Charleston Museums

(Charleston, South Carolina - SC, USA)

Charleston is home to a number of top-notch museums, mostly detailing local history and life in the Old South, along with various significant military events that remain etched in the public's consciousness.

The Charleston Museum, the oldest of its kind in the country, is a good place to learn about the area's tumultuous and eventful past, while for people interested in manuscripts and language, the Karpeles Manuscript Museum houses some of the oldest manuscripts in the world. Filled with information relating to the American Civil War, the Confederate Museum is another definite highlight.

Charleston Museum

Address: 360 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina SC, USA
Tel: +1 843 722 2996
Established in 1773, this is the oldest museum in the country. Documenting local history and significant events along the South Carolina coast, the Charleston Museum is a must for history enthusiasts and highlights include the Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley, a large silver collection and local crafts and relics.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 13:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge applies, discounts available for children, children under three free

Citadel Museum

Address: 171 Moultrie Street, Charleston, South Carolina SC, 29409, USA
Tel: +1 843 953 6846
The small Citadel Museum details the history of the Military College of South Carolina and the Corps of Cadets, with fascinating military artifacts dating from 1842 to the present. Other attractions include exhibits detailing the military, academic, athletic, and social aspects of life at the college. This is certainly one attraction that military enthusiasts should not miss.
Open hours: Sunday to Friday - 14:00 to 17:00, Saturday - noon to 17:00
Admission: free

Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon

Address: 122 East Bay Street, Charleston, South Carolina SC, USA
Tel: +1 843 727 2165
This is one of the most significant Colonial buildings in the country and a unique way to experience early Charleston life. Used as a prison during the Revolution before becoming City Hall in 1873, the Old Exchange was where several Charlestonians signed the Constitution, and features an exquisite collection of antique chairs.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and students, children under seven free

Confederate Museum

Address: 188 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina SC, 29413, USA
Tel: +1 843 723 1541
Located inside Market Hall, within the downtown district, this museum is home to an extensive collection of authentic Confederate memorabilia. Here you can learn more about the American Civil War and the Confederate army.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 11:00 to 15:30
Admission: charge, discounts available for children, children under six free

Nathaniel Russell House

Address: 51 Meeting Street, Charleston, South Carolina SC, USA
Tel: +1 843 724 8481
Built in 1808, the Nathaniel Russell House is one of the best examples of Federal architecture in the country and was made famous by its 'free-flying' staircase, spiraling unsupported for three floors. Visitors to the house are treated to a visual feast of stunning period furniture and decorations.
Open hours: Monday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 14:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge applies, children under six free

Karpeles Manuscript Museum

Address: 68 Spring Street, Charleston, South Carolina SC, 29403, USA
Tel: +1 843 853 4651
The Karpeles Manuscript Museum can boast some of the most important manuscripts in the world, covering topics from ancient Egypt to the space age, with items regularly borrowed from other museums across the country. Housed in a beautiful Greek Revival building dating back to 1791, the museum features exhibits showcasing paintings, sculptures, and photography.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Patriots Points Naval and Maritime Museum

Address: 40 Patriots Point Road, Mount Pleasant, South Carolina SC, 29464-4377, USA
Tel: +1 843 884 2727
Patriots Points Naval and Maritime Museum stands on Charleston Harbor and is home to four large warships and around 25 aircraft. The main highlight at the museum is without doubt the USS Yorktown, a historic WWII battleship known locally as 'The Fighting Lady'.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors, children under six free