MENU
Commemorating two and a half centuries since its founding and spanning nearly 4.6 billion years of history, we are pleased to present America’s First Museum: 250 Years of Collecting, Preserving, and Educating. This year-long exhibit will feature a wide array of objects that tell the story of this impressive institution and its remarkable collections.
Part one will highlight objects from ancient Rome, a Chief’s helmet from the Sandwich Islands acquired in 1798, Colonial dress, and Japanese Samurai armor. Opening mid-year, part two will showcase a church pew made by enslaved hands measuring 20 feet in length, centuries old Archaic carved bone pins, a skull from the largest known flying bird and a couture Fortuny gown.
We hope you will join us for this extraordinary milestone!
In honor of the museum’s 250th anniversary, Eliza Lucas Pinckney’s gown will be exhibited in the Loeblein Silver Gallery, along with some of her personal items. This c. 1753 silk robe à la française is so delicate that it will only be on display for a limited time. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see it in person!
buy tickets detailsThis timeline will highlight the rich history of The Charleston Museum from its beginning to the present. Selected events from the past 250 years will be showcased using iconic photographs from the Museum's Archives.
buy tickets details