Top Art Museums in Savannah You Should Visit

Source: Bubba73, Telfair Museums, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Savannah,_GA_USA_Telfair_Academy.JPG

Savannah, Georgia, known for its cobblestone streets and antebellum charm, is also a flourishing destination for lovers of visual arts. With its deeply rooted artistic heritage and thriving creative community, the city boasts a collection of distinguished museums that cater to every artistic taste. From classical European works to cutting-edge contemporary installations, each art museum in Savannah offers a unique perspective that reflects the city’s rich cultural layers.

Art spaces across Savannah are not only repositories of paintings and sculptures—they are vibrant institutions where history, imagination, and local identity intersect. These museums serve as vital platforms for both regional and international artists, making Savannah a meaningful stop on any art lover’s journey through the American South. Whether you're intrigued by African American narratives, fascinated by 20th-century American painting, or eager to see what Savannah’s emerging artists are producing, there’s a museum ready to impress.

In this guide, we highlight the top art museums in Savannah you should visit. Each one offers something special—be it architecture, collections, or community engagement—that makes it a cultural cornerstone of the city. Prepare to be inspired as you explore the creative heart of Savannah.

Telfair Museums (Jepson Center)

The Jepson Center, part of the esteemed Telfair Museums trio, stands as a beacon of modern creativity within the historic city of Savannah. Located on Telfair Square, this sleek and contemporary building immediately captures attention with its bold architecture—a dramatic contrast to the surrounding 19th-century charm. Designed by renowned architect Moshe Safdie and opened in 2006, the Jepson Center reflects the city’s dynamic evolution and its growing role in the national arts conversation.

As a leading art museum in Savannah, the Jepson Center is dedicated to showcasing contemporary art and innovative exhibitions. Its wide-ranging collection features over 7,000 works, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and new media installations. Visitors can explore everything from regional emerging artists to internationally recognized creators. A strong focus is placed on art from the 20th and 21st centuries, making it a hub for those interested in current creative movements.

The Jepson Center also houses the Kirk Varnedoe Collection, named after the influential Savannah-born art historian and former chief curator of painting and sculpture at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. This collection includes a compelling selection of works from artists like Jasper Johns, Chuck Close, and Roy Lichtenstein—highlighting Savannah’s connection to broader artistic dialogues.

Beyond its permanent displays, the Jepson Center is known for hosting engaging temporary exhibitions that bring fresh perspectives to the local art scene. From interactive digital installations to traveling shows by globally celebrated artists, the museum continuously refreshes its offerings to reflect new trends and voices. This dynamic approach keeps the institution lively and forward-thinking.

The Jepson Center also excels in community engagement and education. It offers a variety of programs designed for all ages, including family days, workshops, lectures, and youth art classes. The interactive children’s gallery, called ArtZeum, encourages younger visitors to explore the world of art through hands-on learning and creative play. This makes the Jepson Center not only a destination for serious art enthusiasts but also a welcoming space for families and educators.

Architecturally, the museum itself is part of the experience. The building features sweeping glass walls, light-filled galleries, and an open design that encourages exploration. The atrium, with its dramatic staircase and natural lighting, is often used for special events and public gatherings, further embedding the museum into the fabric of Savannah’s cultural life.

The Jepson Center, while one-third of the larger Telfair Museums organization—which includes the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters—holds its own as a landmark of modern expression. It offers a compelling contrast to its more classical counterparts, emphasizing the city's layered and evolving artistic identity. For anyone seeking an art museum in Savannah that bridges history with innovation, the Jepson Center delivers a powerful and enriching experience.

SCAD Museum Of Art

The SCAD Museum of Art is one of Savannah’s most innovative cultural destinations, bringing contemporary art, design, and education together under one historic yet forward-thinking roof. Operated by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), this museum offers a distinctive blend of cutting-edge exhibitions and academic purpose, making it a standout among any art museum in Savannah. It’s where world-class creativity meets student-driven innovation.

Housed in a strikingly restored 1856 antebellum railroad depot—the oldest surviving one of its kind in the U.S.—the museum itself is a work of art. Its preservation honors Savannah’s architectural heritage, while modern additions of glass and steel create an inspiring fusion of past and present. The museum’s design has earned multiple awards for its architectural excellence and environmental sustainability.

Inside, the SCAD Museum of Art features rotating exhibitions that spotlight established international artists, emerging voices, and SCAD’s own faculty and alumni. The museum’s curatorial vision is broad, covering painting, photography, sculpture, film, fashion, and digital media. Major solo exhibitions have featured works by Kehinde Wiley, Chiharu Shiota, Hank Willis Thomas, and Carrie Mae Weems—names that reflect the global scope and high caliber of artists the museum attracts.

