Exploring Contemporary Art in Savannah, Georgia: Six Must-Visit Galleries

Savannah, Georgia may be renowned for its historic charm and moss-draped streets, but beneath that Southern Gothic beauty lies a vibrant hub of contemporary art. The city’s dynamic creative community is redefining what it means to make, view, and engage with art in the South. From daring installations to experimental curatorial spaces, Savannah’s art scene is pushing boundaries and inviting global dialogue. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, collector, or simply curious, these six galleries highlight the community’s commitment to forward-thinking artistic expression.

At the forefront of Savannah’s contemporary art landscape is the Jepson Center, a part of the esteemed Telfair Museums. This striking Moshe Safdie-designed building is a modern contrast to Savannah’s historic aesthetic and houses an ambitious collection of contemporary works. The museum presents exhibitions ranging from digital media to large-scale installation art, while its #art912 initiative keeps a spotlight on Savannah-based artists. Expect to see boundary-pushing pieces from both regional innovators and internationally acclaimed creators alike.

Laney Contemporary stands as a cultural powerhouse in Savannah’s current  art narrative. Founded by curator Susan Laney, the gallery occupies a light-filled, brutalist-style building and showcases work that spans photography, video, sculpture, textile, and painting. The focus here is unapologetically contemporary—with artists like Marcus Kenney and Jiha Moon tackling themes of identity, race, and history. With its impressive roster of artists and consistent presence at art fairs in New York and Miami, Laney Contemporary is a crucial link between Savannah’s regional identity and the broader global discourse in contemporary art.

If you’re seeking conceptual rigor and curatorial experimentation, Cleo delivers. This nonprofit gallery founded by curator Jeannette McCune operates as a living laboratory for contemporary ideas. With exhibitions featuring artists from around the globe, Cleo resists the commercial gallery model in favor of fostering deep, intellectual engagement. Its hybrid programming includes intimate artist talks, a curated art book library, and interactive installations, making it a must-visit for contemporary thinkers and makers.

A keystone in the city’s creative infrastructure, ARTS Southeast offers a compelling model for what a community-rooted contemporary art hub can look like. In addition to exhibitions in their two galleries, ARTS Southeast supports local artists through studios, residencies, publications, and retail-sales opportunities. Their rotating exhibitions and programming push traditional boundaries and reflect the evolving identity of contemporary Southern art.

Experimental and intimate, Gallery 2424 is a compact gallery space in the heart of Savannah’s spirited Starland neighborhood. Focused on emerging contemporary voices, the gallery offers a professional space to showcase ambitious artistic and curatorial ideas, often from SCAD students, faculty, and alumni. Inviting shows that benefit the broader Savannah community, Gallery 2424 provides a relaxed yet critically engaged platform for artists exploring everything from furniture design to environmental themes.

Blue Boy redefines the gallery experience with its alternative, DIY ethos. Housed in a converted backyard shed, this micro-gallery conceived and curated by Phillip McClure is a refreshing antidote to traditional or sterile exhibition environments. Characterized by a distinct emphasis on collaboration and experimentation, it’s shows are the site-specific result of months-long exchanges between artists and curator. Featuring emerging contemporary artists like Devin Balara whose work bridges disciplines and aesthetics, the gallery’s 0pening and closing events become opportunities for dialogue and discovery, embodying the essence of grassroots contemporary art movements.

Savannah’s contemporary art scene is bold, experimental, and deeply connected to the community. These galleries not only showcase visual art, but foster dialogue, spark imagination, and cultivate the next generation of creative voices. Whether you’re seeking socially engaged work, conceptual explorations, or interdisciplinary collaborations, Savannah offers a rich, evolving tapestry of contemporary expression.

At EMROSE projects, we understand the transformative power of thoughtfully curated art in public and private spaces alike. If you’re curious about how contemporary art can enliven your environment, let’s collaborate.

Connect with EMROSE projects to explore intentional art curation for your space.