Telfair Museums

Telfair Museums, founded in 1883 through the generous bequest of Mary Telfair, holds the distinction of being the oldest public art museum in the South. What began with the transformation of Telfair’s home into a museum has since grown into a remarkable institution that unites three distinct sites: the historic Telfair Academy, the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters, and the contemporary Jepson Center for the Arts. Together, these buildings embody Savannah’s layered cultural history, presenting art and architecture that span centuries while offering audiences a dynamic experience of the past and present.

While the Telfair Academy preserves fine art and decorative objects of the 19th century, and the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters provides critical insight into the city’s social history, the Jepson Center stands as a hub for modern and contemporary art. Within this setting, photography has become an increasingly important part of the museum’s mission. The collection and exhibitions highlight the medium’s ability to capture not only visual truth but also broader cultural narratives, bridging history with contemporary concerns.

Telfair’s photography holdings include historic works that document Savannah and the South, providing invaluable records of place, architecture, and community. At the same time, the museum has sought to expand its focus to embrace photographers who challenge conventions and explore new artistic territory. Rotating exhibitions in the Jepson Center regularly feature photography in dialogue with painting, sculpture, and digital media, underscoring the medium’s central role in the story of contemporary art.

Through acquisitions, exhibitions, and educational programming, Telfair Museums affirms photography’s enduring significance as both an artistic practice and a means of cultural reflection. By presenting works that span early photographic traditions to innovative contemporary projects, the museum ensures that photography holds a vital place within its broader mission to connect Savannah’s past with the evolving global art world.