Savannah, Georgia, a city draped in Southern charm, beckons visitors with its alluring blend of history, culture, and captivating landscapes. Between leisurely strolls along the historic River Street, wandering through the city’s famed squares shaded by majestic, moss-draped oak trees, and indulging in a culinary journey that spans from soul-satisfying comfort food to the freshest seafood delicacies, a visit to one of Savannah’s exceptional museums is a must-do. These institutions offer a unique and intimate glimpse into the city’s rich tapestry of culture and history.
From collections showcasing the vibrant expressions of contemporary art to exhibits meticulously dedicated to the area’s Gullah/Geechee community and the fascinating local marine life, Savannah’s museums provide an immersive experience that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of this captivating city. Delve into the heart of Savannah through its cultural institutions, each a repository of stories waiting to be discovered. Here are the 11 best museums in Savannah to add to your itinerary:
1. Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences
Steeped in history and artistic significance, the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences holds the distinction of being the first public art museum in the South. Its story began in 1883, when the visionary local philanthropist Mary Telfair bequeathed her exquisite mansion and its entire collection of furnishings to the Georgia Historical Society. Three years later, the mansion opened its doors to the public as the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences. Today, it stands as one of three remarkable buildings that comprise the Telfair Museums campus in the heart of downtown Savannah.
Visitors can embark on a self-guided exploration or join a docent-led tour through the opulent, Neoclassical Regency mansion. Inside, a treasure trove of over 6,000 19th- and 20th-century American and European paintings, drawings, decorative arts, sculptures, and other artistic creations awaits. A highlight of the museum is undoubtedly the Sculpture Gallery, a space adorned with classical architectural elements such as four majestic Ionic columns and clerestory windows that bathe the gallery in natural light. Here, you can admire masterpieces like Childe Hassam’s "Brooklyn Bridge in Winter" and George Bellows’ "Snow-Capped River." Another iconic piece is the "Bird Girl" statue, which once graced the tranquil Bonaventure Cemetery.
2. Jepson Center for the Arts
The second gem within the Telfair Museums family is the Jepson Center for the Arts, a beacon of contemporary art housed in a striking, 7,500-square-foot building. This architectural marvel was designed by the internationally renowned architect Moshe Safdie. The Jepson Center’s permanent collection leans heavily towards contemporary art, featuring works by iconic artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns, and Richard Avedon.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts a dynamic series of rotating exhibits that showcase a diverse range of artistic expressions, from cutting-edge digital installations to exquisite decorative arts by both traditional and contemporary artists. For younger visitors and budding artists, ArtZeum is a must-visit. This expansive, interactive children’s museum space offers a plethora of hands-on activities designed to ignite creativity and foster a love for art.
3. Savannah History Museum
To embark on a captivating journey through Savannah’s multifaceted history, from its earliest inhabitants to the American Revolution and beyond, the Savannah History Museum is an essential stop. This museum is located in the passenger depot of the historic Central of Georgia Railway, situated within Tricentennial Park. Through a series of engaging interactive exhibits, visitors can delve into the lives of the indigenous peoples who first called this land home, explore the pivotal role of the railroad in the city’s growth and development, and examine military uniforms and period clothing that offer a tangible connection to the past.
Notable collection highlights include the iconic bench from the beloved film "Forrest Gump" and a carriage that once belonged to Juliette Gordon Low, the visionary founder of the Girl Scouts.
4. SCAD Museum of Art
The SCAD Museum of Art, an extension of the esteemed Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), stands as a testament to the college’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence. This museum boasts an impressive permanent collection comprising over 4,500 works by international artists. Within its walls, visitors can explore 19th- and 20th-century photography, a captivating costume collection, and the renowned Walter O. Evans Collection of African American Art.
Visitors can also support the creative endeavors of current students, professors, and notable alumni by purchasing pieces at the ShopSCAD gallery. For a moment of respite, TAD café offers a selection of coffee and art books to take home as a souvenir. Be sure to check the museum’s schedule for lectures, film screenings, and other engaging events held in its 250-seat theater.
5. American Prohibition Museum
The American Prohibition Museum holds the distinction of being the nation’s first and only museum dedicated to the tumultuous era of Prohibition. The museum features 20 exhibits that delve into the temperance movement and the profound financial and societal impact of the 18th Amendment on the state of Georgia, which went dry in 1908 – a full 11 years before the national law was enacted.
After immersing themselves in the history of Prohibition, visitors can step into the on-site speakeasy, where they can savor Roaring 20s-inspired cocktails and participate in cocktail classes and spirits tastings. The museum also features a small gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and mementos.
6. Georgia State Railroad Museum
The Georgia State Railroad Museum, situated in Tricentennial Park within the Central of Georgia Railway, Savannah Shops & Terminal Facilities, offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to learn about Savannah’s rich history as a railroad and transportation hub. Visitors can begin their journey with an introductory film, followed by a tour of historic freight trains and railcars.
Visitors can also gain a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous process of locomotive restoration and even try their hand at pumping a handcar down a short track – just as engineers used to do. The museum also features a model train room and offers guided train ride tours of the city, providing a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Savannah’s railroad heritage.
7. Pin Point Heritage Museum
Housed in the historic A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory, the Pin Point Heritage Museum is dedicated to celebrating the history and culture of the Gullah/Geechee community. This tight-knit community was founded by freedmen after the Civil War. Visitors have the unique opportunity to learn directly from residents, who are on hand to answer questions and share their personal stories.
Exhibits delve into the culture’s unique foodways, maritime habitat, and language. The factory’s remnants, including the crab boiling pavilion, are also open for exploration.
8. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace stands as a tribute to the founder of the Girl Scouts. Juliette Gordon Low grew up in this Federal-style home on Oglethorpe Avenue. The home’s carriage house served as the group’s first headquarters, and both buildings are now designated National Historic Landmarks and open to the public for guided group tours.
Advanced tickets are recommended to view the buildings, which include original furnishings, details like carved millwork and a mahogany stair railing, and Low’s artwork. Stop into the gift shop to purchase special patches, stationery, apparel, and other Girl Scouts memorabilia. This best museum in Savannah is a treat.
9. Savannah Children’s Museum
For families traveling with children, the Savannah Children’s Museum, located in the old Central of Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop in Tricentennial Park, is a must-visit destination. This all-outdoor space features over a dozen hands-on exhibits.
Daily programming is also offered, with regular arts and crafts events, storytime, and more.
10. Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is in the William Scarbrough House in the city’s Historic District. It houses nine galleries of model ships, antiques, paintings, and other nautical items. With both commercial and military artifacts, the collection gives visitors a sense of Savannah’s role as a port city in the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the items is a model of the Steamship Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
The museum’s gardens are free and open to the public. Stroll through groves of citrus and maple groves and manicured lawns to a belvedere offering views of the city.
11. University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium
Georgia’s first saltwater aquarium, the University of Georgia’s Marine Education Center and Aquarium, is about 20 minutes from downtown on Skidaway Island. The exhibits range from an interactive public touch tank stocked with whelks and crabs to freshwater tanks with two American alligators. Other aquatic creatures housed here include seahorses, horseshoe crabs, and stingrays.
The aquarium also features prehistoric animal fossils of whales, wooly mammoths, and sharks found in the adjacent Skidaway River. Stroll the ADA-accessible boardwalk overlooking the river.
Visiting the 11 best museums in Savannah offers an enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression.
