At 201 E 37th St in Savannah’s Thomas Square Historic District, this museum displays more than 1,000 works and objects from West and Central Africa. The collection spans 28 countries and 180 cultural groups, with carved figures, ceremonial masks, textiles, beadwork and sculptures among the pieces on view. Guided tours add context about the objects and the cultures behind them. Admission is free, and the museum occupies a welcoming converted residence. Set aside at least an hour to explore.
Art from across West and Central Africa
The museum’s collection contains more than 1,000 works and objects from West and Central Africa. It represents 28 countries and 180 cultural groups, bringing together pieces made for different purposes and in different materials. Carved wooden figures, pottery, metalwork, sculptures and ceremonial objects give the collection a broad range of forms.
Masks are among the objects to look for. Some are made with textiles and beadwork, while other pieces include thrones and sculptures from Cameroon and carved figures associated with the Lobi people. The displays offer a way to encounter the variety of artistic traditions represented in the collection, rather than treating African art as one single style.
Tours and context for the collection
Guided tours help explain the objects and their cultural and historical meanings. Tours focused on West African art run on the hour; Central African tours run on the half hour. If a tour is available during your visit, it can add context to pieces that might otherwise be difficult to interpret on your own.
The museum also hosts workshops on aspects of African art and history. One workshop topic has been the effects of enslavement on the Igbo people of Nigeria. For visitors unable to attend in person, virtual tours by Zoom are another way to explore the collection.
A museum in a converted residence
The collection is displayed in a converted historic residence in Savannah’s Thomas Square Historic District. Its domestic setting gives the visit a different scale from a large institutional gallery, with works arranged through the rooms of the house.
The museum focuses on art from West and Central Africa and the people and traditions connected to it. It is distinct from a museum centered on African American history, although the collection’s subjects can help prompt questions about African cultural influence and connections to Savannah.
FAQ
Is admission to Savannah African Art Museum free?
Yes, the museum has free admission.
How long should I spend at the museum?
Plan for at least an hour. Allow up to two hours if you want more time with the collection and a guided tour.
Does the museum offer guided tours?
Yes. West African art tours run on the hour, and Central African tours run on the half hour.
Can I take a virtual tour?
Yes, virtual tours by Zoom are available.
