Telfair Academy

The Telfair Academy, part of the Telfair Museums, is a historic neoclassical mansion located in downtown Savannah. Built in 1819 for Alexander Telfair, the building was later converted into an art museum and opened to the public in 1886, making it one of the oldest public art museums in the American South. The academy houses a notable collection of American and European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, with highlights including works by artists such as Mary Cassatt, Childe Hassam, and Hiram Powers. Visitors can explore the elegant period rooms, which retain original furnishings and architectural details, offering a glimpse into Savannah's antebellum past. The museum also features rotating exhibitions and educational programs. Its location in the Savannah Historic District makes it a convenient stop for those exploring the city's squares and historic homes.

Don't miss

• View masterpieces by American artists like Mary Cassatt and Childe Hassam
• Explore the restored period rooms with original 19th-century furnishings
• Admire the neoclassical architecture and grand staircase
• See the famous marble statue 'The Greek Slave' by Hiram Powers
• Enjoy rotating exhibitions in the museum's galleries

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Telfair Academy

Cheapest way inSelf-Guided 'Old Squares of Savannah' Solo Walking Tour4.1★ · 17 travelers~1 hoursFree cancellationFrom$10 per personSee dates →Best full daySavannah Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour4.6★ · 7,158 travelers2–8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$46 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleTybee Island Day at the Beach Experience from Savannah4.8★ · 291 travelers~6 hoursFree cancellationFrom$110 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Photography is allowed in most galleries without flash; check for restrictions in special exhibitions.
• Free audio guides are available to enhance your visit.
• The museum shop offers unique gifts and art-related items.
• Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Savannah Historic District squares.

A bit of history

The Telfair Academy was originally the home of Alexander Telfair, a wealthy Savannah merchant. After his death, his family donated the house to the Georgia Historical Society, which opened it as a museum. It later became part of the Telfair Museums, which also includes the Jepson Center for the Arts and the Owens-Thomas House.