Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) | Savannah

Information

Landmark: Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
City: Savannah
Country: USA Georgia
Continent: North America

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Savannah, USA Georgia, North America

The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is an art and design university located in Savannah, Georgia, USA.

The institution operates across multiple historic buildings within the city's downtown district.

Visual Characteristics

SCAD's campus comprises numerous historic structures, primarily 19th-century Greek Revival and Victorian-era buildings. Materials include brick, stucco, and stone. Building heights vary, with most being two to four stories. Architectural details often feature ornate cornices, large windows, and decorative ironwork. Color palettes range from muted historical tones to brighter, contemporary accents on specific facilities.

Location & Access Logistics

SCAD's main campus is situated within the historic district of Savannah, Georgia. Key buildings are concentrated between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Abercorn Street, and from Gaston Street to Hull Street. Access is via US-17 (President Street) or I-16 East. Parking is limited and primarily available in designated SCAD lots or paid public garages, such as the Whitaker Street Garage. Public transport options include Chatham Area Transit (CAT) bus lines, with routes serving the downtown area.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The SCAD campus is composed of buildings with individual historical origins, many dating back to the mid-to-late 19th century. These structures originally served various purposes, including residences, commercial establishments, and educational institutions before being acquired and renovated by SCAD starting in 1978. The land itself is part of the coastal plain of Georgia, characterized by sandy soil and a humid subtropical climate.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the SCAD Museum of Art, which features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. The university also hosts public lectures, film screenings, and student exhibitions. Walking tours of the campus architecture are available. Specific academic facilities, such as the digital media labs or fashion studios, are generally not open to the public without prior arrangement.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the SCAD Museum of Art and other public-facing buildings. Shade is provided by mature trees in some campus courtyards. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the downtown area. Food vendors and restaurants are abundant in the surrounding historic district, with some campus dining facilities accessible to the public.

Best Time to Visit

For photography of the architecture, early morning or late afternoon light offers optimal illumination. The best months for visiting Savannah are typically March through May and September through November, offering moderate temperatures. Specific SCAD events may have designated visiting hours.

Facts & Legends

One of SCAD's most notable buildings, the former Central of Georgia Railway passenger station, is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a station master who died on duty. The university has integrated many historically significant buildings into its academic and residential functions, preserving architectural heritage.