The American Prohibition Museum — No Secret Password Required
August 16th, 2024
Opened in May 2017, the nation’s only prohibition museum was originally planned to be about 4,500 square feet. What started out as just exhibition space, expanded into an 6,000 square foot immersive experience with 13 different galleries, four unique vintage car displays, an authentic speakeasy, an active theater, and more. As if that weren’t reason enough to visit, the museum is nestled in the heart of Savannah’s bustling City Market with plenty of fun attractions all its own.
Immerse Yourself in American History
The American Prohibition Museum offers 45-minute fully guided group or individual tours led by authentically-costumed guides who are experts on America’s dry spell and all its scandals. You’ll tour through nearly 1,000 artifacts and propaganda throughout 13 different galleries. Immerse yourself in the era through video displays and interactive experiences, including more than 35 lifelike wax figures. You’ll also have the chance to learn how to dance the Charleston from one of the museum’s flapper girls! Once you’ve worked up a thirst, take your cocktail or mocktail ticket and head over to the speakeasy.
Name Your Poison
Congress Street Up is the museum’s swanky speakeasy complete with decor straight out of the 1920s — a tin punch ceiling, parquet floors, Jazz Age music, and costumed bartenders.
All of their cocktails can be traced back directly to the Prohibition (they also serve beer and wine). The museum offers a two-hour cocktail class, a tasty hands-on experience where you can enjoy snacks as you learn to make cocktails and the history behind them. Visitors leave with new-found knowledge of American history, fancy new bartending skills, and free museum SWAG!
When you’ve completed your tour at the museum, step outside into the hustle and bustle of Savannah City Market.
Explore the Heart of Savannah’s Historic District
Located between iconic Franklin and Ellis Squares, Savannah City Market dates all the way back to the 1700s, before the Civil War. Stroll along city blocks that resonate with its history which included a thriving seafood market, horseshoeing businesses, tradesmen, and merchants and proprietors peddling to market goers.
City Market remains just as spirited today. Visitors flock to the area for the food — from fine dining to casual pub fare and everything in between. Grab a drink to go and sip as you explore the quaint boutiques, art galleries, and gift shops offering one-of-a-kind specialties like homemade candy, hand-woven silks, beef jerky, and locally-crafted jewelry.
You’ll love living at Savannah Quarters because of its close proximity to vibrant, educational, and social experiences like the American Prohibition Museum and Savannah City Market. And after a busy day of exploring, come home to the tranquility and southern charm that’s truly in the heart of it all.
Resource links:
America’s Only Prohibition Museum
Savannah City Market
