Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences

The Telfair Academy is an art museum in historic downtown Savannah housed in a building with classical architecture, symmetrical design, and white stone facades accented by columns. Inside, the structure is organized around multiple gallery spaces that display a range of artworks from paintings and sculptures to decorative objects spanning different periods and styles.

The mansion was built in 1819 as a private residence for Alexander Telfair, reflecting the wealth and status of that era's upper class. After his death, Mary Telfair left the building and her art collection to the public, leading to its opening as a museum in 1886.

The building carries the Telfair name and reflects how one family's wealth and vision shaped art appreciation in the South. Walking through its galleries, you experience the result of a legacy that opened doors for public art access in this region.

The museum sits within Savannah's walkable downtown area, and visitors should wear comfortable shoes since exploring multiple gallery floors involves considerable walking. It helps to arrive with enough time to move through the galleries without rushing through the collections.

The institution holds a distinction as the first art museum in the American South and was founded through the generosity of a woman, which was noteworthy in the 1800s. This founding story shows how one person's commitment to sharing art with the public shaped cultural institutions in the region.