The Charleston Museum was founded in 1773, making it America’s first museum. War delayed the museum’s public opening, but the doors finally opened to the public in 1824. The Museum features two levels of exhibits that recount the history of Charleston and the Lowcountry by showcasing hundreds of items ranging from ancient fossils to Civil War artifacts.
The first level is home to the Natural History section, temporary exhibits that focus on local history and the museum’s gift shop. The second level is home to eight permanent exhibits:
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Click Photos to Enlarge
Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 9 am - 5 pm
Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm
Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve (closes @ 1 pm) and Christmas Day
Admission:
Adults (18+) $12
Youth (13-17) $10
Child (3-12) $5
Children under 3 Free
Charleston Museum
360 Meeting St
Charleston SC 29403
(843) 722-2996
Charleston Museum
What: Fossil Friday with Curator of Natural History Matthew Gibson
When: Fridays
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: The event is free with admission
Do you LOVE fossils? Join Matthew Gibson, Curator of Natural History, on Fridays from 2 to 4 PM in the Bunting Natural History Gallery lab. Gibson will be on hand to share projects he is currently working on and help identify your fossil finds.
What: America's First Museum:250 Years of Collecting, Preserving and Educating,Part I
When: Dec 17, 2022 - June 4. 2023
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: Regular Admission
Commemorating two and a half centuries since its founding and spanning nearly 4.6 billion years of history, we are pleased to present America’s First Museum: 250 Years of Collecting, Preserving, and Educating in the Historic Textiles Gallery. This year-long exhibit will feature a wide array of objects that tell the story of this impressive institution and its remarkable collections.
What: Eliza Lucas Pinckney: A Legacy in Silk
When: May 13 - July 9, 2023
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: Regular Admission
In honor of the Museum’s 250th anniversary, Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s gown will be exhibited in the Loeblein of Charleston Silver Gallery, along with some of her personal items. This c. 1753 silk robe à la française is so delicate that it will only be on display for a limited time. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see it in person!
What: Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Workshop
When: June 10, 2023
Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Where: Charleston Museum
Admission: Member $75 / Non-member $105
Join local artisan Sarah Edwards-Hammond for in-depth instruction on sweetgrass basketry which has been an integral part of the Lowcountry’s Gullah Geechee community since the 17th century. Edwards-Hammond comes from a long line of basket makers and has passed down the tradition to her family and others in the community. She will share a brief history of the artisanal craft of basket making. Participants will then spend the remainder of the class making their own basket guided by Edwards-Hammond. Come learn about an extraordinary craft that has been a staple of culture, art, and history in Charleston for centuries. All materials and instruction will be provided. Register online.
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