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The Best Museums in and Around Charleston, SC

The Best Museums in and Around Charleston, SC

The Best Must-See Museums Near Charleston, SCLying besides some of the nation’s most desirable beaches lies a community rich in natural, military and cultural heritage. Experience Charleston’s incredible past and wonderful innovations throughout time with a visit to any of these must-see museums in Charleston.

The Charleston Museum

Address: The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC

The Charleston Museum is the main attraction, with exhibits that are so engaging and comprehensive that a day is recommended for exploration. Founded in 1773, this prized establishment is considered America’s very first museum. Amid the multiple rooms and two distinctive historic home tours, visitors will explore exhibits that immerse you into Charleston’s wartime, agricultural, and Confederate roots.

Popular artifacts include tools, quilts, pottery, uniforms, and armaments from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. However, the two historic homes owned by the museum offer a side look at the past. The Heyward-Washington House showcases furnishings made right in Charleston, while the Joseph Manigault House lets guests experience how rice plantation families lived long ago.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum

Address: Patriots Point, 40 Patriots Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC

By far, one of the world’s most unique exhibits awaits at Patriots Point in Charleston, SC. Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes, and bring a camera before jumping on board the WWII aircraft carrier USS Yorktown. Yes, you can step onboard a decommissioned navy destroyer. But this is only the beginning of the sites at Patriot’s Point.

Besides the retired warship, aircraft, and a wartime submarine, another highlight for visitors is the opportunity to look closely at the original Apollo 8 capsule. Learn more about its journeys through dozens of interactive exhibits. The ships and vessels are fully open to the public.

While there, satisfy well-earned hunger with a hot lunch on the aircraft carrier or get a quick bite at the snack bar between tours.

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Address: The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, 122 E Bay St, Charleston SC

The Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon has been in Charleston since 1771 and was once utilized by British forces to house American POWs, enslaved individuals, and British soldiers. Today, this historic site focuses on colonial Charleston and its role in the American Revolution.

Even more fascinating is that The Old Exchange is one of only four remaining structures where the US Constitution was originally ratified. Visitors can freely tour the top two floors and enjoy half-hour guided tours of the cellar dungeon.

The Museum at Market Hall

Address: The Museum at Market Hall, 188 Meeting St, Charleston SC

With thousands of men rolling into town to sign up for the war, they were sent to this recruiting station known today as the Confederate Museum. Here is where they collected their supplies and weapons and received their orders. Remarkably, through the cooperation of numerous historical societies, many soldiers returned these wartime belongings along with diaries, flags, and more to donate to this museum that opened in 1899.

 

Fort Sumter National Monument

Address: 340 Concord Street, Charleston, SC 29401

Fort Sumter National Monument is a historic site located in Charleston Harbor. It commemorates the role played by Fort Sumter in the American Civil War, a conflict that took place from 1861 to 1865. The fort is situated on an artificial island at the entrance of Charleston Harbor, and its purpose was to guard the harbor against potential naval attacks. Fort Sumter holds a significant place in American history as the site where the first shots of the Civil War were fired.

Access to Fort Sumter is by boat, and tours depart from Liberty Square in downtown Charleston. Note: private boats are not allowed. The boat ride itself offers scenic views of Charleston Harbor and the surrounding area. Once at the fort, visitors can walk through the historic structure, see the remains of the original cannons, and imagine the intensity of the conflict that unfolded on these grounds.

Beyond these historical museums, you’ll find many art galleries and other places to explore the best of past and present in Charleston, SC.

Updated November 2023

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Preston Guyton

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