Gibbes Museum of Art
Housed in a beaux arts building in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina’s Historical District, the Gibbes Museum of Art highlights an impressive chronology of artistic works. With more than 10,000 pieces of fine art, the museum showcases four centuries of art unique to Charleston and its history.
The basics
The Gibbes Museum opened in 1905 after its benefactor James Gibbes made a generous donation and bequest in 1888 for the city to build an art museum. Since its founding, the museum has played a huge role in establishing an artistic and cultural scene in Charleston. Its permanent collection offers an incredible introduction to art from the American South—running from the colonial era to the present—with paintings, sculptures, photographs, miniature paintings, and other artistic works displayed across three floors. The Gibbes Museum also hosts six to eight special exhibitions every year.
Things to know before you go
- The activity-filled first floor at the Gibbes Museum of Art is free and open to the public. To view special exhibits and the rest of the museum, visitors must purchase a ticket.
- Grab a bite to eat at The Daily at the Gibbes, which is open for breakfast and lunch.
- Feel free to walk or rest in the adjoining Lenhardt Garden before or after visiting the museum.
- There is no on-site parking.
How to get there
The Gibbes Museum is located two blocks south of Market Street, between Cumberland and Queen Streets.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The museum is open daily (except on major holidays) from 10am to 5pm with a 1pm closure on Sunday.
Historic Charleston City Market
Known as the cultural heart of Charleston, this large, indoor-outdoor market features a variety of local vendors selling their wares from the Great Hall and open-air sheds. Visitors should check out the market during the day, and at night when the space transforms into a showcase of unique crafts made by local artisans.
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- Circular Congregational Church
- St. Philips Church
- Charleston City Market
- St. Michael's Church
- Heyward-Washington House
- Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon
- Rainbow Row
- Charleston Waterfront Park
- Edmondston-Alston House
- The Battery and White Point Garden
- Joseph Manigault House
- Charleston Museum
- Children's Museum of the Lowcountry (CML)
- Aiken-Rhett House
- Aiken-Rhett House