Telfair Museums: A Trio of Artistic Treasures
Savannah’s art scene is anchored by the Telfair Museums, which include:
- Telfair Academy: Housed in a neoclassical mansion, this museum showcases 19th- and 20th-century American and European art. Jepson Center: A modern architectural marvel featuring contemporary exhibitions and the interactive Children’s Art Museum. Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters: A powerful look at antebellum life, highlighting both the grandeur of Savannah’s elite and the realities of enslaved families.
Savannah History Museum
Located in the old Central of Georgia Railway depot, this museum traces the city’s evolution from its founding in 1733 to modern times. Highlights include:
- Revolutionary War artifacts Juliette Gordon Low’s carriage The bench from Forrest Gump
Georgia State Railroad Museum
Train enthusiasts and history lovers alike will enjoy this hands-on museum featuring:
- Restored locomotives and railcars Guided train tours Interactive exhibits in historic railway buildings
SCAD Museum of Art
An extension of the Savannah College of Art and Design, this museum blends cutting-edge contemporary art with historic architecture. Expect:
- Rotating exhibitions from global artists African American art collections A vibrant student-led creative energy
Pin Point Heritage Museum
Located in a former oyster and crab factory, this museum celebrates the Gullah Geechee community’s resilience and traditions. Guided by descendants of the original landowners, visitors learn about:
- Maritime heritage Spiritual connections to the land The legacy of freedmen post-Civil War
Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum
Named after a local Civil Rights leader, this museum offers a sobering and inspiring look at Savannah’s desegregation movement. Exhibits include:
- Jim Crow-era artifacts Interactive lunch counter experience Stories of peaceful protest and activism
American Prohibition Museum
The only museum of Helpful site its kind in the U.S., this immersive experience dives into the 1920s with:
- Speakeasy-style exhibits Flapper fashion and Prohibition-era propaganda A working bar serving vintage cocktails
Davenport House Museum
Step into 1820s Savannah at this Federal-style home, which launched the city’s historic preservation movement. Guided tours reveal:
- Period furnishings Stories of early residents The contrast between elite and working-class life
Graveface Museum
For those with a taste for the macabre and unusual, this museum explores:
- True crime artifacts Cult memorabilia Sideshow history and horror-themed exhibits
Harper Fowlkes House
This Greek Revival mansion offers a glimpse into Savannah’s social scene of the 1800s, with:
- Antique furnishings Elegant gardens A rich architectural legacy