Charleston, SC Museums

Charleston was one of America’s first port cities and has had more history “happen” to the city than most places in the country. The various museums throughout the city offer an in depth look at several facets of Charleston’s past. The Revolutionary and Civil Wars left behind legends of colonial battle that can be experienced at historic museums. Documentation from battles such as Fort Sumter can be found at the American Military Museum and the Charleston Museum. African American and Native American influence can be observed at the local arts and culture museums. From high society to slave society, a unique cultural heritage has been proudly preserved in this southern city.

Check out our featured museums:

American Military Museum

The Charleston Museum

Old Slave Mart Museum


The Citadel Museum
171 Moultrie St.
Citadel Campus
843.953.6846
www.citadel.edu/museum

The Citadel Museum embodies the history of The Military College of South Carolina. Exhibit features include personal correspondence, letters, diaries, speeches, reports, and photographs from 1842 until present.

Confederate Museum
188 Meeting St
843.723.1514

The Confederate Museum is officially known as the Charleston United Daughters of the Confederacy. Confederate memorabilia from the Civil War era can be seen in the museum’s exhibits. The museum is located inside Market Hall, once the entrance to the Old City Market.

Gibbes Museum of Art
135 Meeting St
843.722.2706

The Gibbes Museum of Art exhibits include pieces from the 16th century to present day. Most of their collections are American pieces and include work by South Carolina artists Peale, Sully, and West.

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum
40 Patriots Point Rd.
Mount Pleasant
843.884.2727

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum is home to Yorktown, the WWII aircraft carrier, Clamagore submarine, Coast Guard cutter Ingham, and the destroyer Laffey. The Congressional Medal of Honor Museum can also be found here.