SCAD Museum of Art

SCAD Museum of Art

The Savannah College of Art and Design museum as seen from across MLK Jr. Boulevard.
Location within Georgia (U.S. state)
Established	2002
Location	601 Turner Blvd., Savannah, Georgia United States
Coordinates	32°04′38″N 81°05′55″W / 32.077347°N 81.09873°W / 32.077347; -81.09873
Type	Art museum
Website	SCAD Museum of Art

The SCAD Museum of Art was founded in 2002 as part of the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia and originally was known as the Earle W. Newton Center for British American Studies.

The museum's collection of more than 4,500 pieces includes works of haute couture, drawings, painting, sculpture, photography, prints and more.

The SCAD Museum of Art is a teaching museum, serving Savannah College of Art and Design students and as well as members of the community and other visitors. A focal point is the Walter O. Evans Center for African American Studies, a multidisciplinary center for the study, understanding and appreciation of African American culture, art and literature. It is complemented by the new André Leon Talley Gallery, named for the Vogue contributing editor and SCAD Board of Trustees member.

On Oct. 29, 2011 the SCAD Museum opened its doors to a new era, unveiling the most extensive rehabilitation project the university has undertaken since its inception. The revitalized museum features new galleries and classrooms, a 250-seat theater, a terrace and outdoor projection screen, a conservation studio, a museum café, as well as a 12-foot-long orientation touch table. An 86-foot-tall steel and glass lantern welcomes visitors and elegantly redefines the Savannah city skyline.

The museum originally was housed in an 1856 Greek Revival structure that was once home to the headquarters of the Central of Georgia Railway. This National Historic Landmark is the only surviving antebellum railroad complex in the country. Originally conceived as a major trade post for Savannah, the railroad complex was occupied by Union troops at the close of the Civil War. In the early 20th century, the area surrounding much of the Central of Georgia Railroad buildings emerged as an important African American commercial district and cultural hub, and remained so through the mid 20th century. Despite its prime location and significant pedigree, however, the complex was beset by five decades of neglect, and by the late 20th century the depot and its Savannah gray brick lay in ruins.

In 1992, SCAD acquired the deteriorating former railroad headquarters and began renovations. A year later, the building was dedicated to Virginia Kiah (1911–2001), a member of SCAD’s Board of Trustees and a pioneering African American female artist. Established in 2002 as the Earle W. Newton Center for British American Studies (named after the gift of a major collection of British and American art from Newton in 2001), the museum was renamed the SCAD Museum of Art in 2006, recognizing its expanding collections.