Today's Hours: 9am - 5pm
buy tickets
MENU
***Winter Weather Update***
The Charleston Museum, Heyward-Washington House, and the Joseph Manigault House will close at 4 pm TODAY (Tuesday, January 21) and will remain closed through Wednesday, January 22. Please continue to check our website for updates.

Beyond the Ashes

The Lowcountry’s New Beginnings

Learn more

    • PERMANENT EXHIBIT

      Lowcountry History Hall

      In the L​owcountry History Hall,​ see materials related to the Native Americans who first inhabited the South Carolina Lowcountry as well as the colonists and enslaved people who transformed the region into an agricultural empire.

      details

    • PERMANENT EXHIBIT

      The Armory

      In the Museum’s Armory, see excellent examples of historic weaponry, dating from 1750 to the twentieth century, with uses that ranged from military to more personal applications such as hunting and dueling.

      details

    • PERMANENT EXHIBIT

      Becoming Americans: Charleston in the Revolution

      In Becoming Americans, explore Charleston’s important role in the American Revolution, from protest to independence.

      details

    • PERMANENT EXHIBIT

      City Under Siege: Charleston in the Civil War

      In City Under Siege, see the Museum’s exhibition concerning Charleston’s role in the Civil War.

      details

    • PERMANENT EXHIBIT

      Bunting Natural History Gallery

      In the Bunting Natural History Gallery, experience an extraordinary presentation of fossils, specimens, bird and animal mounts, and geologic examples, which together tell the story of Lowcountry natural history. Learn about the diverse array of creatures that once called this area home and the remarkable changes that have taken place in its landscape over hundreds of millions of years.

      details

    • PERMANENT EXHIBIT

      Early Days

      In the Early Days gallery, see exotic collections from around the world, representative of the Museum’s nineteenth century cosmopolitan collecting focus.

      details

    • PERMANENT EXHIBIT

      Kidstory

      The Charleston Museum is pleased to present Kidstory, a fun and exciting, hands-on exhibit for children, where the fascinating history of Charleston and the Lowcountry comes alive.

      details

    • PERMANENT EXHIBIT

      Historic Textiles

      In the Historic Textiles Gallery, come see rotating special exhibitions featuring objects from our rich historic costume and textiles collection-- one of the finest in the southeastern United States. Depending on the subject of the show, objects on view can include couture fashion, working wear, military uniforms, quilts, needlework, and much more.

    • PERMANENT EXHIBIT

      Charleston Silver

      In the Loeblein Gallery of Charleston Silver discover the impressive work of the South’s finest silversmiths, from the colonial era through the Victorian Age.

      details

Charleston's Story Starts Here

360 Meeting Street
Downtown Charleston

Founded in 1773, The Charleston Museum, America's First Museum, has been discovering, preserving, interpreting, celebrating, and sharing ever since. Our collections, exhibitions, educational programs, and events are designed to inspire curiosity and conversation - about the South Carolina Lowcountry - and the stories that make us who we are.

Our Historic Houses

HISTORIC HOUSES

Joseph Manigault House

One of Charleston's most exquisite antebellum structures, the Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, reflects the urban lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family and the enslaved African Americans who lived there.

DETAILS

HISTORIC HOUSES

Heyward-Washington House

Built in 1772, this Georgian-style double house was the town home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., one of four South Carolina signers of the Declaration of Independence. The property features the only 1740s kitchen building open to the public in Charleston as well as formal gardens featuring plants commonly used in the South Carolina Lowcountry in the late 18th century.

DETAILS

General News

Another Year, Another Page: Looking Back on Gabriel Manigault’s Contributions

read more

General News

2024: A Year In Review

read more

General News

Beyond the Ashes: The Lowcountry’s New Beginnings

read more

General News

À la Mode or Just Macabre?

read more