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Embark on a Pirate Voyage in Savannah

It’s time to make port in a world of gritty tales, hidden riches, and history full of adventure. The Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum is a must-visit for fans of the high seas who love adventure and hidden treasures. Explore authentic pirate lore that goes beyond the myths and movies. Adventure awaits!

 

Set sail on a self-guided journey through the real world of pirates. Discover authentic artifacts, captivating stories, and the hidden history of a Golden Era of maritime past. Our museum is designed for explorers of all ages, allowing you to delve into the legends and treasures at your own pace.

Interactive Exhibits
Interactive Exhibits
Engage with hands-on displays that bring history to life.
Authentic Artifacts
Authentic Artifacts
Examine genuine maritime relics and treasures.
State-of-the-Art Museum Features
State-of-the-Art Museum Features
Let high-tech, immersive video elements transport you to the Golden Age of Piracy.
Flexible Exploration
Flexible Exploration
Navigate the museum freely, following your curiosity.

Where History Meets the High Seas

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Plan Your Visit

Open Every Day:

10 am to 6 pm (final entry: 5:15 pm)

Location and Directions:

209 W. St. Julian St., Lower, Savannah, GA 31401

Best Places To Park:

Parking can be difficult around City Market. There are metered spaces available in the City Market area and on Broughton Street. There are two large parking garages nearby:

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Pirates in Media

Pirates have always captivated audiences with tales of freedom and adventure. Discover how 17th- and 18th-century literature and plays shaped the image of pirates, buccaneers, and privateers. Explore the stories that turned seafaring rogues into legends and why these tales resonated with a society that was fascinated with themes of escape and daring.

exhibit: pirates in media at the savannah museum
Warfare at Sea

Forget the cannons and smoke of Hollywood and theme parks. Pirate battles were brutal, fast and required incredible skill. Learn about the real weapons of the sea and boarding tactics. This exhibit invites guests to delve into the dangerous side of a pirate’s life, from brutal combat to the harsh realities of shipboard existence.

Pieces of Eight

The “piece of eight” wasn’t just a coin; it was the world’s first global currency. A piece of eight was a crude silver coin and the most common plunder on the Spanish Main. This exhibit allows guests to learn how pieces of eight made their way from Spanish Main plunder to pirate pockets. Discover the real value of doubloons and the economic power that fueled the Golden Age of Piracy.

pieces of eight exhibit at the savannah pirate museum
The Salvage Camp Raid of 1715

In the year 1715, a calamitous hurricane struck the Florida coast, sending a fleet of Spanish treasure ships to a watery grave. Following the initial rescue efforts, the Spanish Crown established salvage camps to recover the precious gold and silver. However, these camps became a target of opportunity for pirates, most notably Henry Jennings. This exhibit explores the dramatic events that unfolded as Jennings and his crew seized vast quantities of treasure.

salvage camp raid of 1715 exhibit
Women in Piracy

Go behind the disguises to meet the women who defied convention and braved the high seas. Discover the stories of Anne Bonny and Mary Read, and the challenges they faced. Explore the reasons why these women concealed their gender, joined up with pirates and made names for themselves among the famous pirates of their time. 

woman pirates
Music Aboard Ships

The sounds of pirate life were more than just cannons firing and swords clashing. Banjos, drums, trumpets, and hurdy-gurdies filled 17th- and 18th-century ships, boosting morale and syncing labor. Musicians, often captured and held against their will, toiled daily to entertain crews. In this exhibit, guests will discover the role music played in pirate history.

musical instruments on a pirate ship
Dancing the Tyburn Jig

The Golden Age of Piracy didn’t fade gently like a maritime sunset; it was crushed. Witness the shift from pardons to public hangings in London, through the East Coast of the United States and across the Caribbean. The punishments came on so swiftly that the phrase “Dancing the Tyburn jig” was coined, referring to the hangings that were all too common in Tyburn in London. Explore the chilling fate of infamous pirates like Calico Jack, Captain Kidd and more.

the tyburn jig in the age of piracy

The Pirates' Tavern: A Unique Experience

After your voyage through history, drop anchor at our immersive Pirates’ Tavern.  Here, the adventure continues with pirate CASTmembers serving up pre-made cocktails, wine, and beer for thirsty buccaneers. Plunge headfirst into the authentic atmosphere and enjoy a taste of pirate life.

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drink at the bar in the pirates tavern in savannah

FAQs

Have Questions? Here Be the Answers, Matey!

Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum offers interactive exhibits and displays that are engaging for visitors of all ages.

There is only one exhibit not suitable for children that covers medicinal practices and punishment on the high seas. There is a convenient bypass to ensure only those who wish to experience this exhibit enter into the gallery

Guests should set aside at least an hour to experience the Museum. Tour lengths may vary based on interest level and whether you order a drink in the Tavern.

Yes, the museum has a gift shop where visitors can purchase themed merchandise, souvenirs, and educational materials related to pirates and maritime history.

Yes. Private events and parties are available. Learn more about our private party and group events here.

The museum is located at 209 W. St. Julian Street, Savannah, GA, below the American Prohibition Museum®.

 For museum hours, click here.

Metered street parking is usually available, and there are parking garages nearby, such as the Whitaker Street Parking Garage and the Robinson Parking Garage. Old Town Trolley Tours® also has a convenient stop nearby.

Yes. The museum is open 362 days of the year, every day except St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum may feature legendary figures from the Golden Age of Piracy and beyond, such as:

  • Blackbeard (1716-1718): The infamous pirate of the Carolinas
  • Sam Bellamy (1716-1717): Known as “Black Sam,” famous for his wealth
  • Benjamin Hornigold (1713-1718): A mentor to Blackbeard
  • Calico Jack (1718-1720): Known for his flamboyant style and female crew
  • Anne Bonny (1718-1720): A notorious female pirate
  • Mary Read (1718-1720): Another legendary woman pirate
  • Grace O’Malley (c. 1550-1603): A formidable Irish sea captain 
  • Zheng Yi Sao (1801-1810): A powerful Chinese pirate leader 
  • And many more!

The Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum features an extraordinary collection of authentic historical items and high-quality replica artifacts that bring the Golden Age of Piracy to life, an especially rare experience, as authenticated pirate artifacts are extremely uncommon and often difficult to verify.

Visitors can explore exhibits on legendary pirates such as Blackbeard, Sam Bellamy, Benjamin Hornigold, Calico Jack, Anne Bonny, Mary Read, and more. They can see what their weaponry, navigational tools, treasure chests, and personal effects might have looked like and how they tell the stories of high-seas adventure and rebellion.

Highlights include:

  • A replica of Blackbeard’s fearsome weaponry
  • A replica of Calico Jack’s notorious Jolly Roger flag
  • Items representing the daring exploits of Anne Bonny and Mary Read
  • Replica artifacts that Grace O’Malley, the Pirate Queen of Ireland, and Zheng Yi Sao, the most powerful female pirate in history, would have used in their daily lives

Our exhibits feature authentic artifacts and treasures from the pirate era, offering a close look at the riches of the time. While direct touching may be limited to preserve these historical items, you’ll have incredible opportunities to see Pirate Era treasure up close.  

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