In addition to its permanent and temporary exhibitions, the SCAD Museum is known for its site-specific installations. These commissioned works take advantage of the building’s unique spaces—brick archways, high ceilings, and natural light—allowing artists to respond directly to the architecture and Savannah’s cultural context. The museum is a living laboratory where experimentation is encouraged and artistic boundaries are pushed.

Education is central to the museum’s mission. As part of SCAD, the museum offers valuable learning experiences for students, who gain hands-on exposure to professional museum practices, curation, and art handling. The museum also serves as a public resource through lectures, film screenings, panel discussions, and guided tours, welcoming both local audiences and international visitors.

One of the museum’s standout features is its Walter O. Evans Center for African American Studies. This important component highlights the achievements and narratives of African American artists, with a strong collection featuring works by Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, and Elizabeth Catlett. This center helps foster dialogue around history, identity, and representation within the larger art world.

Visitors to the SCAD Museum of Art are also treated to thoughtfully designed gallery spaces, an inviting lobby, and a museum shop that offers art books, prints, and SCAD merchandise. The museum’s location near Savannah’s historic downtown district makes it easily accessible for those exploring the city’s artistic landscape.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, a design lover, or a curious traveler, the SCAD Museum of Art offers an experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is visually compelling. It is more than just an art museum in Savannah—it is a vibrant creative hub that reflects the city’s deep ties to education, innovation, and global artistic exchange.

Telfair Academy

Telfair Academy holds a special place in the cultural landscape of Savannah. As the oldest public art museum in the South, it has been a cornerstone of the city’s artistic identity since opening its doors to the public in 1886. Located in a stately neoclassical mansion on Telfair Square, the museum is part of the broader Telfair Museums complex, which also includes the Jepson Center and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. This elegant and historic structure offers a refined and immersive experience for anyone seeking an art museum in Savannah with a classical focus.

Originally designed by British architect William Jay in 1819, the Telfair Academy is itself a masterpiece of design. Its graceful columns, symmetrical layout, and period interiors make it one of the finest examples of early 19th-century architecture in the region. The building was bequeathed to the Georgia Historical Society by Mary Telfair, a prominent Savannah philanthropist and art patron, with the vision of creating a public art museum for the city.

Inside, the Telfair Academy showcases a diverse collection that includes 19th- and 20th-century American and European paintings, decorative arts, and sculptures. Its galleries are filled with richly framed portraits, romantic landscapes, and finely crafted neoclassical sculptures, offering a window into the artistic traditions that shaped Western art. Featured artists include George Bellows, Gari Melchers, and Childe Hassam, whose works exemplify American Impressionism and realism.

One of the museum’s most celebrated pieces is the “Bird Girl” statue by Sylvia Shaw Judson, which became famous after being featured on the cover of the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. While the statue was later moved to the Jepson Center for preservation, its origin at the Telfair Academy continues to draw visitors who associate the museum with this iconic image.

The Academy also includes period rooms that have been restored to reflect the elegance of early Savannah life. These rooms offer more than a decorative glimpse—they provide insight into the city’s cultural and social history during the 1800s. The blend of fine art and historical ambiance makes the Telfair Academy unique among art institutions.

Educational programming is an important aspect of the museum’s mission. Guided tours, lectures, and special events are regularly offered, attracting scholars, students, and art lovers of all ages. The museum’s tranquil setting and focus on classic art traditions make it a favored destination for those who appreciate historical context alongside aesthetic beauty.

A visit to the Telfair Academy is more than just a viewing of art—it’s a journey into the artistic and cultural foundations of Savannah. With its architectural grandeur, distinguished collection, and historical significance, the museum continues to uphold the legacy of art appreciation in the city. For visitors searching for an art museum in Savannah that blends heritage with artistry, the Telfair Academy offers an enriching and memorable experience.

Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters stands as one of Savannah’s most significant landmarks, offering a complex and deeply engaging exploration of Southern history, architecture, and social dynamics. Operated as part of the Telfair Museums, this site is not only an architectural treasure but also a vital interpretive space that gives voice to both privilege and oppression. For visitors seeking a thought-provoking and historically rich art museum in Savannah, the Owens-Thomas House provides a powerful experience.

Constructed in 1819 and designed by British architect William Jay, the house is a quintessential example of English Regency architecture in the American South. Its symmetrical design, elegant plasterwork, and intricate ironwork reflect the affluence of Savannah’s upper class during the 19th century. The mansion was originally home to George Welshman Owens, a wealthy lawyer, planter, and politician. Through careful preservation, the interiors still showcase the grandeur of antebellum life, including period furnishings, artwork, and decorative arts that reflect the taste and social standing of its former inhabitants.

