Savannah offers several family-friendly museums that cater to all ages. The Savannah Children’s Museum is a standout, featuring interactive exhibits and outdoor play areas perfect for young visitors. The Jepson Center includes a dedicated children’s space with hands-on art activities, making it a great stop for creative minds. Families who love history will appreciate the Savannah History Museum, which provides engaging exhibits on the city’s past. These destinations demonstrate how Savannah museums create fun and educational experiences for families, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy.

Savannah is a city where history, art and culture converge, offering an impressive variety of museums that capture its unique spirit. Whether you’re fascinated by the social changes of the Prohibition era, drawn to the beauty of African art or curious about the city’s rich architectural history, Savannah museums have something to offer everyone. These institutions are more than just repositories of artifacts — they are living windows into the city’s storied past and creative present.
Each museum invites you to uncover Savannah’s layered history and culture in an interactive and meaningful way. No matter your interests, these institutions provide an unforgettable opportunity to experience the city’s charm from a fresh perspective. Whether it’s your first time in Savannah or you’re a seasoned visitor, the city’s museums offer something new and inspiring every time.
Savannah, Georgia
Must-Visit Museums in Savannah

American Prohibition Museum
The American Prohibition Museum offers a fascinating deep dive into one of the most tumultuous eras of American history. As one of the most engaging Savannah museums, it combines storytelling and immersive exhibits to bring the Prohibition era to life. Visitors can wander through recreations of 1920s speakeasies, explore exhibits on the rise of organized crime and learn about the temperance movement that led to the passage of the 18th Amendment.
What sets this museum apart is its interactivity. Costumed guides share tales of the Roaring Twenties while artifacts like flapper dresses, bootlegger equipment and vintage advertisements provide an authentic glimpse into the past. The highlight for many is the museum’s authentic speakeasy, where guests over 21 can sip on historically inspired cocktails while learning about the era’s vibrant social scene.
This unique experience makes the American Prohibition Museum a standout among museums in Savannah, offering a mix of education and entertainment that appeals to all ages.
Old Fort Jackson
A visit to Old Fort Jackson is like stepping back in time. Built in 1808 to guard Savannah’s coastline, this National Historic Landmark is one of the oldest standing brick forts in Georgia. Its strategic importance during both the War of 1812 and the Civil War makes it a valuable treasure among Savannah museums.
The fort offers a fully immersive experience, complete with interactive exhibits and live demonstrations. The daily cannon firings, performed by costumed interpreters, are a highlight, offering visitors a thrilling sense of the fort’s historical role. You’ll also find exhibits that detail the fort’s construction, military strategies and life for the soldiers stationed there.
For families, Old Fort Jackson provides an engaging way to learn about history through hands-on activities and storytelling. The opportunity to explore the fort’s ramparts and gaze out over the Savannah River adds an element of adventure, making it a memorable destination for visitors of all ages. Its dedication to preserving Savannah’s military heritage ensures that it remains one of the most engaging museums in Savannah.
Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters
The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters is a deeply significant site that explores the complexities of Savannah’s history. Built in 1819, this historic house museum is part of the Telfair Museums and stands as one of the most visited Savannah museums. Its elegant Regency architecture reflects the affluence of the Owens family, but the adjacent slave quarters tell a different, more sobering story of the enslaved individuals who lived and worked there.
Guided tours provide a comprehensive view of the property, from its opulent interiors to the stark realities of the slave quarters. Visitors will find rooms filled with period furnishings, original artifacts, and detailed exhibits that shed light on both the luxurious lifestyles of the wealthy and the hardships faced by the enslaved. The juxtaposition of these narratives makes this museum an essential stop for those seeking a deeper understanding of Savannah’s past.
