Telfair Museums, founded in 1883 through the bequest of prominent Savannah philanthropist Mary Telfair, is the oldest public art museum in the South. Located in the city's historic district, it encompasses three architecturally significant buildings: the Telfair Academy (formerly the family home and a National Historic Landmark building), the Owens-Thomas House (also a National Historic Landmark building), and the contemporary Jepson Center, completed in 2006.
The Telfair Academy was adapted to an art gallery in the 1880's and houses 19th and 20th -century American and European Art. The Owens-Thomas House is considered one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the country and features decorative art ranging from the late 18th to the early 19th century, including rare, intact urban slave quarters. The Jepson Center, crafted from glass and Portuguese marble, is devoted to the art of today.
