Mercer Williams House Museum

Explore the Historic Mercer-Williams House

A visit to Savannah would be incomplete without a stop at the Mercer-Williams House. Originally commissioned by Gen. Hugh W. Mercer, the great-grandfather of famed lyricist Johnny Mercer, this house gained its fame from its later owner, Jim Williams. Williams, a well-known Savannah antiques dealer, became the central figure in John Berendt's best-selling book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," due to a shooting incident that occurred in the house in 1981. Visitors are welcome to explore the ornately decorated ground floor, filled with 18th- and 19th-century furnishings, Chinese porcelain, and portraits from the 1700s, although the upstairs remains off-limits.

Visitor Experience

Many recent visitors have found the tour of the Mercer-Williams House to be highly enjoyable, especially for fans of the book. However, they noted that photography is prohibited both inside the house and in the garden. Additionally, as the residence is still partially occupied by family members, only the ground floor is accessible to the public.

The Mercer-Williams House Museum is conveniently located just two blocks north of Forsyth Park's Gaston Street entrance in Savannah's Historic District.

Hours and Tickets

The museum welcomes visitors Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tours available from 10:30 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. On Sundays, it's open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with tours running from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online and are priced at $13.50 for adults and $9 for students, while children under 7 can enter for free. Note that operating hours may vary during the winter and on certain holidays, so it's advisable to call ahead to confirm the schedule before planning your visit. For more detailed information, visit the official website.