Through its careful preservation and commitment to historical accuracy, the Owens-Thomas House offers a thoughtful and balanced exploration of Savannah’s social history. It stands as a testament to the importance of acknowledging all aspects of the city’s heritage, earning its place as one of the most impactful museums in Savannah.
Old Sorrel Weed House Museum
The Old Sorrel Weed House Museum is a landmark that captures both the grandeur and the complexities of Savannah’s storied past. Built in the early 1800s, this Greek Revival- and Regency-style mansion stands as a testament to the city’s architectural brilliance. Among the most visited Savannah museums, it offers a rare opportunity to step into a world of historic opulence, complete with finely detailed interiors and period furnishings that tell the story of Savannah’s elite.
Guided tours take visitors through the grand halls and living quarters, where they learn about the Sorrel family’s prominence in Savannah’s history. But this house is also known for its eerie reputation as one of the most haunted museums in Savannah. With chilling ghost stories and reports of paranormal activity, the museum provides an added layer of intrigue for those who enjoy blending history with mystery.
The property’s meticulous preservation makes it a favorite among history enthusiasts, while its spine-tingling tales appeal to thrill seekers. Whether you’re drawn by its historical significance or its spectral legends, the Old Sorrel Weed House delivers an unforgettable experience.
Webb Military Museum
The Webb Military Museum stands out among Savannah museums for its personal approach to history. This unique museum houses an extensive collection of military artifacts, each accompanied by the stories of the individuals who used them. From Civil War uniforms to memorabilia from World War II and beyond, the exhibits provide a touching tribute to the men and women who have served in America’s armed forces.
What sets the Webb Military Museum apart is its ability to connect visitors with the human side of military history. Rather than focusing solely on battles and strategy, it emphasizes the personal sacrifices and experiences of soldiers and their families. Interactive displays and personal anecdotes bring these stories to life, making the museum accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.
The Webb Military Museum is among the most impactful museums in Savannah.
Andrew Low House
The Andrew Low House, built in 1849, is a striking Italianate-style mansion that offers visitors a fascinating window into 19th-century Savannah. A standout among Savannah museums, it combines architectural elegance with the rich personal history of the Low family. The interiors are adorned with ornate woodwork, stunning period furniture, and artifacts that reflect the wealth and influence of Andrew Low, a prominent businessman of his time.
The museum also highlights the life of Juliette Gordon Low, founder of the Girl Scouts, who lived here after her marriage. Guided tours delve into her legacy, offering an intimate look at the woman who shaped a movement that continues to inspire millions. Visitors also learn about the Low family’s ties to notable figures such as General Robert E. Lee, making the house an important part of Savannah’s cultural and historical landscape.
Its beautifully maintained gardens provide a serene setting, perfect for visitors who want to take in the full experience of this historic property. The Andrew Low House remains one of the most enriching museums in Savannah, offering a blend of history, architecture and personal stories that leave a lasting impression.
Davenport House Museum
The Davenport House Museum is a cornerstone of Savannah’s preservation movement and one of the most treasured Savannah museums. Built in 1820 by master craftsman Isaiah Davenport, this Federal-style home offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s early 19th-century life. From its elegant brick façade to its meticulously restored interiors, the Davenport House is a masterpiece of historical architecture.
Visitors can explore rooms filled with period furnishings and household items, each carefully chosen to reflect the daily lives of the Davenport family. The museum also sheds light on Savannah’s preservation efforts, detailing the challenges and successes of saving this historic landmark from demolition in the 1950s. Today, it serves as a symbol of the city’s commitment to honoring its past.
Guided tours of the Davenport House are as engaging as they are informative. Guests learn about the craftsmanship of the home, the life of Isaiah Davenport and the broader social and economic context of Savannah during the early 19th century. Its intimate gardens, complete with carefully tended plants, add an extra layer of charm to the experience of this museum in Savannah.

