Hello and welcome! If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to spend your time in Savannah, look no further than its numerous museums. With a rich history and diverse culture, Savannah is home to a variety of museums that offer fascinating insights into the city’s past and present. Whether you’re interested in art, civil rights, or maritime history, you’re sure to find a museum that suits your interests and engages your curiosity. Let’s dive in and explore the unique and captivating museums that Savannah has to offer!
Exploring Museums in Savannah
If you’re a history buff or an art lover, then visiting Savannah, Georgia’s museums should be on your bucket list. The museums in Savannah offer a unique peek into the city’s history and culture, making them must-visit destinations for tourists and locals alike. Here are three of the most prominent museums that you should not miss.
Savannah History Museum
The Savannah History Museum is an ideal destination for those who want to understand more about the city’s past and culture. The museum is housed in a restored railway station and showcases Savannah’s history from its founding to the present day. It has an extensive collection of artifacts, paintings, and photographs that help one explore the city’s history in great detail. Visitors can discover the city’s role in the American Revolution, the Civil War, and other major historical events. They can also experience the city’s vibrant culture through various interactive exhibits with elements such as music, cuisine, and literature.
One of the must-sees of the museum is the “Savannah, A Walk Through Time” exhibit, which features life-size dioramas and takes visitors through the city’s history over three centuries. The museum also presents guided tours that take visitors to some of the packed savannah streets’ most historic locations.
Telfair Museums
The Telfair Museums comprise three separate buildings: the Telfair Academy, the Jepson Center, and the Owens-Thomas House. The site offers a diverse collection of art, from 19th-century European paintings to contemporary art. The Telfair Academy is a perfect example of American Federal architecture, housing the Telfair’s American and European art collections, from the 18th to the 21st century. The Jepson Center for the Arts is a modern facility featuring contemporary art and digital media. It is a great place to experience the contemporary art scene of Savannah. The Owens-Thomas House, an outstanding expression of English Regency architecture, reflects the urban life of the early 19th century in Savannah.
The collection in Telfair Museums represents a broad range of artists, including Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Childe Hassam, Winslow Homer, and Mary Telfair, who bequeathed her collection to the museum in 1875. The museum also features exhibitions dedicated to various art styles and techniques, such as Impressionism and feminist art.
Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is the birthplace of the Girl Scouts’ founder, who established the organization in 1912. The museum presents a glimpse into the life of Low and the history of the organization. The museum’s impressive collection features many of Low’s personal belongings, including her wedding dress, photographs, and Girl Scout uniforms from different eras. Visitors can explore the first floor of the house, which contains memorabilia from Low’s childhood and her adult life, and also take guided tours of the upper floors to experience the life of a rich Savannah family at the turn of the 20th century.
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is one of the most popular museums in Savannah, attracting scouts, families, and people interested in the history of women’s empowerment. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Girl Scouts’ history and see how the organization has evolved over the years.
Exploring museums in Savannah can be a fascinating experience for everyone. Whether you are a history buff or an art lover, savannah’s museums have something to offer to all. From the city’s founding to the present day and from classical to contemporary art, museums in Savannah guarantee to satisfy any curiosity and quench the thirst for new knowledge.
The Art Scene in Savannah
When it comes to the arts, Savannah has a thriving community of artists and enthusiasts. From museums to non-profit organizations, the city is rich in venues showcasing some of the best of the local and international contemporary arts scene. Below are some of the notable museums and non-profits that offer great art experiences in the city.
Jepson Center for the Arts
The Jepson Center for the Arts, located at Telfair Museums, is a contemporary art venue that is popular among locals and tourists alike. The museum has a striking modern architecture that serves as a fitting backdrop to the art exhibitions. Rotating exhibitions and a permanent collection of artworks make up the museum’s offerings, which cover a wide range of artistic genres from contemporary to modern. The museum’s collection includes works by regional, national, and international artists like Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, and Chuck Close, among others. The museum also has a digital media center that offers multimedia immersive experiences.
SCAD Museum of Art
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Museum of Art is an essential part of the Savannah art scene. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century railway depot that features neoclassical architecture. It is an impressive space that serves as a platform for contemporary art, highlighting exhibitions from SCAD students, faculty, and alumni. The museum also hosts exhibits featuring works by internationally recognized contemporary artists like Takashi Murakami and Xu Bing. Walking into the SCAD Museum of Art is a feast for the eyes, with its well-lit spaces and well-curated exhibitions. The museum also has a museum shop that sells unique art objects created by students.
Art Rise Savannah
If you’re looking for a more grassroots approach to the art scene in Savannah, Art Rise Savannah is a non-profit organization that you should check out. The organization promotes the local art scene by hosting events like the First Friday Art March and the annual Art Parade. The First Friday Art March happens on the first Friday of every month, and it features art exhibitions, live music, and performances. The Art Parade, on the other hand, is an annual event that brings together the community in a colorful procession of costumes, music, and art. Art Rise Savannah offers an exciting way to experience the local art scene and tap into the creativity of the city.
The art scene in Savannah is incredibly dynamic and diverse. These museums and non-profit organizations give visitors a glimpse of the city’s creative pulse, where contemporary art and southern charm come together. No matter which museum or event you choose to visit, you’ll find that Savannah’s art scene is unique and genuinely inspiring.
Experience Savannah’s Maritime History
As a coastal city, Savannah has a rich history of maritime culture. From the arrival of the first settlers in the 1730s to the present day, the sea has played an integral role in shaping the city and its people. In this section, we will explore some of the museums that showcase Savannah’s maritime history.
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is located in the Scarborough House, a historic mansion built in 1819. The museum is dedicated to preserving and presenting Savannah’s maritime history through the display of ship models and maritime artifacts. The museum’s collection includes over fifty ship models, ranging from 18th-century sailing vessels to modern cargo ships. In addition to the ship models, the museum also has exhibits on the history of Savannah’s port, the role of ships in trade and commerce, and the lives of sailors at sea.
A highlight of the museum is the gardens, which are modeled after the 18th-century pleasure gardens of London. The gardens provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, and offer a glimpse into the lives of Savannah’s wealthy elite during the 19th century.
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the Eighth Air Force, which played a crucial role in World War II. The museum is located near the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, which was once the home of the Eighth Air Force.
The museum’s exhibits focus on the planes and people of the Eighth Air Force, including the B-17 Flying Fortress, which was the primary bomber used by the Eighth Air Force during the war. The museum also has exhibits on the role of women in the war effort, and the experiences of prisoners of war. Visitors can take a guided tour of the museum, which includes a visit to the restored B-17 Flying Fortress.
Coastal Heritage Society
The Coastal Heritage Society is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of transportation in Savannah. The society operates several museums, including the Savannah History Museum and the Savannah Children’s Museum.
The Savannah History Museum is located in the old Georgia Railroad Freight Depot, which was built in the 1850s. The museum’s exhibits focus on the history of Savannah, from its founding in the 1730s to the present day. The museum has exhibits on the city’s role in the Civil War, the history of the Port of Savannah, and the lives of Savannah’s residents during the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Savannah Children’s Museum is located in the old Central of Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop. The museum is designed for children and features exhibits on the history of transportation, including a miniature train ride and a handcar ride. Children can also explore a section of the city’s old streetcar system and learn about the history of the railway in Savannah.
In conclusion, Savannah has a rich and diverse history, and its museums are a great way to explore that history. Whether you are interested in maritime history, military history, or the history of transportation, Savannah has a museum that will interest you.