Best Museums in Isle of Palms

"With a premier collection of over 10,000 American works, the Gibbes Museum of Art promotes and protects Charleston's rich cultural heritage through a vibrant artistic lens."

"Stand on the only remaining site used as a gallery in South Carolina’s slave auctions. The Old Slave Mart was once part of Ryan’s Mart, a complex that spread from Chalmers to Queen streets, and included a brick-enclosed yard, a slave jail, a kitchen and a “dead house,” or morgue. Slave auctions took place on this site until November 1863."

"Set on cobblestone Chalmers Street in the Historic District, the Old Slave Mart survives as a vestige of pre-Civil War Charleston. The museum is the only existing building in South Carolina where slaves were once auctioned. Built in 1859, the structure was originally open-ended; an imposing iron gate closed off its arched entrance."

"The Old Slave Mart Museum is possibly one of the most popular museums in Charleston. Visitors head here from all points in the U.S. and international cities to learn about the slave triangle of the 1700s and 1800s. The building is a rare example of an existing structure that once housed a slave mart in the South."

"This is a historic house museum administered and looked after by the Charleston National Museum. This was the town house of the famous Thomas Heyward Jr. who was one of the 4 signers of the Treaty of Independence of Charleston. The main reasons for the popularity of this place are the collection of lovely Charleston made furniture that are fine examples of the Colonial Era living and lifestyle,...Read more"

"Built in 1772, Charleston’s Revolutionary War House was the town home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., Revolutionary War patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence. The house features magnificent Charleston-made furniture and a formal 18th century garden."

"South Carolina Historical Society Museum is an architectural museum which equips various interactive exhibits about places and historical movements of Charleston revolution. With 6 interactive galleries, museum is a historical landmark capturing the beauty and style of South Carolina in its sculptures, paintings and miniatures. Timings : 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday to Saturday)"

"The South Carolina Historical Society Museum is housed in a National Historic Landmark building and features interactive exhibits on the people, places and movements that shaped both the state of South Carolina and the nation."

"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."

"Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim is the fourth oldest Jewish congregation in the United States. It was founded in 1749 and has remained an important part of the Jewish community in Charleston. Its sanctuary was built in 1840, making it the second oldest synagogue building in the country and the oldest in continuous use."

"The fourth oldest synagogue in the US and the oldest in continuous use. The birthplace of American Reform Judaism in 1824."

"Nestled in the College of Charleston, Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art aims at encouraging budding and experienced artist to explore and take their artistic acumen to a new level. This art gallery in Charleston is a non-profit organisation that focuses on specific subjects by actively participating in events and holding programmes where it sets a common stage for discussion through lectures, films, panels and symposia. The subjects of discussion mainly revolve around history and culture."

"The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston is the city’s only fully-free art museum, showcasing the contemporary art of emerging and mid-career artists from the southeast and across the world. The Halsey Institute has no permanent collection. Instead, its two galleries host rotating special exhibitions (usually about 6 per year), with additional free lectures, film screenings and other programs exploring the art and its broader context."

"The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at the College of Charleston School of Arts features two interlinked museum quality exhibition spaces showcasing numerous works of art by emerging artists. The Institute also hosts a year-round schedule of screenings, panels, lectures and exhibitions."

"The Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, often referred to as Mother Emanuel, is a church in Charleston that serves the African American community in the city since 19th century. Built in 1891, Emanuel AME Church has one of the few well-preserved historic church interiors in the area, with original features including the altar, communion rail, pews, and light fixtures. A pipe organ was installed in 1902.[18] The church has a capacity of 2,500, making it among Charleston's largest black churches.[18] It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2018."

"Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is the oldest AME church in the south. It is referred to as "Mother Emanuel". Emanuel has one of the largest and oldest black congregations south of Baltimore, MD."

"In 1791, the Free African Society was formed as the Bethel Circuit. Reorganized in 1865 and present building erected in 1891. Oldest AME church in the south."

"The oldest surviving church in the Carolinas, founded and built in 1706; a number of historic tombs are located in the church yard. Four services on Sundays."

"Established in 1983, this gallery was named after Mr. William Halsey, an established artist whose works were exhibited at prestigious museums such as Museum of Modern Art, and Art Institute of Chicago. He became a studio art instructor at the College of Charleston and worked there for 20 years. When he retired, an art gallery was named after him to honor his excellence and contribution to the art scene in Charleston."

"Founded in 1770, the first municipal college in America was built in 1724. Present main building designed by eminent Philadelphia architect William Strickland, built 1828."

"If military history isn’t your thing (or not the kids’ thing), you can take them all to one of the fantastic Charleston plantations. All are fantastic: Drayton Hall, Boone Hall Plantation, Middleton Place, or Magnolia Plantation. Of this group, the ones most interesting to children are Boone Hall, Magnolia Plantation, or Middleton Place."