Mercer-Williams House Museum
Historic Italianate mansion famous for its role in 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,' filled with antiques.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour
Mercer-Williams House Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tour

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Italianate mansion famous for its role in 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,' filled with antiques.
"A must-see for history buffs and fans of the book/movie, offering a captivating glimpse into Savannah's past."
📚 Buy the Book!
Many visitors purchase the book at the gift shop for an iconic souvenir.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
Easily accessible on foot from Forsyth Park and other Savannah attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Interior
First Floor
Explore rooms filled with antiques, portraits, and Chinese porcelain, showcasing Jim Williams' exquisite taste.

The Infamous Story
Throughout the house
Discover the true events behind 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' and its cinematic adaptation.

The Gift Shop
Ground Floor
Browse a delightful selection of items, including books related to the house's history and local art.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Story
Photography Restrictions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Buy the Book!
Many visitors purchase the book at the gift shop for an iconic souvenir.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
Easily accessible on foot from Forsyth Park and other Savannah attractions.
⏳ Tour Length
Tours are about 30-45 minutes, focusing on the first floor.
💰 Worth the Price
Considered well worth the admission for history buffs and fans of the book/movie.
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Buy the Book!
Many visitors purchase the book at the gift shop for an iconic souvenir.
🚶♀️ Walkable Location
Easily accessible on foot from Forsyth Park and other Savannah attractions.
⏳ Tour Length
Tours are about 30-45 minutes, focusing on the first floor.
💰 Worth the Price
Considered well worth the admission for history buffs and fans of the book/movie.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mercer Williams House Museum for its knowledgeable and engaging guides, who bring the house's history and famous story to life. The beautiful interiors filled with antiques are a major draw, though the no-photography rule is a common point of disappointment. Despite only touring the first floor, most find the experience well worth the admission price.
"Loved our tour guide! He was so fun and energetic while also being very knowledgeable. The house is beautiful! I was so sad to learn you can’t take pictures inside but I respect the rules either way. It was such a good experience and I would do it again! I bought the book at the gift shop just because it felt very iconic to do so! ❤️"
Wendy M
"Our guide was just great
All original furniture and artifacts. Its at least 3 stories but since family still lives at the house you only get to enjoy a portion of the 1st floor.
Its still well worth the time (30 to 45 mins) and price.
The ladies seemed to enjoy the large gift shop"
Bob Levin
"Visiting this lovely home as mentioned in the book and seen in the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, was so intriguing. Our guide was very informative and shared very interesting details . The home and garden is so very beautiful. Picture taking inside is not permitted. There is also a delightful gift store."
Shelly S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mercer Williams House Museum is located on Monterey Square in Savannah, Georgia. It's easily walkable from other popular spots like Forsyth Park and the historic district. Many visitors find it convenient to include in a walking tour of Savannah.
Street parking is available in the vicinity of Monterey Square, but it can be competitive, especially during peak tourist seasons. Consider using a parking garage in the historic district and walking to the museum.
While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the museum, Savannah's public transportation system can get you close to the historic district, from where you can walk. Savannah Trolley Tours also often include stops nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission for the tour is typically around $13.50 per person. Many visitors find this price to be very reasonable for the experience.
While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to secure your preferred tour time.
The museum typically operates during standard daytime hours, but it's always best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current operating schedule.
Tours are the primary way to experience the Mercer Williams House Museum, as they provide historical context and access to the interior.
Due to the historic nature of the building, accessibility can be limited. Tours primarily focus on the first floor, which may be more accessible. It's advisable to contact the museum directly to inquire about specific accessibility needs.
📸 📸 Photography
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Mercer Williams House Museum and its garden. This is because the family still resides in the upper floors.
Generally, you can take photos of the exterior of the house from the street. However, be mindful of the private residence aspect and avoid intrusive photography.
The best exterior shots can be captured from Monterey Square, offering a good perspective of the grand facade.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Mercer Williams House Museum is famously known as the setting for the events depicted in the book and movie 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.'
The guided tours typically last between 30 to 45 minutes, focusing on the history and artifacts of the first floor.
You'll see a portion of the first floor, which is beautifully furnished with antiques, portraits, and Chinese porcelain collected by Jim Williams.
Yes, there is a delightful gift shop located on the ground floor, offering books, local art, and souvenirs.
Yes, the upper floors of the Mercer Williams House Museum are still a private residence for Jim Williams' family, which is why interior photography is not permitted.
🎫 📚 Books & Media
The Mercer Williams House Museum is the actual location where the infamous murder occurred, which is central to the plot of John Berendt's best-selling book and Clint Eastwood's film adaptation.
Yes, the museum's gift shop typically carries copies of 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,' making it a popular purchase for visitors.
Yes, significant portions of the movie, including many interior and exterior scenes, were filmed at the Mercer Williams House Museum.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider preparing children by sharing age-appropriate summaries of the house's history or the book's themes beforehand. The gift shop offers a chance for kids to pick out a souvenir, and the exterior of the house provides a good photo opportunity.
📚 Book & Movie Buffs
Don't miss the opportunity to purchase a copy of the book or related merchandise from the gift shop. Many visitors find that touring the house enhances their understanding and enjoyment of both the book and the film adaptation, making it a highlight of their Savannah trip.
🏛️ History & Architecture Enthusiasts
Guides provide detailed information about the provenance of the artifacts and the historical context of the house's construction and ownership. It's a chance to step back in time and experience the elegance and style of a bygone era, making it a highly rewarding visit for anyone interested in historical preservation and design.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind the Walls
Visitors often come with a keen interest in this narrative, and the guided tours do an excellent job of weaving together the house's historical significance with the compelling, albeit dark, story that made it famous. The tour focuses on the first floor, which is still furnished with an impressive collection of antiques, portraits, and Chinese porcelain, reflecting Williams' passion for preservation and collecting.
It's important to remember that while the house is a museum, it also remains a private residence for Jim Williams' family on the upper floors. This is why photography is not permitted inside, a rule that, while disappointing for some, is understandable and respected by most visitors. The experience is about immersing yourself in the atmosphere and history, rather than capturing it through a lens.
Navigating the Tour and Experience
Since only the first floor is accessible to the public, the tour offers a curated glimpse into the grandeur of the home. The collection of 17th and 18th-century items, including exquisite antiques, portraits, and Chinese porcelain, provides a rich visual experience. The guides are adept at highlighting the provenance and significance of these pieces, making the tour valuable for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
After the tour, many visitors head to the gift shop, which is a popular spot for purchasing Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil or other mementos. The overall consensus is that the tour, despite its brevity and focus on a single floor, offers significant value and is a must-do for anyone visiting Savannah interested in its unique history and cultural touchstones.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit