The Best Museums in Savannah

The Savannah History Museum is housed inside the historic Central of Georgia Railway Train Shed, a landmark building from the 1860s located in Tricentennial Park. The museum tells the story of Savannah’s beginnings in 1733 and highlights its important roles during the American Revolution and Civil War. Visitors can explore a variety of artifacts that showcase Savannah’s military past, cultural growth, and artistic achievements over the years. Just across the street, Battlefield Memorial Park honors about 8,000 soldiers who fought in the Siege of Savannah on October 9, 1779, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution.

Since opening in 1984, the museum has been managed by the Coastal Heritage Society, welcoming both locals and visitors who want to connect with Savannah’s history. The museum also offers special events and educational programs throughout the year, making it an active place to learn and explore. Nearby, the Georgia State Railroad Museum gives insight into Savannah’s rail history, creating a great opportunity to visit two museums in one day.

Things To Do:

• See Forrest Gump’s iconic bench, along with over 10,000 historical artifacts.
• Explore detailed exhibits about the Revolutionary War and Civil War.
• Visit the nearby Georgia State Railroad Museum to learn about Savannah’s railways.
• Attend special events and seasonal exhibits that bring the city’s history to life.

The SCAD Museum of Art opened in 2002 as part of the Savannah College of Art and Design, aiming to support the university’s creative and academic mission. It features a wide range of exhibitions, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, prints, and even high-fashion pieces. With more than 4,500 works from artists like Salvador Dalí, Annie Leibovitz, Andy Warhol, and Picasso, the museum offers something inspiring for every art lover. It stands out among museums in Savannah, GA, for its diverse and dynamic collections.

At the center of the museum is the Walter and Linda Evans Center for African American Studies. This space holds one of the largest collections of African American art in the country. You’ll find powerful works by artists like Romare Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, and Elizabeth Catlett. The center helps visitors gain a better understanding of African American culture and history through art, making it an important stop among Savannah museums.

The museum regularly hosts live performances, artist talks, and master classes throughout the year. These events give visitors a chance to connect with Savannah’s creative community and dive deeper into the art world.

Things To Do:

• Explore exhibits featuring paintings, photography, fashion, and sculpture.
• Visit the Walter and Linda Evans Center to learn about African American art and culture.
• Attend live performances, artist talks, and master classes.

The Telfair Museum of Art stands as one of the most important museums in Savannah, GA, located right in the heart of the historic district. Established in 1886, the Telfair Academy is the oldest public art museum in the southern United States.

The Telfair Academy is a grand neoclassical mansion featuring period rooms that offer a window into life during the 19th century. The modern Jepson Center hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, bringing fresh energy to the city’s cultural scene. The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters share a more difficult but essential story, thoughtfully presenting the lives of enslaved people who lived and worked there. This helps visitors understand an important part of Savannah’s history with care and respect.

Together, these sites provide a well-rounded experience, inviting visitors to explore art, architecture, and history in meaningful ways. 

Things To Do

• See the famous Bird Girl sculpture, a highlight for many who visit Savannah museums.
• Walk through the carefully restored rooms of the Telfair Academy and imagine life in the 1800s.
• Explore the Jepson Center’s contemporary art exhibitions and special shows.
• Visit the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters to learn about early 19th-century life and the experiences of those who were enslaved, presented with sensitivity and depth.
• Take a guided tour or explore on your own with self-guided materials.
• Appreciate the architecture and how each building tells a different part of Savannah’s story.

The Savannah African Art Museum showcases a rich and varied collection of over 1,000 objects from West and Central Africa. These pieces focus on spiritual, ceremonial, and everyday life, offering a deep look into the cultures and traditions of the continent. Established in 2017 from the private collection of Don Kole, the museum’s mission is to promote understanding and respect for African heritage. Visitors can admire intricately carved masks, statues, textiles, and ritual objects that tell stories passed down through generations. Guided tours provide thoughtful insights into tribal roles, symbolism, and ancestral connections, making the history accessible and engaging. This museum is an important part of the museums in the Savannah, GA, scene, inviting visitors to explore cultural diversity and perspectives beyond the usual Western viewpoint.

Things To Do

• Take in the variety of masks, tools, and ceremonial artifacts that reflect centuries of craftsmanship and tradition.
• Participate in guided tours that explain the history, meaning, and cultural significance of each exhibit.
• Learn about family structures, social rituals, and symbolism that have shaped different African communities.
• Understand the spiritual roles many objects played in daily and ceremonial life, connecting visitors to a living heritage.

The Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum® invites visitors into the exciting world of 17th- and 18th-century piracy. Pirates have always captured imaginations with their tales of freedom, rebellion, and adventure on the high seas. This museum explores how stories from literature and theater shaped the image of pirates, turning feared outlaws into legendary figures. These themes of danger and daring freedom struck a chord with many.

