How long does it take to walk the SCAD campus area?

The full route takes approximately 2 to 3 hours depending on how long you spend inside the museum and cafes. The walking distance between the stops is about 1.5 miles in total.

Is the SCAD Museum of Art worth visiting?

Yes, it is highly recommended for its award-winning architecture and world-class contemporary exhibitions. It is housed in the oldest surviving antebellum railroad depot in the US, making it a double attraction for art and history fans.

Can I go inside all the SCAD buildings?

While public spaces like the SCAD Museum of Art, Gryphon Tea Room, shopSCAD, and Art's Cafe are open to everyone, many academic buildings require a student ID for entry. You can always admire the historic facades from the sidewalk.

Where is the best place to buy local art in Savannah?

shopSCAD is the premier destination for local art, featuring work exclusively by SCAD students, alumni, and faculty. It offers a wide range of unique items from jewelry to fine art.

Is the SCAD Trail family-friendly?

Yes, kids usually enjoy the immersive elements of SCAD Story and the double-decker bus inside Art's Cafe. The walk is manageable for families, though be mindful of traffic on Broughton Street.

What is the most historic SCAD building?

Poetter Hall is considered the most historic in the college's context as it was the first building purchased in 1978. However, the SCAD Museum of Art occupies a structure dating back to 1853.

When is the best time to see student life in Savannah?

Weekday mornings and afternoons during the spring and fall semesters are ideal. You will see students moving between classes and working in the cafes, giving you a true sense of the campus energy.

The SCAD Trail: Art, Design, and Campus Life | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Savannah is a city where history breathes through Spanish moss, but its modern heartbeat is driven by the Savannah College of Art and Design. This self-guided walking tour Savannah offers allows you to explore the SCAD Trail, a journey through the West Side and Downtown that reveals how a fledgling art school transformed a crumbling historic district into a global hub for creativity. As you navigate this walking route, you’ll encounter some of the most impressive adaptive reuse projects in the United States, where 19th-century railway depots and abandoned department stores have been reborn as world-class museums and libraries. This isn't just a look at a campus; it’s an exploration of how design can revitalize an entire urban landscape. Highlights include the SCAD Museum of Art, housed in the oldest surviving antebellum railroad depot in the country, and Poetter Hall, the very first building where the SCAD dream began. Along the way, you can browse student-made treasures at shopSCAD or enjoy the quiet elegance of the Gryphon Tea Room, a former 1920s apothecary. This neighborhood stroll offers a unique perspective on Savannah’s evolution, blending the charm of the Old South with the avant-garde energy of the next generation of artists. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast, an art lover, or a curious traveler, this self-guided adventure provides the flexibility to linger in galleries or grab a coffee at a quirky student haunt. Discover the hidden stories behind the brick facades and see why this is one of the most creative ways to experience a walking tour Savannah visitors can find. Explore at your own pace and witness how art and design have become the lifeblood of this coastal gem. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Tour Highlights & Things to See

The award-winning SCAD Museum of Art architecture
Afternoon tea in a 1920s mahogany-paneled apothecary
The immersive 4D history experience at SCAD Story
Unique student and alumni artwork at shopSCAD
The historic birthplace of the college at Poetter Hall
A bright red double-decker bus inside Art's Cafe

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (7)

1

SCAD Museum of Art

Begin your self-guided adventure at the SCAD Museum of Art, a premier contemporary art institution. This building is a masterpiece of adaptive reuse, constructed within the gray brick shell of an 1853 railway depot. Look up at the 86-foot high steel and glass lantern tower that marks the entrance. The museum holds the Walter O. Evans Center for African American Studies and features a rotating roster of international artists. Because the exhibits change frequently, every visit offers a new perspective on modern design. The architecture itself won an American Institute of Architects National Honor Award for its seamless blend of 19th-century industrial history and 21st-century minimalism.

2

The Gryphon Tea Room

Walk toward Madison Square to find The Gryphon Tea Room, located in the 1926 Scottish Rite Temple. This space is a time capsule of early 20th-century elegance. Originally an apothecary, the interior retains its original hand-carved mahogany bookshelves, Tiffany-style stained glass, and white marble floors. It is now operated by SCAD and serves as a sophisticated dining room where students and locals mingle over tea and scones. The atmosphere is quiet and studious, reflecting the intellectual spirit of the surrounding campus. Take a moment to admire the intricate woodwork and the historical emblems embedded in the architecture before continuing your stroll.

3

SCAD Story

Just steps away is SCAD Story, an immersive experience that brings the college's history to life. This isn't your typical museum display; it’s a 4D journey through the vision of the school's founders. Using state-of-the-art technology and theatrical effects, it tells the story of how a small group of educators turned a single building into a global university. It provides essential context for the rest of your walk, explaining why preservation is such a core part of the SCAD identity. Note that entry may require a separate ticket, and showtimes are scheduled throughout the day.

4

shopSCAD

Connected to the historic Poetter Hall, shopSCAD is a vibrant retail gallery showcasing the commercial talent of the university's community. Here, you can find everything from handmade jewelry and fine art paintings to quirky stationery and high-fashion accessories, all created by students, alumni, or faculty. The inventory is constantly shifting as new artists contribute their work, making it a 'living' gallery of Savannah's creative output. It’s a perfect example of how the school bridges the gap between the classroom and the professional art world. Even if you aren't shopping, the window displays are often works of art themselves.

5

Poetter Hall

Poetter Hall is where the SCAD story truly began. Built in 1892 as the Savannah Volunteer Guards Armory, this imposing red-brick building was the first property purchased by the college in 1978. Its Romanesque Revival style, complete with heavy arches and decorative terra cotta, set the standard for the school's future preservation efforts. It originally housed the entire college—classrooms, library, and administration. Today, it serves as the admissions center. Stand across the street to fully appreciate the military-inspired architecture that once guarded the city and now welcomes the next generation of designers.

6

Jen Library

Make your way to Broughton Street to see the Jen Library. This massive 80,000-square-foot facility was once Levy’s Department Store, a mid-century shopping landmark. SCAD transformed the space into a high-tech library that houses over 150,000 volumes and one of the largest collections of artist books in the country. The renovation preserved the large display windows and the open, airy feel of the former retail space. While access to the upper floors is usually reserved for students with ID, the ground level and the exterior represent a successful transition from the commercial past to an educational future.

7

Art's Cafe

Conclude your self-guided walk at Art's Cafe on Broughton Street. This whimsical spot is famous for the full-sized, bright red British double-decker bus parked right inside the cafe. It serves as a seating area and a symbol of the playful creativity found throughout the campus. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee or a fresh juice and reflect on the design elements you've seen today. The cafe vibe is quintessential SCAD—colorful, energetic, and slightly unexpected. As you sit among the students, you'll feel the unique pulse of a city that is as much an art gallery as it is a historic landmark.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The SCAD Trail is the best self-guided walk for art enthusiasts. It connects major landmarks like the SCAD Museum of Art and shopSCAD, showcasing both historic preservation and contemporary student creativity across the downtown area.