Morris Museum of Art | Augusta

The Morris Museum of Art, located in downtown Augusta, Georgia, is a distinguished cultural institution dedicated exclusively to the art and artists of the American South. Established in 1992, it holds the distinction of being the first museum in the United States to focus solely on Southern art, with a mission to preserve, exhibit, and interpret the rich and diverse visual culture of the South through its collections and educational programs.

Location and Setting

The museum is situated on the scenic Augusta Riverwalk, along the banks of the Savannah River, providing a beautiful and inspiring setting that complements its focus on Southern heritage. Its location within the Riverfront Center offers visitors easy access to downtown Augusta’s vibrant arts and cultural district.

Collections and Exhibitions

The Morris Museum of Art boasts a permanent collection of over 5,000 works, representing a wide array of artistic styles and historical periods, ranging from the late 18th century to contemporary times. The collection is thoughtfully curated to showcase the evolving artistic expressions that reflect the South’s complex history, culture, landscapes, and people.

Key thematic areas within the collection include:

Antebellum Portraiture: Featuring finely detailed portraits from the early 19th century, these works capture the social elites and cultural figures of the pre-Civil War South, offering insights into the era’s aesthetics and societal values.

Civil War Art: This section includes paintings and artifacts that depict the turbulent period of the Civil War, illustrating key battles, figures, and the impact of the conflict on Southern society.

Genre Painting: Depicting everyday life in the South, these works reveal the daily routines, customs, and social interactions of Southern people, often highlighting rural and domestic scenes.

Still Life and Landscape: Celebrating the natural beauty and agricultural bounty of the South, these works capture landscapes, flora, and domestic objects with detailed realism and vibrant color palettes.

Southern Impressionism: This segment explores how Southern artists embraced and adapted Impressionist techniques, depicting light, color, and atmosphere unique to the region.

Modernism and Contemporary Art: This collection highlights the region’s artistic evolution through the 20th and 21st centuries, including works by self-taught and formally trained artists that reflect modern themes and experimental styles.

Self-Taught Artists: Emphasizing the contributions of artists outside the academic mainstream, this category showcases unique, often folk-inspired artworks that enrich the museum’s diverse narrative.

The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that deepen and broaden understanding of Southern art. Recent and upcoming exhibitions have included:

"Capturing the Immediate: Impressionism in the South" – Featuring works by both well-known and previously overlooked impressionist painters working in the Southern states.

"Jonathan Green: The Aesthetics of Heritage" – Celebrating the vibrant, culturally rich art of Jonathan Green, highlighting Gullah heritage from the South Carolina Lowcountry.

"Georgia Watercolor Society 2025 National Exhibition" – Presenting leading contemporary watercolor artists from across America.

"The Opry, Summer 1946: Photographs by Ed Clark" – A photographic exhibition capturing moments before, during, and after a historic Grand Ole Opry performance.

Educational Programs and Community Engagement

The Morris Museum of Art actively promotes arts education and community involvement. It offers a wide array of programs designed to engage diverse audiences including families, students, artists, and scholars.

Artrageous Sundays: Family-oriented events featuring interactive art-making, storytelling, and live performances aimed at nurturing creativity and cultural appreciation in young visitors.

Lectures and Artist Talks: These programs provide opportunities to hear from artists, curators, and historians, offering deeper insights into the museum’s collections and exhibitions as well as broader themes in Southern art.

Workshops and Classes: Hands-on sessions for all ages focusing on various artistic techniques, mediums, and creative practices, encouraging artistic exploration and skill development.

Special Events: The museum hosts openings, film screenings, cultural celebrations, and other events that foster a vibrant arts community and provide unique cultural experiences.

The museum also serves as a valuable resource for academic research and collaborations, supporting the study of Southern art history and contemporary practices.

Facilities and Visitor Experience

The Morris Museum of Art is designed to offer a welcoming and accessible environment. The museum features well-lit galleries, climate-controlled exhibition spaces, and interpretive signage that enrich the visitor experience. Additional amenities include:

Visitor Information Desk: Staffed to assist guests with inquiries, guided tour information, and museum resources.

Museum Shop: Offering art books, prints, gifts, and souvenirs related to Southern art and culture.

Accessibility: The facility is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the museum comfortably.

Parking: Visitors benefit from free parking options nearby, including designated visitor spaces at the Augusta Riverfront Center, as well as municipal lots close to the museum.

Practical Information

Address: 1 10th Street, Augusta, GA 30901

Operating Hours:

Tuesday through Saturday: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sunday: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Closed on Mondays and major holidays

Admission Fees:

Adults: $5

Youth (ages 13–17): $3

Seniors (65+) and Students: $3

Children (12 and under): Free

Museum Members: Free

Free admission every Sunday

Significance

The Morris Museum of Art stands as a vital cultural institution dedicated to celebrating and preserving Southern identity through the arts. It provides a rare and comprehensive view into the region’s artistic legacy, capturing its complexities, beauty, and transformations over centuries. The museum serves as a bridge connecting past and present artists, communities, and visitors, fostering appreciation and understanding of the South’s visual culture.

This museum is an essential destination for art lovers, historians, educators, families, and tourists seeking to experience the richness of Southern art in a thoughtful and engaging setting.