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 permanent 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.
History
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, 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, the museum was renamed the SCAD Museum of Art in 2006, recognizing its expanding collections. Further exterior renovations were completed in 2007 and 2008, including masonry repair, window restoration, drainage improvements and the replacement of the original 150-year-old roof. Today, the adjoining 1853 depot is the continued focus of SCAD’s most recent restoration efforts.
Expansion
Following a groundbreaking ceremony in January 2010, SCAD architects, designers and craftsmen integrated the building's history with its future, analyzing and reproducing key original components, down to the chemical compounds of the 19th-century mortar. At present, the museum is outfitted with low-energy-consuming light fixtures, zoned climate control, exterior cooling towers, low-flow plumbing fixtures for water-use reduction and low-emissivity glass on the south elevation. Landscape planning for the courtyard made use of xeriscape planning, porous paving materials and custom irrigation plans. Salvaged bricks and original heart pine timbers appear throughout the museum, as well as a majority of original high ceilings that allow for optimal temperature regulation and provide a dramatic background for the display and experience of art.
Earle W. Newton Center for British and American Studies
Created by Earle W. Newton in 2001, this collection of reference materials covers the interconnections between the two countries in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It also has several hundred portrait paintings by artists from both countries.
The SCAD Costume Collection
The SCAD Costume Collection includes garments donated by Cornelia Guest, daughter of fashion icon C.Z. Guest, and haute couture from Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta and Givenchy, among others.
The Modern and Contemporary Art Collection includes an array of Modern art works by major 19th- and 20th-century figures, from Goya and Renoir to Rauschenberg, Dalí and Picasso as well as contemporary works by artists such as Nicholas Hlobo, Yeondoo Jung, Wangechi Mutu, Yinka Shonibare MBE and Carrie Mae Weems.
The 19th- and 20th-century Photography Collection
The 19th- and 20th-century Photography Collection, featuring works by Cartier-Bresson, Mapplethorpe, Leibovitz and Warhol.
