We report absorption, laser fluorescence, and Raman spectra for Re-2 in an argon matrix prepared by the mass-selected ion deposition technique. The dirhenium absorption spectrum consists of seven band systems (A-G) extending from the near infrared into the ultraviolet region. For the A system (a simple vibrational progression), we find T-0=10 817(1) cm(-1), omega(e)=317.1(5) cm(-1) and omega(e)x(e)=1.0(1) cm(-1). A Franck-Condon analysis of the A system intensities predicts that this state has a smaller equilibrium internuclear distance than the ground state (Delta r(e)=-0.073 Angstrom), in violation of Badger’s rule. The B system starts at 13 250 cm(-1) and consists of four overlapping (and possibly perturbed) subsystems, whose average vibrational spacing is 270(11) cm(-1). The C, D, E, and F systems (vibrational spacings in parentheses) are centered at 22 300 cm(-1) (210 cm(-1)), 24 500 cm(-1) (195 cm(-1)), 29 150 cm(-1) (175 cm(-1)), and 32 900 cm(-1) (160 cm(-1)), respectively. Weak fluorescence spectra, obtained upon laser excitation into the A system, were characterized by vibrational progressions to the dimer ground (X) state and to a low lying (X’) state for which T-0=357.6(5) cm(-1) and omega(e)=332.3(2) cm(-1). Raman and fluorescence progressions to the ground state were observed when the B system was excited. These data give omega(e)=337.9(49) cm(-1) for the dimer ground state in good agreement with measurements from photodetachment spectra [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 108, 178 (1986)]. We propose likely assignments for the low lying electronic states of Re-2 and discuss our results in terms of the bonding in the other group VIIB dimers, Mn-2 and Tc-2.