Telfair Academy

Telfair Academy: Georgia's First Art Museum

Telfair Academy holds the distinction of being Georgia's oldest public art museum and one of the South's first art museums, opening to the public in 1886. The museum originated through the vision and generosity of Mary Telfair (1791-1875), member of one of Savannah's most prominent families. Upon her death, Mary Telfair bequeathed her family mansion, significant art collection, and endowment to the Georgia Historical Society with instructions to create a museum and cultural institution for Savannah's benefit. This transformative gift established the foundation for what would become Telfair Museums, now encompassing three buildings and representing one of the South's most important cultural institutions.

The Telfair Family Legacy

The Telfair family played central role in Savannah's development and Georgia's political life. Edward Telfair (1735-1807) served as Georgia governor during and after the Revolutionary War. His son, Alexander Telfair, commissioned William Jay to design the family mansion in 1818. Mary Telfair, Alexander's daughter, never married and devoted her life to cultural and charitable pursuits. Her museum bequest reflected enlightened belief in art's civic value and democratic access to cultural resources. The Telfair legacy extends beyond wealth to encompass public service, cultural patronage, and philanthropic vision.

William Jay's Architectural Masterpiece

Telfair Academy represents one of William Jay's finest Regency designs, showcasing the brilliant architect's mature style:

• Regency Elegance: Refined English Regency style adapted to American Southern context
• Symmetrical Facade: Balanced composition with central entrance and harmonious proportions
• Octagonal Rotunda: Stunning domed room serving as sculpture gallery centerpiece
• Period Rooms: Restored family rooms displaying Regency-era furnishings and decorative arts
• Classical Details: Refined plasterwork, marble, and architectural ornament
• Spatial Sophistication: Elegant room sequences and circulation patterns
• Natural Lighting: Strategic windows and skylights illuminating interiors

The Permanent Collection

Telfair Academy houses significant American and European art spanning centuries:

• American Impressionism: Works by Childe Hassam, Frederick Frieseke, Gari Melchers
• Ashcan School: Important paintings by Robert Henri, George Bellows, and contemporaries
• Southern Art: Comprehensive collection documenting Southern artistic traditions
• 19th Century American: Hudson River School landscapes and academic paintings
• European Works: Old Master paintings and European decorative arts
• Kahlil Gibran Collection: Significant holdings of work by author of The Prophet
• Regional Artists: Georgia and Savannah artists representing local traditions

The Rotunda Sculpture Gallery

The octagonal rotunda represents Telfair Academy's architectural and cultural heart. This stunning space houses the museum's sculpture collection, including:

• Classical Plaster Casts: 19th-century reproductions of ancient Greek and Roman masterpieces
• Octagonal Design: Eight-sided room creating dramatic spatial experience
• Domed Ceiling: Coffered dome with natural skylight illuminating sculptures
• Circular Arrangement: Sculptures positioned around perimeter for 360-degree viewing
• Educational Purpose: Cast collection served educational function when travel to Europe was rare
• Architectural Drama: Space itself constitutes artwork worthy of extended contemplation

Historic Period Rooms

Beyond gallery spaces, Telfair Academy preserves period rooms showing how the Telfair family lived:

• Dining Room: Elegant space with period furniture and decorative arts
• Drawing Rooms: Formal reception rooms displaying Regency-era sophistication
• Family Quarters: Private spaces revealing domestic life
• Original Furnishings: Telfair family furniture and objects
• Decorative Arts: Silver, ceramics, textiles representative of period taste
• Architectural Details: Original mantels, plasterwork, and architectural elements

Decorative Arts Collection

The museum houses significant decorative arts collections:

• American Silver: Important examples of American silversmithing
• Furniture: Period furniture representing American and European craftsmanship
• Ceramics & Porcelain: Fine china and pottery collections
• Glassware: Historical glass objects and decorative pieces
• Textiles: Period fabrics, clothing, and textile arts
• Clocks & Timepieces: Mechanical arts and decorative clocks

American Impressionism Highlights

Telfair Academy's American Impressionist collection represents museum strength, featuring works by leading practitioners of the movement who brought French Impressionist techniques to American subjects. These light-filled paintings depicting leisurely scenes, landscapes, and portraits demonstrate American artists' interpretation of Impressionist innovation. The collection provides excellent introduction to this important American art movement.

The "Bird Girl" Connection

Telfair Academy houses the famous "Bird Girl" statue that appeared on the cover of Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Originally located in Bonaventure Cemetery, the bronze sculpture by Sylvia Shaw Judson was moved to the museum for protection after the book's success brought crowds seeking to photograph it. The sculpture represents one of the most reproduced images associated with Savannah and demonstrates the intersection of art, literature, and popular culture.

Educational Programming

Telfair Academy offers extensive educational initiatives:

• Gallery Tours: Docent-led tours providing art historical context
• Art Classes: Studio instruction for all ages and abilities
• Lectures & Symposia: Scholarly presentations on art and architecture
• Family Programs: Interactive programs for children and families
• School Programs: Curriculum-aligned museum visits for students
• Special Events: Evening events, concerts, and cultural programs

First Friday Art Walk Participation

Telfair Academy participates in Savannah's monthly First Friday Art Walk with extended hours, special programming, and opportunities to explore collections in festive evening atmosphere. The museum becomes social gathering place during art walk, demonstrating museums' role as community cultural centers beyond daytime educational functions.

Part of Telfair Museums

Telfair Academy forms one third of Telfair Museums, which also includes the Jepson Center for the Arts (contemporary art and photography) and Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters (historic house museum). Combination tickets allow comprehensive museum experience spanning historic and contemporary art, architecture, and social history. Together, these three buildings offer unparalleled cultural resources showcasing Savannah's commitment to arts education and preservation.

Architecture & Art Integration

Telfair Academy demonstrates unique synthesis of architecture and art collection where historic building and artwork enrich each other. Viewing 19th-century American art within period Regency mansion creates contextual understanding impossible in modern museum buildings. The architecture itself constitutes artwork worthy of study alongside paintings and sculptures. This integration makes Telfair Academy distinctive among American art museums.

Planning Your Museum Visit

To maximize your Telfair Academy experience:

• Combination Tickets: Consider visiting all three Telfair Museums buildings for comprehensive experience
• Allow Adequate Time: Budget 1-2 hours for thorough exploration
• Guided Tours: Take advantage of expert docent tours for deeper understanding
• Rotunda Time: Spend extended time in spectacular sculpture gallery
• Period Rooms: Don't miss historic family rooms showing Telfair lifestyle
• First Friday: Experience museum during evening art walk for different atmosphere
• Museum Shop: Browse excellent selection of art books and gifts

Preservation & Stewardship

Telfair Museums maintains conservation standards ensuring long-term protection of building and collections. Ongoing preservation work, climate control, and professional care safeguard these irreplaceable cultural resources for future generations. The museum balances public access with conservation requirements, demonstrating responsible stewardship of public trust.

Pairing Museum with Theatre Evening

Telfair Academy provides ideal cultural enrichment before evening theatre. Spend afternoon exploring collections and architecture, walk through historic squares, enjoy early dinner, then attend New Oak Theatre performance. The combination creates comprehensive artistic day celebrating visual and performing arts. Mary Telfair's vision of cultural access finds modern expression in this pairing of museum and theatre—both art forms enriching Savannah's cultural life.