Savannah College of Art and Design does not really have a traditional campus.
That is one of the first things visitors notice.
There is no single gate separating the university from Savannah.
Instead, SCAD buildings are woven throughout the city.
Historic structures become classrooms.
Old warehouses become studios.
Students move between streets and squares that tourists travel thousands of miles to see.
If you are visiting SCAD, you are also visiting Savannah.
When Was SCAD Founded?
SCAD was founded in 1978 by Richard G. Rowan, Paula Wallace, May L. Poetter and Paul E. Poetter.
The school purchased the former Savannah Volunteer Guard Armory in 1979, renovated it and began holding classes there.
Today that building is known as Poetter Hall.
How Large Is SCAD's Savannah Campus?
Large—but not in the way you might expect.
SCAD says its Savannah location now includes nearly 70 buildings spread throughout the city.
Many have been adapted from existing historic structures.
That makes the city itself part of the campus experience.
For prospective students, seeing SCAD means seeing Savannah at the same time.
What Should Prospective Students Do During a SCAD Visit?
Start with the official visit.
See the facilities.
Ask questions.
Explore the program you are considering.
But do not leave immediately afterward.
Walk Bull Street.
Spend time in the squares.
See where students eat, study and spend time when they are not in class.
Savannah is not background scenery for SCAD.
It is part of what living there would actually feel like.
Don't Miss Poetter Hall
Poetter Hall at 342 Bull Street is especially useful for understanding SCAD's story.
Originally built in 1892 as the Savannah Volunteer Guard Armory, it became SCAD's first building in 1979.
Today it remains an active part of the university and houses experiences including shopSCAD, where artwork and designs from SCAD students, faculty, staff and alumni are sold.
Where Should You Stay When Visiting SCAD?
If SCAD brings you to Savannah, staying in the Historic District lets you experience the same city the university inhabits.
Hamilton-Turner Inn sits on Lafayette Square in a mansion built in 1873.
That means your hotel becomes part of the architectural experience too.
Walk out in the morning into one of Savannah's famous squares.
Visit SCAD.
Explore Bull Street.
Have dinner downtown.
Then come back to an inn that was already standing more than a century before SCAD opened its doors.
A College Visit That Feels Like a Trip
Maybe you are a prospective student.
A parent.
An alum.
A guest lecturer.
Or someone coming to Savannah for a SCAD event.
Whatever the reason, do not reduce the visit to the inside of a classroom.
SCAD and Savannah grew together in an unusual way.
See both.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting SCAD Savannah
When was SCAD founded?
SCAD was incorporated in 1978, and its first Savannah classes were held in 1979.
Where is SCAD's main Savannah building?
Poetter Hall is located at 342 Bull Street and was the first building acquired by SCAD.
Is SCAD one traditional campus?
No. Its Savannah location includes nearly 70 buildings distributed throughout the city.
Can visitors tour SCAD?
Yes. SCAD offers campus visits and admissions events for prospective students.
