Telfair Museums — Attraction in Savannah

Overpriced, Poor Experience, and Rude Staff

My husband and I paid $30 each (a total of $60) for tickets, and it was a complete disappointment. At the entrance of the first museum (Jepson Center), we were told very clearly that the ticket was valid for all three museums — which is why we decided to buy it, planning to visit them all. Unfortunately, we did not get what we were promised.

The staff at the Jepson Center were polite, but they failed to explain that the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters would be closing early and remain closed for several days. That meant our $60 tickets were never truly valid, and we were charged full price without disclosure. We should have received a discount upfront.

When we arrived at the Owens-Thomas House at 4 p.m., we were met at the door with rude and dismissive treatment. The staff told us the museum was already closed, that we could not enter, and that they were shutting everything down. They made it clear they were leaving, even though the posted schedule says closing is at 5 p.m. and online it states the last tour is at 4. We were on time for that last tour, but they still refused to let us in. When we asked if there was any solution or adjustment since one museum was closed for days, they told us to “go back to the first museum” for a refund. Completely unprofessional and disrespectful.

On top of that, the galleries we did see (Jepson Center and Telfair Academy) were extremely poor in content and quality, with almost nothing to look at and very little meaning or inspiration in the exhibits. To put this in perspective: the Art Institute of Chicago costs only $14 and is massive, with world-class collections, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York costs $30 and is absolutely immense. Compared to those, charging $30 here is absolutely...

This is an extraordinary concentration of local culture and art. There are three Associated museums (one ticket gets you entry to all 3) not very far apart. The Telfair Academy at 121 Barnard St. Is one of the oldest public art museums in the South Opening during the rebuilding after the civil war in 1886. It's Regency style is elegant and soothingly well proportioned. It is also well-known for its simple Bird Girl bronze made famous by the book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil". It was closely linked by architectural style to the historic 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 right?.

The Jepson Center is devoted to contemporary art from around the world, including emerging or new artists from the region. All are open 10-5 every day but last tours start...

The Jepson Center and Telfair Academy have beautiful pieces of art. I enjoyed both of them very much. However, putting that aside, I give them a three star rating as a whole because I was incredibly disappointed with the staff at Telfair. When I bought the passes for all three museums they failed to advise myself and my girlfriend that additional tickets were needed for the Owens Thomas House and Slave Quarters. We showed up to the OTHSQ and were refused entry because they had no more capacity after the mother and son in front of us, it appeared to me, were sneaked in to the last tour of the day. We had meticulously planned our three days in Savannah, and planned to visit the OTHSQ last on purpose. We didn't get to see it, hopefully next time. Make sure to buy the tickets/reservations, or whatever they call them at least...