ATTRACTIONS
Charleston SC - Museums & Galleries

Charleston is proud of it’s natural, cultural, and military history and has done a remarkable job preserving it and interpreting it in the various museums throughout the city. Charleston, SC is also a major center for the arts, with museums featuring American art from the 18th century through the present. Charleston’s museums and galleries offer visitors a broad perspective of the history and culture that made Charleston what it is today.

THE CHARLESTON MUSEUM - 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC. The oldest museum in the United States. Collection of clothing, furniture, photographs and other objects. Exhibits of animal and plant life and a "Discover Me" room for children. Admission charge. (843) 722-2996.

THE CITADEL MUSEUM - Citadel Campus, Charleston, SC. Exhibits of photographs, uniforms and archival documents portrays the history of The Military College of South Carolina and the Corps of Cadets. Free admission. (843) 953-6839.

THE CONFEDERATE MUSEUM - 188 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC. Operated since 1898 by the Daughters of the Confederacy. Museum contains flags, uniforms, swords and other Confederate memorabilia. Tours by appointment. (843) 723-1541.

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART - 135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC. Museum has one of the finest collections of American art. 18th century to present view of Charleston. Museum Shop features fine gifts. (843) 722-2706.

KARPELES MANUSCRIPT MUSEUM - 68 Spring Street, Charleston, SC. Museum houses the largest private collection of manuscripts with historical significance in the world. Manuscripts rotate among other Karpeles museums. Free admission. (843) 853-4651.

MUSEUM ON THE COMMON - 217 Lucas Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC. Award winning museum of local East Cooper history features Hurricane Hugo Revisited exhibit. Free Admission. (843) 849-9000.

OLD EXCHANGE AND PROVOST DUNGEON - 122 East Bay Street, Charleston, SC. Exchange and Customs house built by the British during the prosperous Colonial period. American patriots were imprisoned by the British in the Dungeon and George Washington was entertained in the Great Hall. (843) 727-2165.

PATRIOTS POINT NAVAL & MARITIME MUSEUM - Charleston Harbor, Mt. Pleasant, SC. Home of the World War II aircraft carrier YORKTOWN and other naval vessels. Vintage military aircraft and weapons display. Ships open for tour. Admission charge. (800) 884-2727.

SHEM CREEK MARITIME MUSEUM AND LIBRARY - 514 Mill Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC. Outdoor exhibits show the rich heritage of Charleston's maritime history. Boat Builder on premises. Free admission. (843) 849-9000.

SOUTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM - 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC. With thousands of enchanting animals and plants housed in a dramatic setting on Charleston Harbor, the Aquarium offers the perfect complement to traditional Charleston activities. Birds, rays, sharks, otters, and fish represent a few of the amazing creatures that will be found under one roof. (843) 720-1990.

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