Davenport House Museum. The only museum property owned by Historic Savannah Foundation.
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Davenport House Museum

4.6
·1k reviews·Savannah, United States

A meticulously restored Federal-style house, serving as a museum that chronicles early 19th-century life and Savannah's preservation history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours

CrowdLow
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Davenport House Museum. The only museum property owned by Historic Savannah Foundation.

Davenport House Museum

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more intimate tours

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A meticulously restored Federal-style house, serving as a museum that chronicles early 19th-century life and Savannah's preservation history.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"Our guide was very knowledgeable and polite. The tour was very interesting. It's a bit pricey but well worth it."

Vertical photo
TIP

Ask Questions! 🙋‍♀️

Guides are passionate and knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to ask questions; they love sharing details and making the tour engaging.

Check for Special Exhibits ✨

Look out for temporary exhibits like 'Old Chan Magic' or family-focused events.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Federal-Style Architecture

Federal-Style Architecture

Exterior and Interior

Admire the elegant Federal-style design, a testament to early 19th-century craftsmanship and a cornerstone of Savannah's architectural heritage.

Historically Accurate Furnishings

Historically Accurate Furnishings

Throughout the House

Step back in time with meticulously curated furnishings that authentically represent life in the 1820s. Each piece tells a story.

Enslaved Quarters Exhibit

Enslaved Quarters Exhibit

Basement

Gain a deeper understanding of the home's complex past with this poignant exhibit on the lives of enslaved individuals.

Instagram
The Garden

The Garden

Rear of the House

A charming oasis perfect for a moment of reflection or a picturesque backdrop for photos.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Tour in Advance

While walk-ins are sometimes possible, booking your tour for the Davenport House Museum ahead of time is recommended, especially during peak seasons. This ensures you get your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment. Check their website for tour schedules and ticketing options.

Explore the New Exhibits

Beyond the historic furnishings, the Davenport House Museum now features an expanded exhibit in the basement detailing the lives of enslaved people who worked there. This significant addition offers a more complete understanding of the house's history and is highly recommended by visitors. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon Tours
Why
Good for trolley ticket packages
Crowd
Medium
When
Special Event Days
Why
Unique exhibits and activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#nightvisitor #dropoff #mysteriouspackage #mysterious #secret #creepy #package #paranormal #museum #clown #creepyclown #scaryclown #savannahparanormalmuseum @Soucy Writer @Savannah Glamour @Justin #PremiereRush
@paranormal.museum
4.6K likes • 131.8K views

Ask Questions! 🙋‍♀️

Guides are passionate and knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to ask questions; they love sharing details and making the tour engaging. Reddit

Check for Special Exhibits ✨

Look out for temporary exhibits like 'Old Chan Magic' or family-focused events. Instagram+1

Our Jeffrey Dahmer items are now on display at @Graveface Museum in Savannah, GA! #jeffreydahmer #graveface #dahmer #museum #truecrime #oddities #fyp
@truecrimecollective
3.2K likes • 122.8K views
Opening Night of the Old Chan Magic exhibit. Learn more at the Davenport House Museum.
mayfieldmanorflowerfarm
8 likes • 282 views

Gift Shop Treasures 🎁

The gift shop features local art and historical books, perfect for souvenirs. Instagram

Parking Tips 🚗

Street parking in the neighborhood or nearby public lots/garages are available. Reddit

Fall Family Day at the Davenport House Museum was so fun! The kids enjoyed learning about the children who once lived in the house, they made beeswax candles, got their faces painted, and more! Plus, I finally got to see the completed basement dedicated to the enslaved people who once worked in the home. The Historic Savannah Foundation did a beautiful job on the restoration. Thank you Davenpor...
the.savannah.lady
16 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Ask Questions! 🙋‍♀️

Guides are passionate and knowledgeable. Don't hesitate to ask questions; they love sharing details and making the tour engaging. Reddit

Check for Special Exhibits ✨

Look out for temporary exhibits like 'Old Chan Magic' or family-focused events. Instagram+1

Gift Shop Treasures 🎁

The gift shop features local art and historical books, perfect for souvenirs. Instagram

Parking Tips 🚗

Street parking in the neighborhood or nearby public lots/garages are available. Reddit

Wear Comfy Shoes 👟

You'll be on your feet for the tour, so comfortable footwear is a must.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Davenport House Museum for its knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring history to life with passion and detail. The meticulously restored interiors and the significant addition of the enslaved quarters exhibit are highlighted as major draws, offering a comprehensive historical perspective. While some find the ticket price a bit high, most agree the experience is well worth the cost for its historical insights and its pivotal role in Savannah's preservation.

