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

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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: 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 to help identify your fossil finds.

What: Sweetgrass Basket Weaving Workshop
When: October 2, 2021
Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: $75 for Members/$105 for non-members

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. Edwards-Hammond will share a brief history on 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. Space is limited. Space is limited and reservations and masks are required.

What: Fur & Frost: Carolina Winters on view in the Historic Textiles Gallery
When: Oct 2, 2021 - Mar. 20. 2022
Time: All Day
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: Regular Admission

Charleston may be known for its balmy gentle winters, but sitting by the fireside would not have been quite enough to keep 19th century residents toasty. Visit the museum to see historic fashions for winter and learn why wool and fur dominated the pre-synthetics fashion industry.

What: Last day to view The Lowcountry in Living Color: Making Historical Photographs Come to Life
When: Oct. 31, 2021
Time: 9 am - 5 pm
Where: The Charleston Museum
Admission: Regular Admission

Don’t miss the opportunity to explore The Lowcountry in Living Color: Making Historical Photographs Come to Life on view in the Lowcountry Image Gallery.