Savannah is more than an artist’s dream. It’s a place where those dreams become reality. As one of the nation’s major art hubs, Savannah’s scenery and history continually inspires established artists, while places like Savannah College of Art and Design are a springboard for new and upcoming talent. Experience the best of both worlds in one location by visiting our favorite Savannah galleries.
1. Telfair Museum
The oldest public art museum in the South, Telfair Museum was founded in 1883 through the bequest of prominent local philanthropist Mary Telfair, who left her home and its furnishings to the Georgia Historical Society to be opened as a museum. Today, Telfair Museum consists of three unique buildings: Telfair Academy, Jepson Center for the Arts and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters – two National Historic Landmark sites built in the early 19th century. Each of the museum’s three buildings represents an innovative expression of its time and houses a collection corresponding to the era in which it was built. Together, these three unique buildings and three distinct collections bridge centuries of art and architecture, illustrating the continuum of art and history in Savannah.
Take a walk through history
2. Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace
The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace is perhaps the only “house museum” in the nation created specifically for girls to enjoy — though it is loved by everyone! At this unique house museum, owned and operated by Girl Scouts of the USA, visitors can trace the arc of Juliette Gordon Low’s life and learn about the Girl Scout Movement she founded. The house stands as a National Historic Landmark honoring Low as a daughter, debutante, wife, adventurer, artist and first Girl Scout. Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low was born here in 1860, and she lived in and visited the house throughout her life. It was from this very home that she made the famous phone call that marked the beginning of Girl Scouts in 1912, proclaiming, “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start tonight!”
Visit the birthplace of Girl Scouts
3. Kobo Gallery
Kobo Gallery is an award-winning contemporary art gallery located in the heart of Savannah’s Historic District, nearby Ellis Square. Celebrated as a true artists’ cooperative, Kobo Gallery offers work from wildly passionate local artists in many mediums: painting, photography, woodwork, fiber work and jewelry. Staffed by artists, this intimate gallery features many finds at all ranges of price points.
Meet the artists
4. SCAD Museum of Art
The SCAD Museum of Art is a premier contemporary art museum that features emerging and established international artists through commissioned works and rotating exhibitions. The museum also engages local communities with special initiatives of an international scope and serves as a resource for SCAD students and alumni during their academic careers and beyond. With more than 4,500 works from established visual artists of international acclaim, the museum’s permanent collections include:
- The Walter O. Evans collection of African American Art
- The Modern and Contemporary Art Collection
- The Earle W. Newton Collection of British and American Art
- The 19th -and-20th-Century Photography Collection and the SCAD Costume Collection
5. Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum, founded in 1966, exhibits ship models, paintings, maritime antiques and artifacts. Featuring nine galleries, the museum primarily sails through the great era of Atlantic trade and travel between England and America during the 18th and 19th centuries. The vast majority of ship models were commissioned by the Museum to interpret the rich story of Savannah’s maritime history. The collection of models includes colonial vessels, ironclads, ocean-going steamers and modern navy ships.
Voyage through maritime art
6. Signature Gallery of Savannah
The idea of Signature Gallery was the dream of two Savannah artists who are still in residence today ¬– Kathy Miller and Sharon Saseen. The design for the Gallery was donated by a New York architect and the renovation was given to the artists by the City Market Partners. The result is a beautiful space flooded with natural sunlight and immersed in some of the South’s most architecturally historic neighborhoods. Here, the artists’ spaces are cleverly designed and the public is always greeted by one of its knowledgeable and ever-informative artists.
Experience the Signature Gallery
Ready to explore Savannah’s art scene? Book your stay today!
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