Museum culture in Savannah, Georgia!

Savannah Historic District

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Savannah"s Historic District, where every cobblestone street and corner tells a story, and museums capture the spirit of the Old South. Here"s your guide to diving into history, art, and culture in this enthrally picturesque locale.

Morning - Savannah History Museum

Start your day at the Savannah History Museum, located in the historic Central of Georgia Railway train shed. You can easily get here by taking the DOT Express Shuttle or walking from many downtown hotels. Delve into Savannah"s rich past from its founding in 1733 to the present day. Don’t miss the famous bench from the movie “Forrest Gump” and exhibits on the Revolutionary War.

Midday - Telfair Museums

Next, stroll to the Telfair Museums, just a 10-minute walk away. Comprising three distinct sites, start with the Telfair Academy, a regal building housing 19th-20th century American and European art. Walk across the square to the Jepson Center, which features contemporary art and engaging interactive exhibits. Finish with the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters to glimpse into the complex anteballum South.

Afternoon – Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum

A short 5-minute drive or a leisurely walk from the Telfair Museums, reach the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum. Named after the late Dr. Gilbert, the father of Savannah"s Civil Rights Movement, this museum offers a profound look into the struggles and achievements of the movement through photographs, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.

Evening - Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

End your day at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, about a 15-minute walk from the Civil Rights Museum. Housed in the historic Scarbrough House, this museum showcases ship models, maritime paintings, and nautical artifacts, focusing on the era of Atlantic trade and travel.

Each museum offers a unique lens through which to view Savannah"s multifacet history and culture, making for an enriching day steeped in the past yet vibrantly alive in the present.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Savannah River Street

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating journey through Savannah"s historic River Street, a picturesque waterfront promenade bustling with art, history, and culture. Start your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant aura of River Street itself. Stroll along the cobblestone paths, letting the scent of the Savannah River invigorate your senses. Discover local artists and craftsmen showcasing their talents amidst the array of quaint shops and galleries.

First Stop: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

Begin your museum tour at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, housed in the elegant William Scarbrough House. This museum, located just a few blocks north of River Street on Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, is accessible via a leisurely 10-minute walk or a quick ride on the DOT free shuttle. Here you"ll explore a collection of ship models, maritime paintings, and nautical artifacts, highlighting Savannah’s rich maritime heritage. The garden surrounding the museum offers a serene escape with native Georgian plants.

Second Stop: Savannah History Museum

Next, make your way to the Savannah History Museum, which you can reach by hopping back on the DOT shuttle towards the Visitor Center on MLK Jr Blvd. Located in an old railway shed, it offers a plunge into the area"s past from its founding in 1733 to the present day. Don"t miss the famous bench from the movie "Forrest Gump," which was filmed in Savannah.

Last Stop: Telfair Museums

Conclude your tour at the Telfair Museums, about a 15-minute walk east towards the historic district. This museum complex includes the Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House, and the Jepson Center. Each building offers a unique perspective on art ranging from classical to contemporary, along with interactive exhibits dedicated to architecture and design.

Throughout your tour, take time to sample local cuisines at waterfront restaurants and enjoy live music drifting from open bars. River Street not only offers a glance back through time but also pulses with contemporary cultural life, making it a must-visit destination in Savannah.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Savannah City Market

Why Visit?

Savannah City Market Museum Tour Itinerary

Morning

Begin your journey into the heart of Savannah at the iconic City Market, nestled in the original 18-acre Old Market district. Start your tour at the Savannah History Museum, located just a short stroll from the market area. Dive deep into the city"s past, exploring exhibits that span from its founding in 1733 to the present day. Learn about the intricate history of the Native American tribes, colonial settlers, and the pivotal role Savannah played during the American Revolution and Civil War.

Getting There: From City Market, walk west towards Martin Luther King Jr Blvd and find the museum just inside Tricentennial Park. It"s about a 10-minute walk, enveloped by the charming historic scenery of downtown Savannah.

Lunch

Recharge with some Southern culinary delights back at the City Market, where options range from cozy cafes like B. Matthew’s Eatery to more eclectic spots like Vinnie Van Go-Go’s known for their massive, New York-style pizzas.

