Best art museums in Charleston: discovering the city's artistic wonders

With its breezy coastal views and fabled historic streets, there's plenty to inspire art in Charleston. The city is home to some outstanding museums, including America's oldest museum. If you're a culture vulture in search of your next artistic discovery, check out these amazing art galleries in Charleston on your next vacation.

Charleston's heritage museums are packed with fashion, design, and period pieces illustrating the city's history. Whether you're exploring plantations and other historic landmarks or looking for family-friendly activities, get to know Charleston's creative side with these top art, design, and alternative spaces.

Best art museums in Charleston

1. Discover the Lowcountry's painterly heritage at Gibbes Museum of Art

Charleston's premier art institution is an important center of Carolina art. Located in the city's historic French Quarter, its fine collections are housed in a stunning Beaux-Arts building. It boasts permanent collections covering local and South Carolina artists and a revolving program of visiting art shows.

Highlights:

Don't miss the exquisite miniatures, including portraits, love tokens, and landscapes. Get anytime access to the museum with a Tour Pass with 40+ Attractions.

Address and opening hours:

135 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States. Open daily 10:00 AM-5:00 PM.

2. Explore Charleston's contemporary scene at the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

This excellent showcase for emerging, mid-career, and overlooked artists is located at the College of Charleston's School of Arts. Discover inspired contemporary curations and the latest output from a renowned international residence program.

Highlights:

For those seeking an alternative view of Charleston, entry to the museum is included with the excellent 2-Hour Strong Women of the South History Tour. Here, you'll learn about pioneering female voices in Charleston's history and view work by up-and-coming female artists.

Address and opening hours:

161 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States. Open during exhibitions: Monday-Saturday 11:00 AM-7:00 PM.

3. Enjoy the hands-on appeal of Robert Lange Studios

This beloved local gallery in the heart of the French Quarter has a contemporary edge. You'll find fun and playful interactive exhibits alongside the gallery's latest art pieces. There are plenty of pieces to peruse and purchase, too.

Highlights:

Check out the kinetic Sisyphus table and rock-stacking table for a hands-on approach at Robert Lange Studios.

Address and opening hours:

2 Queen St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States. Open daily 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

4. Get inspired at the City Gallery at Waterfront Park

With delightful views overlooking Charleston's Waterfront Park, the City Gallery hosts bold and playful contemporary art. There's a focus on local artists and works inspired by life on the Carolina coast.

Highlights:

This free, non-profit gallery is the perfect stop for those taking a Self-Guided Audio History Walking Tour. It's situated right beside the iconic Pineapple Fountain.

Address and opening hours:

34 Prioleau St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States. Open Wednesday-Sunday 12:00 PM-5:00 PM.

Best design museums in Charleston

5. Learn about local blacksmith and icon Philip Simmons

Philip Simmons is an artisan legend, having designed and produced many of the city's distinctive curved iron gates. Tour the former home and studio of one of Charleston's finest designers.

Highlights:

Entry to the house and museum is included as part of the African-American History & Simmons House Tour. This tour contextualizes Simmons alongside other figures and moments in Charleston's Black history.

Address and opening hours:

30 1/2 Blake St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States. Open daily 11:00 AM-5:00 PM.

6. View period designs at the Charleston Museum

Charleston's premier history institution houses a treasure trove of decorative arts and fashion. Inside, you can discover Charleston's history through its arts and crafts. The impressive exhibits include Historic Textiles, Charleston Silver, and Lowcountry History.

Highlights:

Book the City Tour and Museum Combo for an orientation tour of the city plus entry to the museum's fine collections.

Address and opening hours:

360 Meeting St, Charleston, SC 29403, United States. Open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Saturday, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM Sunday.

7. See how Charleston's elite lived at Middleton Place

Middleton Place is one of the country's oldest plantations. Despite being partly razed by Union troops in 1865, a 1755 section survived and now houses a fine collection of antebellum artifacts and period designs. Discover the original silverware, fashion, and furniture owned by the once-powerful Middleton family.

Highlights:

Wander through the estate's beautifully landscaped gardens before visiting the house with a Round-Trip Transfer from Charleston.

Address and opening hours:

4300 Ashley River Rd, Charleston, SC 29414, United States. Open daily 9:00 AM-5:00 PM.

Alternative museums in Charleston

8. Explore the cramped cells of Provost Dungeon

This palatial Palladian-style customs house was transformed into a prisoner-of-war camp during the Revolutionary War. Its interiors boast a fine collection of period antiques alongside cramped dungeon-exploring activities to enthrall the kids.

Highlights:

Get the spooky low-down on local legends and myths with a 90-Minute Ghost and Dungeon Walking Tour. You'll hear about the dungeon's ghostly goings-on and tales of unfortunate inmates.

Address and opening hours:

122 E Bay St, Charleston, SC 29401, United States. Open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Sunday.

9. Go mural-spotting in Avondale, West Ashley

Avondale is a hip suburb of Charleston and home to the city's largest collection of street murals. Lovingly known as the Avondale Outdoor Gallery, you'll find murals of historical heroes like Philip Simmons.

Highlights:

Check out the latest murals listed by the community-led chART initiative. They aim to beautify West Ashley's hip Avondale area with colorful and creative murals.

Address:

Avondale, Charleston, SC 29407, USA.

10. Discover Gullah art and culture at Boone Hall

The Gullah is an African American cultural group of the Lowcountry region. Their unique traditions developed with postbellum isolation in the Sea Islands. Learn about their history through art and performance at Boone Hall, once a slave plantation.

Highlights:

Book your Admission & Day Trip from Charleston to explore the plantation's grounds and slaving past from a Gullah perspective. Don't miss the magical Avenue of Oaks, an archway of folding trees that greets you on arrival.

Address and opening hours:

1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, United States. Open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Monday-Saturday, 12:00 PM-5:00 PM Sunday.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Charleston?

There are no free-entry days, but many galleries and museums are always free in Charleston. To make the most of evening openings, look out for Charleston's Art Walk, an informal tour of galleries on the first Friday of every month.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Charleston?

Charleston is packed with small commercial galleries and non-profits that offer rewarding visits. These include the waterfront City Gallery, Corrigan Gallery, Robert Lange Studio, Lowcountry Artists Gallery, and George Gallery.

Which art museums in Charleston have works by famous artists?

If you're looking for works of international, national, and regional renown, head to the Gibbes Museum of Art. You'll discover inspired contemporary curations and a permanent collection of Lowcountry masters.

Are the art museums in Charleston wheelchair accessible?

Many art galleries in Charleston are wheelchair accessible. The Gibbes Museum of Art and Halsey Gallery of Contemporary Art provide ramps and accessible spaces. High curbs and cobblestone paving mean assistance may be required in downtown Charleston.

Are there any art museums in Charleston that are suitable for children and families?

Charleston's art scene is very child- and family-friendly. The Gibbes Museum of Art and the Charleston Museum provide kids' activities and hands-on exhibits. The latter hosts fashion events where kids can dress up in 18th-century garb. Families will also enjoy the Robert Lange Studios' fun approach to artwork.