected artists include the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Shinedown, and Ray Charles. Local residents helped identify songs and lyrics that best represent Jacksonville’s history, culture, and character, creating a collection that showcases a wide range of musical genres and voices. The artwork is also designed to evolve over time by incorporating new artists and songs.

To encourage creativity and interaction, selected song lyrics were broken down into individual words and short phrases that visitors can rearrange and remix. This approach allows guests to create new lyrical compositions while discovering unexpected connections between artists, eras, and musical styles that have shaped Jacksonville’s cultural landscape.

The Music Garden also hosts the city’s Walk of Fame. The initial class features 30 acts, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ray Charles, classical composer Frederick Delius, and hip-hop act 95 South.