Charleston Guide » Attractions & Activities » Museums
Charleston Attractions & ActivitiesMuseums
If you're a history buff, art aficionado, archaeology fiend, or dabbler in the sciences, our museum picks are perfect for a rainy day or afternoon excursion! Our selections center around notable collections of historical and cultural items. Many have excellent rotating displays in addition to exceptional permanent collections.
Address: 1500 Old Towne Rd, Charleston, SC 29407
Set on land where the Carolinas' first permanent British settlers made their home in 1670, this 80-acre park offers not only beautiful surroundings but a living history lesson. Found onsite are a zoo featuring animals these early settlers would have encountered, along with a replica sailing ship, an experimental...
Address: 360 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403
The oldest museum in the United States, the Charleston Museum was founded in 1773. The museum includes interesting exhibits that portray the colorful history of the Lowcountry as well as a popular interactive children's area. The museum is open 7 days a week. The Charleston Museum also owns and operates the Heyward –...
Children's Museum of the Lowcountry
Address: 25 Ann St, Charleston, SC 29403
You'll find no "Do Not Touch" signs at this museum! Kids learn best though hands-on activities, and they can do that here as they explore a castle, gardens, waterworks, a supermarket, and more. There's even an exhibit devoted to shrimping, a familiar livelihood in the Lowcountry. Special classes and events just for...
Address: 171 Moultrie St, Citadel Campus, Charleston, SC 29409
If you want to learn more about the history of the Military College of South Carolina and Corps of Cadets, this is the place to start. Exhibits range from 1842 to present.
Address: 188 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
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Officially called the Charleston United Daughters of the Confederacy Museum, this historical collection is located inside Market Hall, and contains excellent exhibits of Confederate memorabilia.
Address: 135 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401
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The Gibbes Museum of Art displays mostly American pieces dating back to the 16th century. Peale, Sully and West are just a few of South Carolina's famous artists whose works are housed here.
Address: 68 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403
Located in the historic St. James Methodist Church, this museum houses some of the most historically significant manuscripts in the world. Philanthropist David Karpeles' collection travels among seven museums across the nation, and manuscript subjects vary in topic from ancient Egypt to the space age. Closed on...
Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Address: 122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401
Built by the British in 1771, this public building is one of the nation's most historically rich sites and figured prominently in SC's economic and social life during the Colonial era. Beautifully restored to its original condition, the structure looks the same as it did when George Washington danced in its Grand...
Address: 6 Chalmers St, Charleston, SC 29401
After a lengthy renovation and update, the Old Slave Mart Museum is once again open to the public. The museum traces the African American experience in South Carolina from 1670 through the 1960s, with exhibits that are alternately fascinating, inspiring and disturbingly accurate.
Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
Address: 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
WWII aircraft carrier Yorktown, submarine Clamagore, destroyer Laffey, and Coast Guard cutter Ingham reside here. Also, the Congressional Medal of Honor Museum is here. There is a great gift shop so that you can pick up a remembrance of your visit. Open 7 days a week.
