The Telfair Academy The classic
Telfair Square · $$
Photo: Roy W.W.
Why it made the list: Housed in an 1819 Regency mansion, the Telfair is the oldest public art museum in the South, with 19th-century American and European paintings and grand period rooms. It's the elegant heart of the city's art scene.
The Jepson Center The modern one
Telfair Square · $$
Photo: Ariel Wang
Why it made the list: The Telfair's striking contemporary wing, a light-filled Moshe Safdie building of glass and stone with modern and contemporary art, and home to the famous 'Bird Girl' statue from the 'Midnight' book cover. A sleek counterpoint to the old academy.
The SCAD Museum of Art Design star
Downtown / SCAD · $$
Photo: Mattlanta NW
Why it made the list: The Savannah College of Art and Design's own museum, built into a dramatically restored 1853 railway depot, with sharp contemporary art, fashion and a strong program tied to one of the country's top art schools. It's the coolest gallery in town.
The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters The full story
Oglethorpe Square · $$
Photo: Chance Hooper
Why it made the list: A pristine 1819 Regency mansion paired with one of the earliest and best-preserved urban slave quarters in the South, told together so the whole household's story is heard. It's beautiful and unflinching at once.
The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum The hidden charmer
Historic District · $$
Photo: Igor Fradlis
Why it made the list: Set in the grand 1819 Scarbrough House, this museum of intricate ship models, maritime paintings and seafaring history tells the story of Savannah's age of sail, surrounded by one of the largest private gardens in the historic district.
⭐ Bonus Pick: The American Prohibition Museum
One more for fun: the American Prohibition Museum in City Market walks you through the bootlegging era with wax figures and a working speakeasy bar at the end, an entertaining, only-slightly-cheesy break from the fine-art museums.
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