Telfair Academy — Attraction in Savannah

This is an extraordinary concentration of local culture and art. There are three Associated museums not very far apart and, best of all, one ticket gets you entry to all 3. Start with The Telfair Academy at 121 Barnard St. Is one of the oldest public art museums in the South. After the Civil War ended and then Reconstruction efforts (equal rights) fell apart after the Grant presidency, the white upper class took over again and their wealth returned with the help of millions of destitute ex-slaves as labor. Telfair opened during the rebuilding in 1886. It's Regency style is elegant and well proportioned. It was closely linked by architectural style to the historic Owens-Thomas house noted below.

The Owens-Thomas house and slave quarters Is worth the visit even if you have only one that you can choose. We were profoundly and movingly educated about how we use and misuse language related to those who were enslaved, not “slaves” because that condition did not comprise their only identity. Similarly, it's useful to have a better understanding of the connotations carried by similar terms such as “master” and considering whether the word “enslaver” is more appropriate. Food for thought.

The Jepson Center is devoted to contemporary art from around the world, including emerging or new artists...

Rodin: The Human Experience is incredible. The sculptures are made even more awe-inspiring by the narrative placards which mix the artist's life with the artist's intent. It seemed that the artist's goal was to communicate complex human emotions and concepts through the human body, without the distraction of face and features.

The exhibit was poorly lit, and though flashless photography was encouraged (by a single placard on one wall) most of every figure was sunk in shadow. The sculptures are casts from the artist's molds, from which many duplicates were made before and after his lifetime. What would have made the experience delightful would be to experience the pieces by touch, to feel what the artist felt over a hundred years ago. Touching was strictly prohibited. Not because of potential damage, but because there are nude bodies in most of the displays.

Rodin is inaccessible on a deeper sensory level because while I am tracing the art nouveau that crept into The Fallen Angel's frail wings, your kids are honking Aphrodite's breasts across the room. So much for the...

Beautiful museum, stunning rotunda you have to see in person to behold, many interesting pieces, helpful free audio tour- bring headphones! Noise canceling headphones were perfect, it was a little more crowded than usual because it was a free admission day, but I still got to enjoy everything. There are stairs at main entrance and walkways, but they have elevators and a separate wheelchair accessible entrance available FYI. Admission to this includes two other really worthwhile buildings nearby. Street parking is ample, use the Savannah Parking app to pay for parking and easily extend your time, or there’s some spots with free parking on Sundays. Great location with lots of shopping and food nearby. I loved the room with Savannah artists, and the massive paintings in the rotunda. I’d recommend seeing River Street first, since lots of the Savannah art shows scenes...