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What Are The Best Museums In Savannah? Know The Ones You Need To Visit In 2027
BY Ankita Mar 22, 2024
Savannah, Georgia, is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, a nature enthusiast, or a foodie, you will find plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy in this charming Southern destination. But if you are looking for a unique way to experience Savannah, why not visit some of its amazing museums? Museums in Savannah are not just boring buildings filled with dusty artifacts. They are vibrant and interactive spaces that showcase the rich and diverse culture, history, and creativity of the city and its people. From colonial times to the present day, from fine art to folk art, from military history to maritime history, you will find museums in Savannah that cater to your interests and curiosity. Top Museums In Savannah That You Must Visit In 2027 In this article, I will introduce you to the 15 best museums in Savannah that you should not miss on your next trip. I am also going to give you some tips on planning your itinerary and making the most of your time in this beautiful city. 1. Savannah History Museum Do you want to learn about the history of Savannah from its founding in 1733 to the present day? The Savannah History Museum is the place to go. Located in the historic Central of Georgia Railway passenger station, the museum features exhibits that cover various aspects of Savannah's past. It has collectibles and exhibits showcasing the American Revolution, the Civil War, the cotton industry, the railroad, and the movie industry. You can also see artifacts and memorabilia from famous Savannahians, such as singer Johnny Mercer, writer Flannery O'Connor, and Girl Scouts founder Juliette Gordon Low. Do not forget to check out the bench from the movie Forrest Gump, which was filmed in Savannah. 2. Jepson Center for the Arts The Jepson Center for the Arts is a stunning modern building. It houses the contemporary art collection of the Telfair Museums, the oldest public art museum in the South. The Jepson Center showcases works by local, regional, national, and international artists, ranging from paintings and sculptures to photography and video. You can also enjoy rotating exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and educational programs at the center. If you have kids, they will love the ArtZeum, an interactive gallery that encourages creativity and exploration. 3. Savannah Museum of Art The Savannah Museum of Art is another branch of the Telfair Museums. It is located in the historic Telfair Academy, a former mansion built in 1819. The museum displays a collection of American and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by impressionists, realists, and abstract artists. You can also admire the elegant architecture and furnishings of the building. It was designed by William Jay, one of the first professionally trained architects in America. 4. Georgia State Railroad Museum If you are a fan of trains, you will love the Georgia State Railroad Museum, which is located in the former Central of Georgia Railway Savannah Shops and Terminal Facilities. The museum is a National Historic Landmark and features the largest collection of historic railroad structures in the country. You can see and climb aboard various locomotives, cars, and rolling stock, some of which date back to the 1850s. You can also take a guided tour of the site, watch demonstrations of steam and diesel engines, and even ride a train on a short loop track. 5. Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is dedicated to the maritime history of Savannah and the Atlantic coast. The museum is housed in the William Scarbrough House. It is a neoclassical mansion built in 1819 for one of the principal owners of the Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The museum displays models, paintings, and artifacts of various ships, from sailing vessels to steamships, that played a role in Savannah's trade, commerce, and defense. You can also enjoy the beautiful garden behind the house, which features native plants and fountains. 6. Pin Point Heritage Museum The Pin Point Heritage Museum is a hidden gem that celebrates the history and culture of the Gullah/Geechee people. They are descendants of enslaved Africans who settled along the coastal regions of Georgia and South Carolina. The museum is located in the former A.S. Varn & Son Oyster and Crab Factory, which was the main employer of the Pin Point community for over 60 years. The museum tells the story of the people, the place, and the industry that shaped their lives through exhibits, oral histories, and demonstrations. You can also sample some of the delicious seafood that the community is known for. 7. SCAD Museum of Art The SCAD Museum of Art is a contemporary art museum that showcases the work of students, faculty, and alumni of the Savannah College of Art and Design. It also exhibits works of renowned artists from around the world. The museum is located in a former railroad depot that was renovated and expanded with a striking glass facade. The museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions of various media, such as painting, sculpture, photography, fashion, and film. You can also attend lectures, screenings, and performances at the museum. 