THE VISITOR'S GUIDE TO THE BEST CHARLESTON EXPERIENCES

Charleston Museum

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 recounts 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:

Lowcountry History Hall - Learn about the Native Americans who first inhabited the South Carolina Lowcountry as well as the colonists and enslaved African Americans who transformed the region into an agricultural empire.
The Armory - Showcases examples of historic weaponry, dating from 1750 to the twentieth century
Becoming Americans - Explore Charleston's role in the American Revolution
Charleston in the Civil War - Learn about Charleston's role in the Civil War
Early Days - See collections from around the world including an Egyptian mummy and mummy case
Kidstory - A hands-on exhibit for children where the history of Charleston comes alive
Historic Textiles - Features regularly rotating exhibits from a rich historic textiles and clothing collection
Charleston Silver - Showcasing the impressive work of the South’s finest silver craftsmen and women

The museum also owns two historic homes, the Joseph Manigault House and the Heyward Washington House, that are open to the public. Admission for each is $12 or save money by purchasing combo tickets. Limited free parking is available and paid public parking is available across the street. Allow approximately 2 hours to tour the entire museum.

Charleston Museum Photos

Click Photos to Enlarge

Charleston Museum Hours and Admission

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 Address and Map

Charleston Museum
360 Meeting St
Charleston SC 29403
(843) 722-2996
Charleston Museum

Current and Upcoming Events
at the Charleston Museum

What: Conversations with a Curator: Laura Bragg
When: Friday, March 13, 2020
Time: 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Where: Charleston Museum
How Much: Event is free with paid admission

For the month of March, The Charleston Museum will dedicate a special temporary exhibit in honor of Women’s History Month - Laura Bragg: Librarian, Educator and Director of The Charleston Museum. As the first (and only) female Director of the Museum, Laura Bragg left a lasting legacy that is not only felt in Charleston, but museums across the country. For the temporary exhibit, a number of objects from the Laura Bragg Collection will be on display, including a “Bragg Box” one of her most innovated educational tools used to teach children from every background.

Join the Chief of Collections, Jennifer McCormick, on March 14 for a special talk about the Museum's (and Charleston's) most notable and influential women. This talk is free for Members and free with admission to The Charleston Museum.

What: Africans and the Development of Slavery in Colonial SC
When: Thurs. April 2, 2020
Time: 6 pm - 7 pm
Where: Charleston Museum
How Much: Free

In coordination and in celebration with The Charleston 350 Commemoration, The Charleston Museum is pleased to host a three-part lecture series with distinguished speakers. This lecture series will dive deeper into the Native American settlements of 1669 with Dr. Jon Marcoux, Africans and the development of slavery in colonial South Carolina with Dr. Daniel Littlefield and finally, the way the various cultures influenced the Charleston that we know today with Dr. David J. Cranford. Each lecture will be free and open to the public, registration recommended.