Oglethorpe Square is one of Savannah’s six original colonial squares established in the mid-18th century. Many of the buildings around the square were designed in the Greek revival style in the mid-19th century. This popular public square is devoted to the founder of Savannah, James Oglethorpe.
Admire the Owens-Thomas House at the eastern border of the square, considered one of the finest examples of English Regency architecture in the city. The Owens-Thomas House was designed by renowned English architect William Jay and built in the early 19th century. This mansion is one of the three Telfair Museums sites and features a stunning decorative arts collection. View American and European objects dating to the mid-19th century.
Oglethorpe Square is near many other Savannah attractions, including a large city park with sporting areas and grassy lawns, a French Gothic style-cathedral and many other buildings of historic and architectural significance. Colonial Park Cemetery is considered one of the important aspects of historic Savannah. Walk to this beautiful cemetery from Oglethorpe Square in less than 5 minutes. Notice the wrought iron fences surrounding thousands of gravestones. This cemetery features the burial site of Button Gwinnett, a signee of the Declaration of Independence.
Find the Jepson Center for the Arts and see installation art pieces and traveling modern art exhibits just a short walk from the square. This contemporary art gallery is operated by Telfair Museums and features a large interactive gallery for children and families. See artworks by influential modern artists, such as Richard Avedon, Jasper Johns, Chuck Close and Roy Lichtenstein.
Oglethorpe Square is located in historic downtown Savannah. If you drive here, use meter-operated street parking around the square. Many of Savannah’s outdoor city squares and parks are free to visit however, museums and art galleries in the precinct have individual admission fees.
Enjoy a picnic in Oglethorpe Square after exploring museums, art galleries and other city squares in Savannah’s historic downtown area.
