Discover The Telfair Museum Of Art: Savannah's Artistic Heartbeat

Are you looking for a truly special place to visit in Savannah, Georgia? Perhaps you are seeking somewhere that combines history, amazing architecture, and a wide array of artistic expressions. Well, you know, the Telfair Museum of Art is exactly that kind of spot, a genuine highlight for anyone visiting this beautiful city. It's a place where you can really get a sense of Savannah's deep cultural roots and its ongoing creative spirit.

This remarkable institution, you see, holds a very unique position. It was, in fact, the first public art museum to open its doors anywhere in the Southern United States. That's a pretty big deal, and it speaks to a long tradition of appreciating art and culture right here in Savannah. For over a century, it has been a very important part of the city’s social and cultural story, shaping how people experience art.

The Telfair Museum of Art, actually, isn't just one building; it's a collection of three distinct places, each offering a different piece of Savannah’s past and present. They all work together, kind of, to give you a complete picture of art, history, and architecture spanning two hundred years. It’s a pretty comprehensive experience, too it's almost like stepping through time.

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Table of Contents

• A Three-Part Experience at Telfair
• The Telfair Academy: A Historic Treasure
• Jepson Center for the Arts: Modern Creativity
• The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters: A Glimpse into the Past
• Art for Everyone: Special Collections and Programs
• Planning Your Visit to the Telfair Museums
• Frequently Asked Questions About the Telfair Museum of Art

A Three-Part Experience at Telfair

What makes the Telfair Museum of Art so special, you might wonder? Well, it's the way it brings together three distinct sites, each with its own story, all under one umbrella. These three museums, you see, are about art, history, and architecture, providing a very broad view of things. They give visitors a unique way to understand Savannah’s place in our shared American past, which is rather interesting.

The whole idea for the Telfair Museums, in a way, started back in 1883. It was founded through a gift from Mary Telfair, who was a very well-known person in Savannah and someone who loved giving back to her community. Her vision led to the creation of the first public art museum in the South, which then opened its doors to everyone in 1886. That's a long time ago, and it shows how much thought went into it.

When you get a ticket for the Telfair Museums, it's actually pretty convenient. Your admission gives you unlimited entry to all three of these wonderful places for a whole week from the day you buy it. So, you don't have to rush through everything in one go; you can really take your time and explore each site properly. It’s a very flexible way to experience them, too it's almost like a pass to history.

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The Telfair Academy: A Historic Treasure

The Telfair Academy, you know, is the very first and oldest public art museum in the South. It's housed in a building that first opened its doors in 1886, making it a true piece of history itself. This particular building is right in the middle of Savannah’s National Landmark Historic District, which is a pretty famous area, and it fits right in there.

Inside the Telfair Academy, you can find a lot of different kinds of art. It holds a collection of 19th and 20th-century American and European art, which comes from the museum’s own permanent collection. There’s an indoor sculpture gallery, which is quite impressive, and also an elegant rotunda that just looks amazing. You can really spend some time admiring the pieces here.

As you walk through the entry hall, you’ll also discover some splendid period rooms. These rooms, you see, are set up to show off the kind of luxury people imagined back then. Each one, apparently, has plenty of beautiful porcelain, sparkling crystal, and other fine things. It’s a bit like stepping into a different time, seeing how people lived with such exquisite items.

Jepson Center for the Arts: Modern Creativity

Then there's the Jepson Center, which is a bit different from the historic Academy. This building, actually, offers a diverse array of contemporary art. So, if you like modern pieces and new ideas in art, this is definitely a place you’ll want to check out. It really shows the museum’s commitment to all sorts of artistic expressions, which is rather nice.

The Jepson Center is also where you’ll find the immersive children’s art museum. This area, you know, is designed for kids of all ages to really get into art. The museum, apparently, celebrates new exhibitions here, like one that focuses on the fantastic art of Savannah artist and sailor William O. It’s a space where young visitors can really get creative and, perhaps, discover their own artistic side.

This part of the Telfair Museums, in a way, provides a contrast to the older buildings. It shows how the institution looks to the future of art while still honoring its past. It’s a really cool place for families, too it's almost like a playground for creativity. Learn more about the Telfair Museums on our site for more details on their current programs.

The Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters: A Glimpse into the Past

The third part of the Telfair Museum of Art experience is the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. This site, you see, is a very important piece of Savannah’s history. It offers a unique understanding of the past, showing what life was like for everyone who lived and worked there. It’s a rather sobering but very necessary part of the visit.

This historic home and its slave quarters, actually, give visitors a look into 200 years of art, history, and architecture, just like the overall museum describes. It’s a chance to explore a historic building and understand the complex stories connected to it. This site, in some respects, truly rounds out the historical perspective that the Telfair Museums aim to provide.

It’s important to remember that visiting all three of these sites, including the Owens-Thomas House, is included in that one low price ticket. So, you get to see a very wide range of historical and artistic contexts. It’s a comprehensive experience that, you know, really helps you grasp the full scope of Savannah’s story.

Art for Everyone: Special Collections and Programs

The Telfair Museum of Art, apparently, is known for its diverse and interesting collections. Beyond the general American and European art, it boasts the largest public collection of visual art by Gibran in the United States. This amazing collection, you see, was given to the museum in 1950 by Mary Haskell Minis, who was a native Southerner and someone who supported Gibran throughout his life. That's a very significant collection to have.

Another really neat feature is the "Craft Along the Coast" galleries. These galleries, you know, show works from Telfair's permanent collection that date from the 18th all the way to the late 20th centuries. Gallery 1, for example, presents some very fine examples of these crafts. It’s a great way to see how art and craft have developed over time in the region, which is quite fascinating.

And then there are the special exhibitions that come through. Highlights from the Glenn Close costume collection, for instance, have offered visitors a very unique look at art and design through the lens of performance. These kinds of shows, you see, add a fresh perspective to the museum’s offerings. It's always worth checking what new things are on display.

The Telfair Museums, too, are very committed to making art accessible for families. They regularly host free family days, which is a great opportunity. On these days, families are invited to explore all the museums and take part in artistic activities, all free of charge. Kids of all ages, apparently, can really let their creativity flow during these events. It’s a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the world of art.

Planning Your Visit to the Telfair Museums

So, if you’re thinking about adding the Telfair Museum of Art to your Savannah visit, it’s a really great idea. Located right in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia, it’s easy to find and explore. You can discover stunning exhibits, walk through historic buildings, and take part in engaging programs right in the heart of the city. It’s a pretty central location, which is convenient.

Remember that your ticket, as I was saying, covers all three sites for a full week. This means you can spread out your visits and really enjoy each one without feeling rushed. It's a true Savannah experience, offering so much to see and do. You can find more information about their hours and admission on their official website, or perhaps, check a reputable art history resource like this cultural heritage site for broader context.

Whether you're interested in the very oldest public art museum in the South, or you want to see contemporary works, or even learn about Savannah's deeper history, the Telfair Museums have something for you. They offer a diverse array of contemporary art, fine and decorative art, and authentic historical insights. It's a place where art, history, and architecture truly come together, creating a memorable experience for everyone, you know, who steps through their doors. Discover more Savannah attractions here.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Telfair Museum of Art

What is the Telfair Museum of Art known for?

The Telfair Museum of Art, you know, is really well-known for being the first public art museum in the Southern United States. It's also recognized for its collection of three distinct sites: the historic Telfair Academy, the modern Jepson Center for the Arts, and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. They have a very diverse collection, too, including American and European art, contemporary pieces, and even the largest public collection of Gibran's visual art in the US. It's quite a varied set of offerings, actually.

Is the Telfair Museum of Art good for families with children?

Yes, absolutely, the Telfair Museum of Art is a great spot for families, too it's almost designed for them. The Jepson Center, for example, has an immersive children’s art museum where kids of all ages can get involved in artistic activities. The museums also host free family days pretty regularly, where everyone can explore and participate in art-making activities without any charge. It's a very welcoming place for younger visitors, you know.

How many buildings are part of the Telfair Museum of Art?

The Telfair Museum of Art, in a way, is made up of three separate buildings. These are the Telfair Academy, which is the oldest public art museum building in the South; the Jepson Center for the Arts, which focuses on contemporary art; and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, a historic home. All three sites are included with one ticket, which is rather convenient for visitors. So, it's not just one place, but a collection of experiences.