8. Savannah Children's Museum The Savannah Children's Museum is a fun and educational place for kids of all ages. The museum is located in the old Central of Georgia Railway Carpentry Shop, which was transformed into an outdoor playground with over a dozen exhibits and activities. Kids can explore, create, and learn through interactive stations. These interactive stations include the sensory garden, the maze, the climbing wall, the water pump, and the giant Lego blocks. The museum also offers programs and events for families, such as storytime, crafts, and festivals. 9. Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum The Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum is a museum that honors the legacy of the civil rights movement in Savannah and beyond. The museum is named after Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert. He was the leader of the NAACP in Savannah and a key figure in the desegregation of the city. The museum features exhibits that chronicle the history of the struggle for racial equality and social justice, from slavery to the present day. You can see photographs, documents, artifacts, and videos that depict the events and people that shaped the movement. You can learn about the sit-ins, the marches, the boycotts, and the leaders. 10. Webb Military Museum This museum displays a private collection of military memorabilia from the American Civil War to the present day. It is owned and operated by Gary Webb, a retired military officer and avid collector. The museum features uniforms, medals, weapons, flags, helmets, and other items that belonged to soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines from various wars and conflicts. You can also see personal stories and letters from the men and women who served their country. 11. American Prohibition Museum The American Prohibition Museum is a museum that takes you back to the era of the 18th Amendment. The amendment banned the production, sale, and consumption of alcohol in the United States from 1920 to 1933. The museum features interactive exhibits, wax figures, and artifacts that tell the story of Prohibition. You will learn here about the temperance movement and the speakeasies, from the bootleggers to the gangsters, from the flappers to the lawmen! You can also visit the speakeasy bar, where you can enjoy a drink and listen to live music. 12. Savannah African Art Museum The Savannah African Art Museum is a museum that showcases a collection of over 1,000 pieces of African art. These pieces represent 22 countries and over 130 cultures. The museum is located in a former Catholic convent and school, which was renovated and decorated with African motifs. The museum displays sculptures, masks, textiles, jewelry, and other objects that reflect the diversity and beauty of African art and culture. You can also learn about the history, meaning, and symbolism of each piece from the knowledgeable docents. 13. Massie Heritage Center The Massie Heritage Center is a museum and educational center that preserves and interprets the history and architecture of Savannah. The center is located in the former Massie School, which was built in 1856 and is the oldest public-school building in Georgia. The center features exhibits and programs highlighting Savannah's heritage, such as the colonial era, the Victorian era, the civil rights era, and the urban renewal era. You can also see models and maps of the city, as well as a restored classroom from the 19th century. 14. Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum The Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum is a museum that honors the men and women of the Eighth Air Force. It was one of the largest and most powerful air forces in history. The museum is located near the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, where the Eighth Air Force was activated in 1942. The museum features exhibits, artifacts, and aircraft that tell the story of the brave and heroic missions of the Eighth Air Force during World War II, the Cold War, and beyond. You can also see the B-17 Flying Fortress, the B-24 Liberator, the P-51 Mustang, and other planes that flew in the skies of Europe and Asia. 15. Wormsloe Historic Site The Wormsloe Historic Site is a museum and park that preserves the estate of Noble Jones. Noble Jones was one of the original settlers of Georgia and a close associate of James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah. The site features the ruins of Jones' tabby house. It is the oldest standing structure in Savannah, a colonial-era site, a museum, and a nature trail. You can also see the iconic avenue of live oaks, one of the city's most photographed scenes. How To Plan Your Itinerary For The Museums In Savannah? Here are some tips on how to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in this beautiful city: Day 1 Start with