Maritime museum and historic house

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

About 0.7 mi north through downtown Savannah

Continue Savannah’s transportation story inside the 1819 Scarbrough House, where ship models, maritime art, Atlantic-trade artifacts, changing exhibits, and formal gardens complement the railroad museum.

The place

About Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum

Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum presents Savannah’s maritime history through ship models, paintings, and artifacts associated with 18th- and 19th-century Atlantic trade. The collection turns the city’s waterfront economy into a useful counterpart to the rail shops that moved people and freight inland.

The museum occupies the William Scarbrough House, built in 1819 for a principal owner of the steamship Savannah. English architect William Jay designed the house, now recognized as an early Southern example of Greek Revival architecture and a National Historic Landmark.

The restored house and galleries are paired with formal gardens. A focused self-guided visit takes at least an hour, but architecture, changing exhibitions, the gift shop, and outdoor paths can extend the stop.

Accessibility varies by level in the historic building. The gardens and main exhibition floor have accessible routes, including a lift under the south porch, while the second floor and basement are stair-only.

What stands out

Connect rail and maritime trade

Compare how Savannah’s port and rail terminal worked together to move cargo through the region.

Study the ship-model collection

Models, paintings, and maritime antiques emphasize the vessels and commerce of Atlantic trade.

Read the Scarbrough House

The 1819 Greek Revival house connects steamship wealth, architecture, education, preservation, and museum history.

Slow down in the gardens

Formal paths, planting beds, and outdoor rooms provide a quieter contrast to the railroad museum’s industrial grounds.

Pair it with the train

Why it belongs in a Georgia State Railroad Museum trip

Walk about three-quarters of a mile north from Georgia State Railroad Museum along Savannah’s west-side historic corridor. This is a separate independent museum with its own admission; allow 15-20 minutes each way and protect the railroad museum’s closing time if you plan to return.

Before you go

Plan your visit

  • HoursOpen daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; last admission 4:30 p.m.; numerous holiday closures are published
  • Admission$17.50 adults; $14.50 students and qualifying seniors or military; free age 5 and under; family and group options available
  • PaymentCashless; credit, debit, and contactless payment accepted
  • Time blockAllow at least one hour for galleries and gardens; longer for architecture or a changing exhibition
  • Walk from the railroad museumAbout 0.7 mi north; budget 15-20 minutes in Savannah heat or rain
  • ParkingFree guest lot on the south side of the building, including four accessible spaces
  • AccessibilityGardens and main floor accessible by ramps and an 800-lb lift; second floor and basement are stair-only
  • Photography and eventsSpecial events can alter access or parking; check the live calendar before visiting

Return to the railroad museum guide

Add Georgia State Railroad Museum

Check whether a Site Tour by Train is scheduled, collect any first-come boarding pass, and allow for the outdoor historic-shop complex.

View the guide →

Useful answers

Frequently asked questions

What are Ships of the Sea’s current hours?

The official visitor page lists daily hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. It also lists multiple holiday closures, so recheck the date.

How much is admission?

Published walk-up categories include $17.50 adults, $14.50 students and qualifying seniors or military, free admission for children age 5 and under, plus family and group options.

Is the museum cashless?

Yes. The museum accepts credit, debit, and contactless payment for admission and gift-shop purchases.

How far is it from Georgia State Railroad Museum?

It is about a three-quarter-mile walk north along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, typically 15-20 minutes.

How much time should I allow?

The museum recommends at least one hour for a self-guided visit through the galleries and gardens.

Is the historic house wheelchair accessible?

The gardens and main floor have accessible routes, including an 800-pound lift. The second floor and basement are accessible only by stairs.

Is parking available?

Yes. A free guest lot sits south of the building and includes curb cuts and four accessible spaces.

Why pair a maritime museum with a railroad museum?

Together they explain two connected transportation systems behind Savannah’s growth: its Atlantic port and its rail links into Georgia’s interior.

Trust and accuracy

Sources

Source checked 2026-08-25. This free guide has not yet been confirmed by the venue. Current hours, prices, services, and accessibility can change; confirm time-sensitive details directly.