The Savannah History Museum is a regional history museum housed within the historic Central of Georgia Railway Passenger Depot in Savannah, Georgia. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical visitor tips.
This guide was updated in March 2026 to reflect current opening hours and ticket prices.
Quick facts about the Savannah History Museum
| Quick facts | Details |
| Opening hours | Monday to Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Ticket prices | Adults $12, Children (3–12) $8 |
| Address | 303 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Nearest public transport or parking | Savannah Visitor Center Parking Garage |
| Typical time needed to visit | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Savannah History Museum opening hours
The Savannah History Museum is open seven days a week from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
These core operating hours remain consistent throughout the year, with no seasonal variations. The facility only closes entirely on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Why book the Savannah Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tour?
- 🚋 15 Strategic Stops: Explore Savannah’s Historic District at your own pace with a route that hits all the major landmarks, including Forsyth Park, City Market, and River Street.
- 🎤 Live Narrated History: Enjoy entertaining and educational stories from expert guides who bring the “Hostess City of the South” to life with tales of its architecture, history, and famous residents.
- 🕰️ Full Day of Exploration: With a single ticket, you can hop on and off as many times as you like, allowing you to spend more time at the shops, museums, and squares that interest you most.
- 🌳 Iconic Garden Squares: Get convenient access to many of Savannah’s 22 historic squares, known for their lush greenery, statues, and moss-draped live oaks.
- 🚌 Frequent Trolley Service: Relax knowing that trolleys run regularly throughout the day, so you’ll never have to wait long to continue your journey through one of America’s most beautiful cities.
Savannah History Museum ticket prices
Adult tickets cost $12, and tickets for children aged 3 to 12 cost $8. Infants under three years of age enter for free. Under the CHS All In programme (part of the national Museums for All initiative), families receiving SNAP, EBT, or WIC benefits are granted free admission upon presenting valid proof of assistance.
The Savannah History Museum is operated by the Coastal Heritage Society and is included in their “See 3 Pass.” This multi-attraction ticket allows visitors to access any three of the society’s regional sites over three days. It’s a cost-effective option if you also plan to visit the nearby Georgia State Railroad Museum or Old Fort Jackson.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in March 2026.
Why book the Savannah TourPass?
- 🚋 Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley: Includes a comprehensive sightseeing trolley tour, making it easy to navigate the city’s iconic historic squares and moss-draped streets at your own pace.
- 🏛️ 30+ Top Attractions: Gain access to Savannah’s premier sites, including historic house museums like the Andrew Low House and world-class art at the Telfair Academy.
- ⛴️ Savannah Riverboat Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Savannah River to see the city’s historic waterfront and busy port from a unique perspective.
- 👻 Guided History & Ghost Tours: Choose from a variety of walking tours that explore the city’s deep history, beautiful architecture, and famous haunted legends.
- 💰 Exceptional Value: Save up to 40% or more on combined admission fees compared to purchasing individual tickets at the gate for each attraction.
How to get to the Savannah History Museum
The attraction is located in Tricentennial Park, situated on the western edge of Savannah’s primary historic downtown district. Because it shares a building with the Savannah Visitor Information Center, it serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the city.
For visitors using public transport, Chatham Area Transit (CAT) operates the free “dot” shuttle service. This runs throughout the downtown historic district and stops just a short walk from the museum’s entrance.
5 great Savannah experiences to book
- 🚋 Take a trolley tour with a twist – the Savannah for Morons comedy tour.
- 🕯️ On a candlelit ghost tour, discover Savannah’s haunted history.
- 🌳 See the famous trees of Bonaventure Cemetery on a golf cart tour.
- 🐬 Head to Tybee Island on a day tour – with a dolphin cruise thrown in.
- 🍽️ Taste the flavours of the South on a food tour and historic pub crawl.
Parking at the Savannah History Museum
The most convenient parking option is the large, multi-story Savannah Visitor Center Parking Garage, located directly behind the museum building. This covered city-operated garage charges a reasonable hourly fee and keeps your vehicle cool during the hot summer months.
Alternative metered street parking is available along Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd and nearby Liberty Street. However, these spots fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons.
How long to spend at the Savannah History Museum
Most visitors require between one and a half and two hours to fully explore the museum. This provides enough time to read through the chronologically arranged exhibits, view the historic artefacts, and participate in one of the scheduled educational talks.
Accessibility at the Savannah History Museum
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. There is a ramp located in the main lobby, and a wheelchair lift is available to help visitors navigate the slight level changes within the historic depot building.
Accessible public restrooms are provided on-site. The adjacent Battlefield Memorial Park features paved walkways that are easy to navigate with mobility aids.
Inside / what to see at the Savannah History Museum
The museum displays more than 10,000 artefacts that trace the city’s timeline from its founding by General James Oglethorpe in 1733 through to the modern era.
Pop culture fans will recognise the museum’s most famous artefact. It’s the actual park bench used by Tom Hanks in the 1994 film Forrest Gump. While you cannot sit on the bench, it remains a highly popular photo opportunity. Other cultural highlights include the Academy Award won by Savannah-born lyricist Johnny Mercer and a carriage belonging to Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts.
The exhibits also delve into the region’s industrial and military history. Displays cover the invention of the cotton gin, the impact of the Central of Georgia Railway (complete with an early 20th-century steam locomotive on display), and the painful realities of the local slave trade.
Included in the price of admission are the Loyalists & Liberty Battlefield Tours. These guided programmes start inside the museum and conclude just across the street at Battlefield Memorial Park, finishing with an interactive musket firing demonstration that highlights Savannah’s role in the American Revolution.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip category | Advice |
| Timing | Check the daily schedule upon arrival to align your visit with the Loyalists & Liberty guided tours and musket demonstrations. |
| Crowds | As it shares a lobby with the Visitor Center, the entrance can feel busy in the mornings, but the galleries themselves are spacious. |
| Layout | The exhibits follow a chronological path, taking you step-by-step through the different eras of Savannah’s development. |
| Entry process | Advance online booking is not required; tickets can easily be purchased at the admissions desk. |
| On-site logistics | You are welcome to take photos for personal use, but flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the delicate historical artefacts. |
Frequently asked questions about the Savannah History Museum
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Savannah History Museum suitable for children? | Yes, the museum features engaging displays and the musket firing is exciting, though the adjacent Children’s Museum is best for toddlers. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for the Savannah History Museum? | No, general admission can be purchased on arrival at the front desk. |
| Is the Savannah History Museum open on Sundays? | Yes, the standard Sunday opening hours are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. |
| Are bags allowed at the Savannah History Museum? | Yes, standard day bags and backpacks are permitted in the galleries. |
Things to do near the Savannah History Museum
- Georgia State Railroad Museum: Located practically next door, this massive historic rail yard features fully preserved trains and offers short train rides.
- Savannah Children’s Museum: An interactive, entirely outdoor play space built within the ruins of the old railway carpentry shop.
- SCAD Museum of Art: A contemporary art and design museum operated by the Savannah College of Art and Design, located just down the street.
- Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum: A museum housed in the elegant William Scarbrough House, exhibiting models of historic ships and maritime antiques.
- Forsyth Park: Savannah’s famous 30-acre public park, known for its iconic 19th-century cast-iron fountain and Spanish moss-draped oak trees.