"Our guide was very knowledgeable and polite. The tour was very interesting. It's a bit pricey but well worth it. We enjoyed the tour very much. If you're into history, it's definitely a must-see."

Tina

"DELIGHTFUL!!! Visited 7/11/24 as part of our trolley ticket package. Beautifully built home that has withstood the ravages of time amazingly well. Tickets are purchased behind the home in a former pharmacy that’s now the visitor center and gift shop (ask to see the spot in the floor where the pharmacist always stood to fill prescriptions). If you’re early for your tour take time to read about Savannah in the visitors center and the amazing women who spearheaded the restoration effort of historical homes that had been headed for destruction, of which the Davenport was the first. The tour was about 90 minutes and really interesting. Park in the neighborhood street side or in a public lot/garage. Within walking distance to many other squares and homes to tour. Sunny miss this gem when visiting Savannah!"

Tracy Torbett

"We visited on 8/6/26 and it was our first house tour of the day. Susan, our docent, was excellent - knowledgeable, and friendly and did not rush us at all. This was my 3rd time in the House (I'm a local), but the first since the basement slave quarters were added to the tour, which is a notable addition. if you're trying to decide which House Tour to take, I highly recommend you start with the Davenport House Museum which has a special place in Savannah's restoration history and unique architecture."

Diane Weems

What People Like

Knowledgeable and engaging guides
Historically accurate interiors
Pivotal preservation history

What People Dislike

Ticket price

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Davenport House Museum is located in the heart of Savannah's historic district. It's easily accessible by foot if you're staying downtown. If driving, street parking is available in the neighborhood, or you can use nearby public parking lots and garages. Many trolley tours also include stops here. Reddit

Yes, street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood. There are also public parking lots and garages within walking distance. Reddit

Absolutely! If you're staying in Savannah's historic district, the Davenport House Museum is within easy walking distance of many hotels and attractions. It's a great way to experience the city's charm. Reddit

Yes, guided tours are the primary way to experience the Davenport House Museum. These tours are highly recommended for their informative and engaging nature. Reddit

Tours typically last around 90 minutes, allowing ample time to explore the house and ask questions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, and it's best to check the official Davenport House Museum website for the most current pricing. Some visitors mention it's a bit pricey but well worth the cost for the historical insights. Reddit

Tickets are typically purchased behind the home in the visitor center and gift shop, which was formerly a pharmacy. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during busy periods. Reddit

Special events like 'Super Museum Sunday' offer discounted or free admission to several historic homes, including the Davenport House Museum. Keep an eye out for such promotions. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the Davenport House Museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on tour times and operating hours. Reddit

While the historic nature of the house presents some challenges, inquire directly with the museum about accessibility for visitors with disabilities. The basement exhibit is a notable addition to the tour experience. Instagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

You'll see beautifully preserved rooms filled with historically accurate furnishings from the 1820s, showcasing Federal-style architecture. The tour also includes a significant exhibit on the lives of enslaved people who worked in the house. InstagramReddit

Yes, visitors consistently praise the engaging and knowledgeable tour guides who share fascinating stories and answer questions enthusiastically. Many find the experience fun and interactive. Reddit

The 'Old Chan Magic' exhibit is a temporary exhibition that has been featured at the Davenport House Museum, offering a unique cultural or historical perspective. Instagram

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with your tour guide or museum staff upon arrival regarding restrictions on interior photography. Instagram

The Davenport House was one of the first historic homes in Savannah to be restored, playing a pivotal role in the city's preservation movement. It offers a unique architectural style and a complex history. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Davenport House Museum itself does not typically offer food services. However, its central location in Savannah's historic district means numerous restaurants and cafes are within easy walking distance. Instagram

Yes, the museum is surrounded by a vibrant culinary scene. You'll find a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, just a short stroll away. Instagram

