Lucas Theatre for the Arts

Savannah-native and theater developer Arthur Lucas opened the Lucas Theatre Dec. 26, 1921, as part of Savannah's grand theater district. The building was designed by architect Claude K. Howell with an exterior in Spanish Baroque Revival style. The interior reflects an array of historic architectural styles, notably Greek Revival, Adams, and art deco. The Lucas featured a wide variety of American theatricals until its closure in 1976. More than a decade later, Savannah preservationists Emma and Lee Adler created a nonprofit group, Lucas Theatre for the Arts, to purchase and restore the building. Various fundraising campaigns and events, including the wrap party for Clint Eastwood's "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil," and an auction of props from the movie set rallied the community to the cause. The restored theater opened in 2000 with a showing of "Gone with the Wind." For nearly 15 years, SCAD has sustained and championed the Lucas Theatre as an important cultural asset in the Savannah community. The theater also hosts the Savannah Film Festival, the Savannah Philharmonic and the Savannah Music Festival, offering a multifaceted experience for locals and visitors alike. Beautifully restored, this grand 86,000-square-foot theater abounds with architectural features, including a 40-foot-wide ceiling dome that tops the 1,237-seat theater, stage and projection screen. The Lucas offers 4K digital cinema projection and Dolby Digital surround sound, and ticketing through the SCAD Box Office. Visit the Lucas Theatre for the Arts website.