the Savannah History Museum, which will give you an overview of the city's past and present. From there, you can walk to the nearby Georgia State Railroad Museum, the Savannah Children's Museum, and the SCAD Museum of Art, which are all located in the same complex. Next, head to the Telfair Museums, which consist of the Jepson Center for the Arts and the Savannah Museum of Art. You can also visit the Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters. This is another branch of the Telfair Museums and a historic landmark that showcases the life of the wealthy and the enslaved in the 19th century. After that, you can explore the historic district of Savannah, which is full of charming squares, parks, monuments, and buildings. You can also hop on a trolley or a carriage tour. It will take you to some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in the city, such as the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Forsyth Park, the Mercer Williams House, and the Bonaventure Cemetery. Day 2 For the next day, you can venture outside the downtown area and visit museums on the outskirts of the city. These are: Wormsloe Historic Site Pin Point Heritage Museum Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum Webb Military Museum American Prohibition Museum. You can also take a short drive to the nearby Tybee Island, where you can enjoy the beach, the lighthouse, and the Fort Pulaski National Monument. Day 3 On the last day, you can visit the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum. It is near the airport and a must-see for aviation and military enthusiasts. You can also stop by the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum and the Savannah African Art Museum, both located in the historic district and worth visiting. Museum Tickets, Hours And Money-Saving Tips Before you map out your three days, it helps to know that not every museum on this list is bought separately. Hours vary enough between sites that it's worth checking before you show up. The Telfair Museums 3-In-1 Ticket The Jepson Center, Telfair Academy, and Owens-Thomas House and Slave Quarters are all run by Telfair Museums. So, they share a single admission ticket, priced at roughly $25 for adults, with up to four children admitted free per paying adult. Moreover, the ticket is valid for a full week. So, you do not have to squeeze all three sites into one day. You could pair the Jepson Center with your Day 1 walk and save the Owens-Thomas House for later. All three locations close on New Year's Day, MLK Day, March 17, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve and Day. So double-check the calendar if you're visiting around a holiday. Hours And Planning Your Visit Most of Savannah's smaller, independently run museums, including Pin Point Heritage, the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum, and the Webb Military Museum, keep shorter hours. Also, they remain typically closed on Sundays and Mondays. So, they fit best into the Day 2 loop outside downtown. Moreover, hours shift seasonally. It is worth confirming each stop's schedule the week of your trip rather than relying on what's posted online months in advance. Stretching Your Budget If you are not planning to see all three Telfair sites, buying individual tickets can work out cheaper than the combo pass. The standalone museums on this list, like Massie Heritage Center or the Georgia State Railroad Museum, charge $10–15 per adult. A practical approach. Buy the Telfair combo ticket only if the Jepson Center, Telfair Academy, and Owens-Thomas House are all on your list, and pay as you go for everything else. It is also worth grouping your visits by location rather than strictly by museum type. The Savannah History Museum, Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah Children's Museum, and SCAD Museum of Art are in downtown. So, a single well-timed morning can cover four stops without much backtracking. It will leave your ticket's full week of validity free for the sites further out. Why Should You Visit Savannah In 2027? Savannah is a city that is always worth visiting. In 2024, it celebrated its 300th anniversary, and in 2027, Journeys North America 2027 will make a return. It will take place from 7th to 10th March 2027. Also, it will bring luxury travel suppliers and global advisors together. Furthermore, the event calendar in Savannah will start even before that. It will host the Dining in the Dark event at the Savannah Convention Center on 28th January 2027. Then, there is the Irish Festival from 6th to 7th February. Also, the city will host a series of events and festivities throughout the year, such as parades, concerts, fireworks, exhibitions, and more. You can also expect to see some improved attractions and facilities. Some of them are the Savannah Riverwalk, the Savannah Arena, and the Savannah Convention Center. Read Also: Atlanta To Savannah: A Scenic Road Trip Adventure That You Can’t Miss! From Museums To Parks: The Top Attractions In St George Utah Explore The Top 15 Free Museums In DC! 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