Mercer Williams House Museum
The Mercer-Williams House is an Italianate masterpiece and one of the most iconic Savannah museums for its architectural beauty and intriguing past. Built in 1868, this stately mansion was originally intended for General Hugh Mercer, great-grandfather of Johnny Mercer, a famed Savannah songwriter. However, the Mercer family never occupied the home, and it remained in limbo until the 20th century.
The house gained international fame when it was featured in John Berendt’s bestselling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which chronicled the life of Jim Williams, the home’s eventual owner. Williams, an antiques dealer and preservationist, restored the mansion in the 1970s, transforming it into one of the most admired museums in Savannah. Visitors can tour its stunning interior, marvel at its ornate woodwork and learn about its connection to Savannah’s vibrant history.
Guided tours provide an in-depth look at the house’s past, including its role in the dramatic events recounted in Berendt’s book. Whether you’re a fan of literature, history or exquisite design, the Mercer-Williams House offers a captivating experience that bridges Savannah’s cultural and historical narratives.

Telfair Museum of Art
The Telfair Museum of Art, located in a 19th-century mansion designed by renowned architect William Jay, is one of the most distinguished Savannah museums. As part of the Telfair Museums complex, this elegant site is home to an impressive collection of American and European art, spanning centuries of creativity and craftsmanship.
The museum’s highlights include works of painting, sculpture and decorative arts, each carefully curated to reflect the artistic traditions of its time. Visitors can explore galleries filled with masterpieces from artists such as Childe Hassam and Gari Melchers, alongside stunning examples of 19th-century furniture and period artifacts.
Beyond its permanent collection, the Telfair Museums frequently host traveling exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a casual visitor, this museum provides an enriching experience that stands out among museums in Savannah.
Massie Heritage Museum
The Massie Heritage Center is a treasure trove of history, culture and architecture, making it a must-visit among Savannah museums. Housed in the historic Massie School building, which dates back to 1856, this museum takes visitors on a captivating journey through Savannah’s past, from its colonial roots to its modern charm.
Interactive exhibits highlight key moments in the city’s history, including its role during the American Revolution and the Civil War. One of the museum’s standout features is its focus on Savannah’s architectural evolution. Guests can explore displays that detail the significance of preservation efforts, as well as the unique styles that define the city’s character.
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, housed in the elegant Scarbrough House, offers a compelling look at Savannah’s rich maritime history. This museum is one of the most unique Savannah museums, focusing on the vessels that played a key role in shaping the city’s economic and cultural development.
Visitors can explore a diverse collection of ship models, paintings, and artifacts, many of which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Among the highlights are models of the Steamship Savannah, the first steamship to cross the Atlantic, and other legendary vessels that defined the golden age of trade and travel.
The museum also features beautifully landscaped gardens, providing a serene space to reflect on Savannah’s maritime legacy.
Georgia State Railroad Museum
The Georgia State Railroad Museum is a fascinating journey into the golden age of railroading and a standout among Savannah museums. Located in what was once the Central of Georgia Railway’s headquarters, this historic site is a living testament to the city’s industrial past.
Visitors can explore an extensive collection of locomotives, rolling stock and other railway artifacts. The museum offers interactive exhibits, allowing guests to climb aboard vintage train cars and witness how railroads shaped Savannah’s economy and culture.
Guided tours provide deeper insights into the significance of this site, from its role in transporting goods to its architectural legacy as one of the oldest surviving railroad facilities in the country. Whether you’re a train enthusiast or simply curious about Savannah’s industrial history, the Georgia State Railroad Museum offers an engaging experience unlike any other museum in Savannah.
Savannah History Museum
The Savannah History Museum, located in a 19th-century railway shed, offers a comprehensive look at the city’s storied past. As one of the most visited Savannah museums, it showcases artifacts and exhibits spanning centuries of Savannah’s development.
Highlights include displays of Native American culture, Savannah’s role in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and the city’s evolution into a modern urban center. Visitors can also view unique pieces like the bench from Forrest Gump and an authentic steam locomotive from the Central of Georgia Railway.
Jepson Center & Telfair Children’s Art Museum
The Jepson Center & Telfair Children’s Art Museum combine to create one of the most dynamic Savannah museums. The Jepson Center is dedicated to modern and contemporary art, featuring an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures and photography. Its sleek, contemporary design offers a stark contrast to Savannah’s historic surroundings, making it a standout destination for art enthusiasts.
For families, the Telfair Children’s Art Museum provides an interactive and engaging space where kids can explore their creativity. Hands-on exhibits and workshops encourage young visitors to connect with art in fun and imaginative ways.

FAQs
Yes, Savannah has several free or donation-based museum options. The Massie Heritage Center often provides free entry during certain events or special days, making it a budget-friendly choice. Additionally, many of the Savannah museums offer discounted or free admission on specific days, particularly for children, seniors and military families. The Telfair Museums occasionally host free-admission days, allowing visitors to enjoy exhibits from its three locations, including the Jepson Center. Families can also explore outdoor museums and historic landmarks like Colonial Park Cemetery, which are free to visit and rich in historical significance. Checking museum websites ahead of time for promotions is a great way to plan a cost-effective visit.
Savannah’s most popular museums include the American Prohibition Museum, which offers an in-depth look at one of the country’s most tumultuous eras, complete with an authentic speakeasy experience. The Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum is another favorite, showcasing Savannah’s maritime legacy with intricate ship models and fascinating artifacts. Art enthusiasts often flock to the Telfair Museums complex, which includes three distinctive sites. For those with a passion for history, the Savannah History Museum and Old Fort Jackson are must-visits, providing insights into the city’s role in key historical events.
The Telfair Museums complex consists of three remarkable sites that offer a variety of artistic and historical experiences. The Telfair Academy, located in a historic mansion, showcases 19th- and 20th-century art and decorative pieces, including works by notable American and European artists. The Jepson Center is a modern space dedicated to contemporary art, featuring rotating exhibitions, cutting-edge installations, and an interactive children’s gallery. Lastly, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters provides a sobering yet essential perspective on Savannah’s architectural history and the lives of enslaved individuals who worked in the home. Together, these sites make up one of the most diverse collections among Savannah museums, offering visitors a chance to experience art, architecture and history in an immersive and meaningful way.