Free Museums in Folly Beach

"If you are interested in learning about Charleston’s art scene, check out the Gibbes Museum of Art. This attraction features over 10,000 pieces of work, most of which originate from the Carolinas. It gives you a look into the culture of the Lowcountry and allows you to learn about the history of the region."

"The Gibbes Museum of Art, the oldest museum building in the South, is home to the foremost collection of American art that incorporates the story of Charleston. The Museum connects the city and region’s artistic past to a vibrant contemporary art scene."

"When the Gibbes Museum opened in 1905, the nation celebrated what Charleston has always understood: the power of art ?. to inspire our imagination, heal our hurt, and nourish our souls."

"Fort Sumter is a sea fort in Charleston, South Carolina, notable for the battle, which signified the start of the American Civil War. The Battle of Fort Sumter in 1861 was the bombardment of Fort Sumter by the South Carolina militia; the Confederate Army did not yet exist. The United States Army returned gunfire, but the fort had been cut off from its supply lines and surrendered the next day."

"When you’re looking for things to do in Charleston SC with kids, Fort Sumter is a no-brainer!. I love an activity where kids are learning and they don’t even realize it!. You and your family will learn about the history of Fort Sumter and the pivotal role it played in the Civil War, but I think it’s most fun for families to get out and explore the grounds of Fort Sumter."

"Join a fascinating boat tour to the historic Fort Sumter National Monument, set at the mouth of the beautiful Charleston Harbor. Enjoy a backdrop of Charleston’s stately waterfront homes, The Battery, and Rainbow Row. This fully narrated cruise departs from Aquarium Wharf at the South Carolina Aquarium."

"Listen to the haunting real stories and view original artifacts and writings in this striking historic building once used for slave auctions. The museum's legacy as a part of a slave auction complex built in 1859 provides a unique home for the moving artifacts and disturbing personal histories that tell the story of slavery beginning in American colonial times. Charleston was a major port of call for the Middle Passage avenue of slave trade nearly up until the end of the civil war."

"The only remaining structure from a complex of buildings known as Ryan’s Mart, where hundreds of slave auctions were held from 1856 to 1863, the Old Slave Mart Museum exhibits focus on the domestic slave trade from the perspectives of historically-documented buyers, traders, and enslaved African Americans, and speak to their stories, contributions and legacies."

"As you must have seen in movies or read in old stories, slavery was a common phenomenon in the countries ruled and lived in by the Whites’. This place is one such where the slaves were set for display. Yes, the name comes from the fact that this was a slave display gallery in earlier times."

"After Colonial architecture came Georgian architecture: square and symmetrical façades with five windows across the front, chimneys, and a centered front door with crown moulding. This style quickly swept the South – Georgian-style plantations began to pop up around town – and many homes followed suit. The Heyward-Washington House, built in 1772, was home to Thomas Heyward, Jr., who signed the Declaration of Independence; it was rented to George Washington during his stay in May 1791, the reasoning behind its name, ‘Heyward-Washington House.’ It opened in 1930 as the town’s first historic house museum, featuring a 1740’s kitchen open to the public, formal gardens with late 18th-century plants, and a collection of historic locally made furniture such as the Holmes Bookcase."

"As the name hints, this 1772 Georgian-style town house is kind of a big deal because George Washington rented it for a week, and visitors can stand in what was likely his bedroom. The owner, Thomas Heyward, Jr, was one of South Carolina's four signers of the Declaration of Independence, and it's fun to think about all the talk of revolution that must have taken place in the withdrawing room."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Robert Lange Studios (@robertlangestudios) on Dec 16, 2019 at 7:44am PST"

"See the opulent luxury of the late 19th century in all its vintage glory at the Calhoun Mansion on Meeting Street. The twenty-four thousand square foot mansion is the biggest single-family residence in Charleston and still used as a family home even though it’s open daily for public viewing. Take a tour through its three magnificent floors with thirty-five rooms full of period furniture."

"The Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, part of the College of Charleston, is based around the huge collection of fossils, mostly from South Carolina, donated by local businessman and fossil enthusiast Mace Brown. The museum displays around 1000 of the specimens from Brown’s collection, including fossilized remnants of prehistoric megafauna such as the giant sloth, giant beaver, saber-toothed cat, and cave bear; extinct species of whale; dinosaur bones; sharks’ teeth (and a megalodon jaw) and more. The museum is located inside of the School of Sciences and Mathematics Building at 202 Calhoun Street, in downtown Charleston."

"When it comes to fun and free things to do in Charleston, the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History should be at the top of your list. This paleontology museum is hosted by the Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences at the College of Charleston. When you visit, you’ll find dinosaur bones, crinoids, cave bears, fossils, extinct mammals native to the Carolinas, and more."

"As well as a 3,600-square-foot ceramics gallery open to the public throughout the week, Cone 10 Studios offers classes and workshops in the various art forms which are on show and produced on-site. The porcelain and stoneware comes in traditional, functional forms which can be bought for your home or kitchen, and also in more conceptual, abstract forms which are both thought-provoking and aesthetically pleasing. Weekly classes are held in wheel-throwing, hand-building and teapot-making, in addition to a dedicated children’s program."

"Located in the Council Chamber of Charleston City Hall (1801), the gallery contains portraits of many important leaders, including one of George Washington by John Trumbull."

"This "Italian cafe and dessert bar" on East Bay Street is conveniently located close to dozens of popular restaurants and bars, making it the ideal post-dinner date dessert stop. Visit Carmella's for Italian treats and sweets, including cannolis, tiramasu and Italian ice, among other daily specials. This restaurant is dedicated solely to desserts, sweets, and baked goods, so dessert lovers may return more than once during their visit to Charleston!"

"Henrietta’s at The Dewberry is a hotel restaurant very much worth going to even if you aren’t staying upstairs. This semi-fancy, all-day bistro in Mazyck-Wraggborough serves a wide range of French and Lowcountry dishes, from a vegetable quiche and boudin bites to their really good burger and glazed lobster omelette. It’s definitely one of the pricier brunch or lunch options in town, but if you’re looking for a great patio, good French food, and somewhere to drink a nice cocktail, Henrietta’s is where to go."

"In the spirit of a traditional French brasserie, Henrietta’s offers food anchored in Lowcountry bounty, executed with global influences, delivered with unrivaled hospitality."

"Whether it is an al fresco breakfast in the courtyard, a simple lunch or elegant dinner, The Barbadoes Room has a sophisticated, relaxed dining experience everyone can enjoy. See photos, location, and amenities. Adds this business to your favorites trip planner"

"Its all you can eat plus they have other items if you do not like sushi. Clean and good service."