10 Best Charleston SC Museums

Patriots Points is one of the most unique museums. This Naval and Maritime museum is home to the USS Yorktown, a WWII aircraft carrier. Visitors can also tour a navy destroyer and submarine, get an up close look at the Apollo 8 capsule, and view over 40 interactive exhibits.

The International African American Museum tells the unvarnished stories of the African American experience across generations, the trauma and triumph that gave rise to a resilient people.

The Old Exchange was built in 1771 as a commercial exchange and custom house. It has served a variety of functions including a prisoner of war facility and the site of a fancy dress ball for George Washington. Today the site is a museum focusing on the American Revolution and colonial Charleston.

Visit the Hunley and view the first combat submarine, including artifacts found onboard during the excavation of the crew department. The combination self-paced and guided tour includes viewing the submarine in the tank and interactive exhibits and activities. 

The United States’ ban on international slave trade led to a domestic slave trading system in which Charleston was a major collecting and reselling center. The Old Slave Mart Museum chronicles Charleston's role in this interstate slave trade by focusing on the history of the slaves sold here.

Founded in 1773 and commonly regarded as “America’s First Museum,” The Charleston Museum tells the story of this area from its prehistory to the 20th century. The museum features several permanent exhibits, including Early Days, the Natural History Gallery, Lowcountry History Hall, and The Armory. 

The Gibbes Museum of Art, opened to the public on April 11, 1905, boasts over 10,000 works of art. In addition to its permanent collection, the museum has a rotating series of collections borrowed from famous museums all over the world.

The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry invites families of all backgrounds to explore environments and experiences that spark imagination and stimulate curiosity. Nine interactive exhibits, including a two-story Medieval Castle and a pirate ship, allow children to explore the arts and sciences.

The Museum at Market Hall, located upstairs in the historic Charleston City Market, occupies the space once used as a recruiting station for Confederate soldiers. Many young men returned years later and brought their war-time possessions to donate to the newly opened Confederate Museum.

The Powder Magazine, completed in 1713, is South Carolina’s oldest government building. Originally used as an arsenal from 1713-1748, the building is now a museum, allowing visitors to explore colonial military history.

The Postal Museum, located in the historic post office on Broad Street, is a small but interesting museum focusing on the postal service in Charleston. Newspaper clippings, old stamps, and other memorabilia recount the role of the post office through many of the city’s historical moments.

The South Carolina Historical Society Museum, housed in a historic fireproof building on Meeting Street, showcases more than 350 years of statewide history through rarely seen artifacts, personal collections and interactive exhibits. 

The Mace Brown Museum of Natural History is located on the College of Charleston campus. This free museum has over 3,000 fossil specimens, including cave bears, dinosaurs, and plants. Geology students who work in the museum often give guided tours.

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art is a free gallery located on the College of Charleston campus. The Halsey Institute presents contemporary art exhibitions by emerging or mid-career artists.