Afternoon

Post lunch, make your way to the SCAD Museum of Art. This museum, part of the Savannah College of Art and Design, showcases an array of contemporary art alongside historical works, emphasizing fashion, design, and photography. The building itself is an architectural marvel, blending old and new elements, with remnants of the antebellum railroad depot it once was.

Getting There: Head east on W Bryan Street back towards the heart of the City Market area, then south down Montgomery Street. The museum is about a 15-minute walk from the market.

Interesting Fact

City Market has served as a center of commerce and social interaction since the early 18th century. Today, it not only celebrates Savannah’s rich history but also its vibrant art scene, hosting live music and local art exhibitions year-round.

Evening

Conclude your museum tour by wandering through the artisan shops and galleries within City Market, perfect for picking up souvenirs crafted by local artists. As dusk settles, enjoy a casual stroll through the historic district, a fitting end to your culturally enriched day.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Mercer Williams House Museum

Why Visit?

Explore the Intriguing Past at Mercer Williams House Museum

Getting There

Situated in the heart of Savannah’s historic district at 429 Bull Street, the Mercer Williams House Museum is easily accessible. You can stroll through the beautiful streets of Savannah, rent a bike, or take a local bus—Route 14 stops just a few blocks away. If driving, parking can be found along nearby streets or in city-operated garages.

Begin Your Journey

Start your tour with a sense of anticipation as you approach this stunning red-brick mansion, a pinnacle of Southern architecture. The house, constructed between 1860 and 1868 for General Hugh W. Mercer, great-grandfather of the legendary songwriter Johnny Mercer, stands as a silent witness to over a century of Savannah"s history.

Inside the Museum

As you enter, you"ll be welcomed by knowledgeable guides who offer tours every half hour, delving into the rich tapestry of stories that the house holds. Each room is meticulously restored to its former glory, featuring period-appropriate furnishings and art that Mercer himself collected.

Highlights and Facts

The house gained notoriety from the best-selling book and movie "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," where it featured prominently. Learn about the controversial trial of Jim Williams, a previous owner, who was tried four times for the murder of Danny Hansford in this very house. Don"t miss the impressive collection of 18th and 19th-century furniture and the ornate birdcage in the parlor, a favorite among visitors.

Wrap Up Your Tour

Conclude your visit with a leisurely walk through the lush garden, a serene oasis that contrasts with the house’s dramatic history. Before leaving, stop by the gift shop to pick up a book about the house’s history or a unique souvenir to remember your visit.

Visit Mercer Williams House Museum to step back in time and uncover the layers of stories hidden within its walls.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.

Forsyth Park

Why Visit?

Morning Exploration: Discovering Forsyth Park

Begin your day in the enchanting city of Savannah with a visit to Forsyth Park, the largest and most captivating park in the historic district. Spanning 30 acres, this park is easily accessible by foot or bike from most downtown locations, and there is ample public parking along adjacent streets. Start at the north end, where the iconic Forsyth Fountain, installed in 1858, offers a perfect photo opportunity. This fountain is one of the most recognized landmarks in Savannah and is reminiscent of fountains found in Paris and Peru.

Stroll Through History and Art

As you meander southward, take in the Fragrant Garden for the Blind, an inclusive sensory experience introduced in 1959. Continue your walk to explore the various memorials within the park, including the Spanish-American War Monument and the Marine Corps Monument, each telling silent tales of Savannah"s martial past.

Lunch Break: Picnic with Local Flavors

For lunch, grab a bite from nearby local eateries like "Brighter Day Natural Foods" or "Sentient Bean" and enjoy a picnic under the sprawling oak trees draped with Spanish moss. This setting provides not only a meal but also a moment to soak in the serene ambiance that Forsyth Park offers.

Afternoon Activity: Local Museum Tour

Post-lunch, exit the park from the south end and head to the Mercer Williams House Museum, just a few blocks away. This museum, once home to the songwriter Johnny Mercer, was made famous by the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil." Immerse yourself in the stories of old Savannah, exploring the rich history and intricate architecture of this restored home.

Wrap Up Your Day

Conclude your museum tour with a casual stroll back through the quaint streets of Savannah, perhaps stopping at local galleries or coffee shops, each housed in beautifully preserved Victorian buildings. This leisurely pace allows you to absorb the timeless charm of Savannah"s historic district, wrapping up a day filled with culture, history, and natural beauty.

Museum Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to museum travelers.