What truly sets the Owens-Thomas House apart, however, is its commitment to telling the full story of those who lived and labored on the property. The museum features one of the earliest intact urban slave quarters in the American South, a space that has been thoughtfully interpreted to convey the daily realities of the enslaved individuals who worked in the household. From preserved sleeping quarters to interactive exhibits, this portion of the site offers an unflinching look at the lives of the people whose forced labor supported the lifestyle of the home’s elite residents.

The narrative at the Owens-Thomas House is guided by extensive archival research and archaeological discoveries. Visitors are encouraged to consider the intersections of race, class, gender, and power in early 19th-century Savannah. Interpretive tours delve into these layered histories, balancing architectural appreciation with a deeper understanding of the individuals—both free and enslaved—who shaped the home’s legacy.

Art is present in many forms throughout the house, from neoclassical paintings and fine silverware to period-specific textiles and wallpapers. These pieces not only embellish the rooms but also serve as historical artifacts that illustrate the aesthetics and economic reach of the home’s original occupants. This integration of material culture into the storytelling makes the museum a unique blend of art and history.

The house’s garden and carriage house add further dimensions to the visit. The lush garden, historically accurate to its 19th-century design, provides a serene contrast to the emotional weight of the slave quarters. Meanwhile, the carriage house contains additional exhibits that contextualize the operations of an urban household during the era.

As part of the broader Telfair Museums network, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters contributes significantly to the cultural education of Savannah’s residents and visitors alike. It challenges viewers to engage with art, architecture, and history in a space where beauty and brutality coexisted. For those interested in a deeply reflective and informative art museum in Savannah, this site offers a rare and essential perspective.

Savannah African Art Museum

The Savannah African Art Museum stands as a vital cultural institution that highlights the richness and diversity of African artistic traditions. Located in Savannah’s historic district, this museum offers visitors an immersive journey into the ancestral and contemporary practices of more than 28 African nations. As a distinctive art museum in Savannah, it fills an important role in educating the public about Africa’s cultural legacy and its lasting global impact through the lens of visual art.

Opened in 2017, the museum is home to a collection of over 1,000 objects, with a primary focus on ceremonial and spiritual artifacts from West and Central Africa. These include masks, statues, textiles, tools, and ritual items—many of which were used in rites of passage, ancestral veneration, healing, and community governance. The pieces represent a wide variety of ethnic groups and cultural traditions, including Yoruba, Igbo, Baule, Dogon, and Bamileke, among others.

What sets the Savannah African Art Museum apart is its dedication to authenticity and scholarship. Each object in the collection is carefully researched and presented with detailed interpretive information that goes beyond aesthetics to explore the spiritual, functional, and symbolic meanings of the work. This approach allows visitors to appreciate African art not only as beautiful objects but also as embodiments of living traditions and societal values.

The museum’s layout encourages visitors to move through galleries arranged by region or cultural theme, creating a narrative that is both accessible and deeply informative. Many displays emphasize the importance of ritual, identity, and community within African societies. The use of multimedia tools, including video and audio presentations, enhances the educational experience and brings these cultural practices to life.

In addition to its permanent collection, the Savannah African Art Museum offers rotating exhibitions and special programs that foster dialogue and cultural exchange. Collaborations with local schools, universities, and cultural organizations have made the museum a hub for learning and engagement. Regularly scheduled events include artist talks, workshops, and cultural festivals that explore African dance, music, storytelling, and craft.

The museum also places a strong emphasis on youth education. Through its outreach programs and on-site activities, it inspires younger generations to explore African heritage and the broader world of global art. Its commitment to inclusion and representation ensures that diverse voices and histories are part of the artistic conversation in Savannah.

Housed in an elegant 19th-century carriage house, the building itself reflects the city’s architectural heritage while serving as a vibrant space for contemporary interpretation. The juxtaposition of historic Savannah architecture with traditional African artifacts creates a compelling dialogue between cultures and eras.

The Savannah African Art Museum is more than a repository of objects—it is a center of cultural preservation and cross-cultural appreciation. For anyone seeking an art museum in Savannah that offers depth, education, and global perspective, this museum delivers an experience that is as meaningful as it is visually captivating.

Conclusion

Savannah’s art museums offer a rich blend of historical depth, cultural diversity, and contemporary innovation. From the classical elegance of the Telfair Academy to the global narratives at the Savannah African Art Museum, each institution brings a unique perspective to the city’s creative landscape. Whether you’re drawn to cutting-edge exhibitions, historic architecture, or cultural storytelling, there’s an art museum in Savannah that will leave a lasting impression. These museums not only preserve the past but also inspire future generations through education and artistic engagement. A visit to Savannah isn’t complete without exploring the vibrant visual culture found in its museums.

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