10 Museums in Charlestowne That You Shouldn't Miss

Mary Martin Galleries on both 103 Broad Street Gallery Row and 122 Market St Belmond Charleston Place Hotel showcase a very diverse group of artists recognized for their excellence in oils, watercolors, pastels, bronze, wood, acrylic and other media. The gallery is known for its impressive display of art work featuring every style from the classical to the contemporary created by some of the most renowned living artists from around the world. Don’t miss the gallery’s exciting and unique featured monthly shows which are always highly anticipated. Open seven days a week, Mary Martin is passionate about creating a fine art experience every person can enjoy when visiting the gallery.

Of Charleston's many fine house museums, only the Edmondston-Alston House (constructed in 1825 and enhanced in 1838) commands a magnificent view of Charleston Harbor. From its piazza, General P. T. Beauregard watched the fierce bombardment of Ft. Sumter on April 12, 1861, signaling the start of the Civil War. And on December 11 of the same year, the house gave refuge to General Robert E. Lee the night a wide-spreading fire threatened his safety in a Charleston hotel. Much like the Middleton Place House Museum, the collection at the Edmondston-Alston House Museum consists of pieces that belonged to the family, reflecting not only family history but American history. Despite the ravages of the Civil War, the Earthquake of 1886 and numerous hurricanes, the Alston family pieces remain in place much as they have for over 150 years. Notable in the collection is an original print of the Ordinance of Secession, portraits, dining room table, gas lights, mirror and exquisite interior woodwork.

Historic mansion open to the public.

A National Historic Landmark, the Nathaniel Russell House Museum was completed in 1808 by merchant Nathaniel Russell. The home’s graceful, free-flying, three-story staircase is an architectural marvel and the elegant interiors with elaborate plasterwork, geometrically shaped rooms, formal gardens and collection of 18th-century decorative and fine art speak to the wealth of Charleston’s elite in the early days of the American Republic. Restored to its original splendor using forensic analysis and cutting-edge conservation technology by our curatorial staff, we ensure the highest standards of old-world expertise to replicate the finishes, fixtures and textiles appropriate for this 200-year old townhouse. The 18 enslaved Africans that lived on and maintained this property are an integral part of its history. Archaeological artifacts, educational panels and ongoing restoration of the enslaved quarters are vital to learning more about the enslaved and telling their important stories.

History comes alive as Colonial dressed guides talk about Pirates, Patriots and Presidents! Explore the location where pirates were once held and view a section of the 1698 fortification that once protected the Walled City. Completed in 1771 as the New Exchange and Customs House, recognized today as South Carolina's most historic building. Where Patriots were imprisoned, the Constitution was ratified and George Washington was entertained.

Dog & Horse, Fine Art and Portraiture represent artists nationally and internationally recognized as leading talent in both canine and equine art. Along with an extensive inventory, Dog & Horse also works as a matchmaker for portraits by only the best quality artists - painters and sculptors.

The Williams Mansion was renamed the Calhoun Mansion but recently returned to its original and historical name. One of Charleston's few intact architectural treasures, and its largest residence, boasting 24,000 sf of Gilded Age splendor ... including spectacular woodwork, moldings and craftsmanship. Completed in 1878 (after more than 5 years of construction by charleston’s most talented craftsmen), the Williams Mansion, a marvel of Italianate Revival architectural splendor, was declared by the press as the “handsomest house in the south.” It remains so today, filled with an extraordinary collection of period furniture and decorative and fine art rivaling any Gilded Age historic museum in the country. Carefully preserved and restored, and having won national and international acclaim, you are invited to tour the Mansion( and it’s spectacular gardens) located at the southern foot of Meeting Street, in the very heart of Charleston’s most important and grand historic, residential areas.

Contemporary local fine art displayed with monthly changing exhibitions. Charleston Renaissance artists also shown including the estate of Elizabeth O'Neill Verner. Home of Imprimatur Charleston a print organization for printmakers and collectors.