Located in the middle of City Market, the museum offers a hands-on experience through real stories, immersive exhibits, and displays. Life-size wax figures of famous pirates like Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Grace O’Malley bring history to life. The exhibits carefully separate fact from fiction, showing how piracy truly played out across different times and regions.

Visitors can also explore first-person diary entries from Savannah’s Captain Caleb Davis, providing a rare local insight into the pirate’s life. High-tech displays and thoughtful storytelling keep the experience fresh and authentic, avoiding the usual pirate clichés often seen elsewhere. This makes the Savannah Pirates and Treasure Museum® one of the standout museums in Savannah, GA, and a must-visit among Savannah museums.

Things To Do

• Explore genuine period-accurate pirate artifacts and learn their stories.
• Discover hidden riches and legends from pirate lore.
• Engage in treasure-hunting activities for all ages.
• Participate in hands-on activities designed especially for kids.
• Enjoy a premade cocktail or mocktail at the Pirates Tavern.

The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is located inside the historic William Scarbrough House, a beautiful Greek Revival mansion built back in 1819. Designed by British architect William Jay, the house itself has a fascinating history. It served as a public school from the late 1800s until the 1960s before being carefully restored by the Historic Savannah Foundation. Today, it welcomes visitors to explore Savannah’s rich maritime past.

Inside, you’ll find nine galleries filled with detailed ship models, nautical paintings, and artifacts that tell the story of Savannah’s connection to the sea. Many models were specially created to highlight key moments, including the SS Savannah, famous as the first steamship to cross the Atlantic Ocean. The museum also shares Savannah’s naval history during the Civil War, offering a glimpse into the city’s strategic importance.

Outside, the museum’s gardens provide a peaceful spot to relax while taking in the beautiful surroundings and reflecting on the city’s seafaring legacy. For those curious about museums in Savannah, GA, this spot combines history, art, and architecture to share the city’s maritime story in an engaging way.

Things To Do

• Explore nine galleries filled with impressive ship models and maritime artifacts.
• Take in the stunning Greek Revival design of the William Scarbrough House.
• Discover Savannah’s role in Civil War naval history through engaging exhibits.
• Wander the peaceful, well-maintained gardens and enjoy the tranquil setting.

The Davenport House Museum takes you back to the 1820s, showing what life was like for a family in Savannah’s busy port city. Built by skilled carpenter Isaiah Davenport, the house reflects the Federal style popular at the time. In 1955, the home faced demolition, but a group of seven local women stepped up to save it. Their efforts led to the creation of the Historic Savannah Foundation, sparking Savannah’s historic preservation movement. This museum played a big role in protecting many landmarks in Savannah and preserving the city’s unique charm.

Things To Do

• Admire the famous Floating Staircase, a standout piece of craftsmanship.
• Walk through rooms decorated with authentic period furniture.
• Explore historic art and decorative objects that tell stories of the past.
• Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the beautifully kept rear garden.

Step into the Roaring Twenties at the American Prohibition Museum®, the only museum in the United States dedicated to this wild and fascinating time. Located right in Savannah’s historic district, the museum takes you through the years 1920 to 1933, when alcohol was illegal across the country.

You’ll learn about the social and political movements that led to Prohibition and how it changed everyday life. The rise of secret speakeasies, jazz music, and notorious figures like Al Capone all come to life through recreated scenes. Walk through a moonshine still, a temperance movement hall, and even a street raid to get a real feel for the era. Authentic artifacts such as flapper dresses, stills, and police gear add to the experience, connecting you to this unforgettable chapter in history.

The museum also tells stories about key players like Eliot Ness and Carrie Nation who influenced this period. Don’t miss the Congress Street Up speakeasy, where you can soak in the atmosphere of a hidden 1920s bar. Interactive displays invite visitors to dive deeper and engage with the history firsthand.

As one of the top museums in Savannah, GA, the American Prohibition Museum® offers a memorable and hands-on look at the cultural shifts that shaped America during Prohibition.

Things To Do:

• Explore the secretive vibe of the Congress Street Up speakeasy.
• Experience immersive exhibits that recreate Prohibition scenes.
• See genuine artifacts from the 1920s, including dresses and law enforcement tools.
• Learn about famous figures like Al Capone, Eliot Ness, and Carrie Nation.
• Use interactive displays to bring history to life.

There’s an incredible mix of museums in Savannah, GA, that brings the city’s history, art, and culture to life. These places showcase the city’s unique stories, from its colonial past to modern creative expressions. Visiting museums in Savannah, GA, adds depth and meaning to your trip and gives a fresh perspective on what makes this city special.