Telfair Museums | Savannah

The Telfair Museums in Savannah, Georgia, represent a prestigious and multifaceted cultural institution, holding the distinction as the oldest public art museum in the Southern United States. Founded in 1886 through the generous bequest of Mary Telfair, a member of one of Savannah’s most prominent families, the museum system today consists of three distinctive sites: the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the Jepson Center for the Arts. Collectively, these venues offer visitors a rich and immersive experience that combines fine art, architectural grandeur, and profound historical insight.

1. Telfair Academy

Location: 121 Barnard Street, Savannah, GA

Historical and Architectural Significance: The Telfair Academy is housed in a magnificent Regency-style mansion built in 1818-1819 by architect William Jay, who was responsible for several landmark buildings in Savannah. The building itself is a masterpiece of early 19th-century architecture, featuring elegant proportions, refined decorative elements, and a grand interior staircase that embodies the grace of the period.

Collections and Exhibitions: Opened as a public museum in 1886, the Academy displays an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century American and European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Visitors encounter works by renowned artists such as Childe Hassam, Robert Henri, and George Bellows. The museum also preserves historic period rooms that showcase the lifestyle and tastes of the Telfair family and Savannah’s elite society during the 1800s.

Visitor Experience: The Academy’s setting offers a unique opportunity to appreciate fine art in a domestic, historic environment. The carefully curated rooms blend art with period furnishings, creating an atmosphere that reflects the social and cultural history of Savannah’s aristocracy.

2. Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters

Location: 124 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA

Architectural Importance: Built in 1819, the Owens-Thomas House is celebrated as one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the United States. It features advanced innovations for its time, including early indoor plumbing, a sophisticated rainwater collection system, and pioneering cast-iron balconies and fences.

Historical Context: This National Historic Landmark offers a rare and critical examination of Savannah’s antebellum society, particularly through the lens of both the Owens family and the enslaved individuals who lived and worked on the property. The museum provides a deeply educational experience, with guided tours that explore the architecture, technology, and social history, including the difficult legacy of slavery.

Slave Quarters: A key element of the site, the preserved and interpreted slave quarters allow visitors to confront the realities of enslaved people's lives, work, and resistance within a historically significant urban plantation context. This aspect of the museum brings a crucial and often underrepresented narrative into Savannah’s historic fabric.

3. Jepson Center for the Arts

Location: 207 West York Street, Savannah, GA

Modern Architectural Marvel: Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie and opened in 2006, the Jepson Center stands in stark contrast to the historic buildings of the Telfair Academy and Owens-Thomas House. Its sleek, contemporary design features expansive glass walls, open galleries, and flexible exhibition spaces that celebrate modern and contemporary art.

Collections and Exhibits: The Jepson Center hosts a broad array of rotating exhibitions, showcasing contemporary works by artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Jasper Johns, and Chuck Close. Its collection includes over 7,500 square feet dedicated to art that spans painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media.

Children’s Art Museum: Within the Jepson Center is a dedicated interactive space designed for younger visitors. The Children’s Art Museum offers immersive experiences and hands-on activities, such as “The World of William O. Golding,” a maritime-themed exhibit that engages children in art and history through play and creativity.

Cultural Programming: The center regularly presents lectures, workshops, and special events, enriching Savannah’s cultural landscape by connecting the community with contemporary art trends and educational opportunities.

Overall Experience and Visitor Information

Combined Access: A single ticket to the Telfair Museums grants access to all three sites within a one-week period, encouraging visitors to explore the diverse experiences each venue offers.

Hours and Admission: The museums are typically open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a range of ticket pricing options that accommodate adults, seniors, military personnel, students, and children.

Educational Impact: Telfair Museums not only preserve and present fine art and architecture but also actively engage the public in conversations about history, social justice, and culture. The Owens-Thomas House, in particular, plays a vital role in addressing the history of slavery within Savannah, providing educational tours and programs that foster awareness and reflection.

Significance in Savannah’s Cultural Landscape

The Telfair Museums stand as a cornerstone of Savannah’s identity as a city that values its historical roots and artistic future. The juxtaposition of the Regency-era Telfair Academy, the socially critical Owens-Thomas House, and the cutting-edge Jepson Center offers a comprehensive narrative that spans centuries of art and society. Visitors gain not only an appreciation for visual art but also a deeper understanding of Savannah’s complex history and evolving cultural scene.

The museums collectively enrich Savannah’s Historic District by offering a range of artistic and historical perspectives, making them essential stops for art lovers, historians, families, and cultural tourists seeking a meaningful and layered experience.

In summary, Telfair Museums provide an exceptional journey through time and creativity — from the elegance of early American architecture and classic artworks to the stark realities of slavery and the excitement of contemporary art innovation. Their combined offerings ensure a profound and memorable exploration of Savannah’s artistic and historical heritage.