Charleston Museums

(Charleston, West Virginia - WV, USA)

Considering that this is really a rather compact state capital, Charleston manages to boast more than a few very appealing museums and historic sites.

Standing on the southeastern side of downtown Charleston and close to the Kanawha River, the West Virginia State Museum at the Culture Center is dedicated to both educating and inspiring its visitors.

Located within the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences, the Avampato Discovery Museum makes for a good rainy day attraction for families, offering two levels of hands-on science fun. Visitors will also be able to enjoy planetarium-style presentations at the ElectricSky Theater, as well as themed movies and various art exhibits.

Also worth considering is the riverside Craik Patton House, a museum-type attraction situated just down the road from the Daniel Boone Park. This historical residence dates from the early part of the 1830s and features distinctive Greek Revival-style architecture with four large columns, together with an interior brimming with period furnishings.

West Virginia State Museum at the Culture Center

Address: Address: 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25305, USA
Tel: +1 304 558 0220
Numerous themed collections are on exhibit at the West Virginia State Museum and together they cover subject matters such as archaeology, geology and paleontology. There are also lots of artifacts relating to art, history and culture in the state of West Virginia. The museum has its origins as far back as 1890, when it began its life as the West Virginia Historical and Antiquarian Society and spent many years being located within the West Virginia State Capitol.
Open hours: Tuesday to Saturday - 09:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Avampato Discovery Museum

Address: 1 Clay Square, Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25301, USA
Tel: +1 304 561 3570
The interactive science exhibits at the popular Avampato Discovery Museum are grouped in themes such as creativity, engineering, health, light and sound, while there is an additional area designed to stimulate the minds of young children. Also in the building is the Maier Foundation Performance Hall (1900 seats), the Walker Theater (up to 200 seats) and the Douglas V. Reynolds Intermezzo Cafe.
Open hours: Wednesday to Saturday - 10:00 to 17:00, Sunday - 12:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Craik Patton House

Address: 2809 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25311, USA
Tel: +1 304 925 5341
In 1970, the Craik Patton House was added to the National Register of Historic Places due to its historical significance and local importance. However, due to development of the area, it was decided to relocate the building to its present site in 1973, preserving the house for future generations to admire. Guides take visitors on a tour of the house, where period furnishings recreate its appearance from yesteryear.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 16:00, Saturday and Sunday - by appointment
Admission: charge, discounts available for children and seniors

Gorby's Vintage Instrument Museum

Address: 214 7th Avenue, South Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25303, USA
Tel: +1 304 744 9452
Although the Gorby's Vintage Instrument Museum does not actually have official opening hours as such, it is easy to arrange a viewing of the exhibits by simply telephoning in advance. The collection comprises all manner of historic, valuable and rare instruments, such as clarinets, cornets, flutes, guitars, mandolins, saxophones and trumpets, as well as a euphonium and a flugelhorn. Gorby's Music was founded in 1946 as a local business and this collection of musical instruments has been growing ever since. Of note, the Gateway Shopping Center is just a few blocks away, along with the South Charleston City Hall.
Open hours: by appointment only
Admission: free

Heritage Towers Museum and Cultural Center

Address: 612 Virginia Street East, Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25301, USA
Tel: +1 304 720 3004
Close to the West Virginia State College and established in the summer of 2005, the Heritage Towers Museum and Cultural Center features an array of exhibits designed to honor the traditions and heritage of African Americans. The displays include topics such as slavery, statehood, art and diversity, with the individual galleries being named African Cultures, Village Life, the Middle Passage, Lost At Sea, Slave Life, Civil Rights, the Underground Railroad, African-American Coal Miners and West Virginia Thru Time.
Open hours: Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday - 11:00 to 16:00, Friday - 11:00 to 20:00
Admission: charge, discounts available for seniors and children 12 years old and under

South Charleston Museum

Address: LaBelle Theater, 311 D Street, South Charleston, West Virginia (WV), 25303, USA
Tel: +1 304 744 9711
Situated within the LaBelle Theater on D Street, just down the road from the City Hall, the South Charleston Museum is a not-for-profit institution and boasts many exhibits relating to the history of the city. Old films of West Virginia are regularly screened here, while various events are staged each year, such as the regular Open Mic Night, an Antiques Appraisal Fair, the 'History Alive' extravaganza and the Belgian Festival.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 16:00
Admission: free