Arts & Culture in Savannah

SCAD, The Jepson Center, and nearby galleries

Savannah’s downtown has a decidedly artistic flavor, driven by the presence of the Savannah College of Art & Design, world-class museums, and a scattering of galleries, theaters, studios and creative spaces across the city. Our geography lends itself well to a day or two dedicated solely to taking in the city’s cultural offerings, with many attractions just moments away from Perry Lane’s doors.

What better place to start than the Savannah College of Art and Design Museum and its galleries? Gutstein Gallery, Pei Ling Chan Gallery, Pinnacle Gallery, and La Galerie Bleue all showcase the works of artists from all over the world. The museum features rotating exhibitions touching on all forms, media and movements.

The Telfair Museums are extraordinary experiences for anyone interested in 19th-century art and artworks of the last fifty years. Housed in a Regency mansion, the Telfair Academy features two Victorian-era period rooms, as well as 19th- and 20th-century paintings, works on paper, sculpture, and decorative arts. The Telfair family’s legacy also extends to the Jepson Center, famous for the Kirk Varnedoe Collection and many distinguished Georgia artists. Readers of John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil: A Savannah Story will be pleased to recognize the original Bird Girl statue, captured for the book’s cover photo by Jack Leigh.

For more information on exhibits, inforamtion can be found on our Calendar of Events. 

Theatregoers will find a rich choice of programming at the Lucas Theatre. Also run by SCAD, this is the home location of the Savannah Film Festival as well as regular international productions. Offerings have included Italian operas, major orchestras, repertory companies, and more. It is close to Perry Lane, making an evening production after dinner at the Emporium a perfect plan for nighttime.

Music lovers are always drawn to us for the annual Savannah Music Festival. Every year, fans of country, Americana, roots, soul, R&B, pop, rock and bluegrass make a pilgrimage to the area to see a deep and wide-ranging bill of their favorite artists. As one of the most prominent and popular festivals in Savannah GA, the SMF is always a fantastic event that helps locals and visitors alike to appreciate not just the stunning natural beauty of the region, but also the rich cultural history of its art. It's only one of the one of many Savannah festivals that truly shows off all the city has to offer.