The garden is a beautiful space for photos and reflection, but typically not designated for dining. It's best to enjoy meals at nearby establishments. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior architecture, the charming garden, and the historically decorated interiors (if photography is permitted) offer excellent photo opportunities. Instagram

The Davenport House Museum garden is a popular and beautiful location for elopements and wedding photos. Inquire directly with the museum for their policies and booking information. Instagram

Photography rules can change. It's always best to confirm with your guide or museum staff upon arrival to ensure you're following their guidelines. Instagram

Visitors often capture the Federal-style architecture, the picturesque garden, and the detailed historical interiors. Elopement and wedding photography are also common. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Davenport House Museum can be a great experience for families. During special events like 'Fall Family Day,' children have enjoyed activities such as making beeswax candles and face painting, alongside learning about the children who lived in the house. Instagram The guides are often adept at making history engaging for younger audiences, answering questions with patience and enthusiasm. Reddit

It's worth checking the museum's schedule for any family-oriented programming. The historical context provides an educational opportunity, and the interactive elements during special events can make it particularly memorable for kids. The addition of the enslaved quarters exhibit also offers a chance to discuss important historical narratives in an age-appropriate manner. Instagram

💖 Couples & Elopements

For couples, the Davenport House Museum offers both historical charm and romantic potential. The beautifully preserved interiors and the picturesque garden provide a lovely setting for a visit. The garden, in particular, is a popular spot for elopements and intimate wedding ceremonies, offering a unique and memorable backdrop for starting a life together. Instagram

Consider visiting during a less crowded time for a more intimate experience. The historical narratives shared during the tour can also add a layer of depth to a romantic outing. Inquire with the museum directly about their policies and availability for hosting small events or photography sessions. Instagram

📚 History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find the Davenport House Museum a treasure trove of information. The meticulously restored Federal-style architecture and the historically accurate furnishings offer a vivid glimpse into early 19th-century life. The museum's role as a pioneer in Savannah's preservation movement adds another fascinating layer to its historical significance. Reddit

The knowledgeable guides are a major draw, providing in-depth details and context that satisfy even the most curious minds. The recent addition of the exhibit on enslaved people offers a crucial, often overlooked, perspective, making the historical narrative more complete and impactful. The gift shop also carries a selection of historical books, perfect for those who wish to delve deeper. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Preservation

The Davenport House Museum holds a special place in Savannah's history not just as a preserved home, but as a catalyst for the city's broader preservation movement. Built between 1815 and 1821, it was one of the first houses in Savannah to be saved from demolition and meticulously restored. This effort, spearheaded by the Historic Savannah Foundation, demonstrated the value of preserving the city's architectural heritage, inspiring countless other restoration projects. Reddit

Visitors often express admiration for the dedication involved in saving these historic structures. The museum's visitor center highlights the work of the women who championed these preservation efforts, offering a deeper appreciation for the historical context and the ongoing commitment to safeguarding Savannah's unique character. This makes a visit to the Davenport House Museum more than just a tour; it's an insight into the very soul of Savannah's historical consciousness. Reddit

Experiencing the Tour

The guided tours at the Davenport House Museum are consistently lauded for their quality. Guides are described as knowledgeable, passionate, and engaging, making the historical narratives come alive. They are adept at answering questions and often inject humor, ensuring a fun and memorable experience for all visitors. Reddit

Many visitors recommend starting their Savannah house tour experience with the Davenport House Museum due to its architectural significance and its pioneering role in preservation. The tour structure is thoughtfully designed, allowing ample time to absorb the details of the house and its history. The recent addition of the basement exhibit detailing the lives of enslaved people has been noted as a particularly impactful and important part of the tour, offering a more comprehensive and somber perspective on the home's past. InstagramReddit

The Davenport House Garden

The Davenport House Museum boasts a lovely garden that serves as a tranquil escape and a picturesque backdrop. While not a primary focus of the historical tour, the garden offers a moment of peace and beauty for visitors. It's a well-maintained space that complements the historic architecture of the house. Instagram

This garden has also become a sought-after location for special events, particularly elopements and intimate weddings. Its charm and historical setting make it an ideal spot for romantic ceremonies and photography. Couples looking for a unique and beautiful venue in Savannah often consider the Davenport House garden for their special day. Instagram

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