The Charleston Museum, Charleston

4.5

Natural History Museum · Hidden Gem · Historic Site

Create an itinerary including The Charleston Museum

The Charleston Museum, reportedly the oldest museum in the United States, delves into the country's history, natural history, and ancient artifacts from around the world. Founded in 1773, the museum was inspired by the establishment of the British museum in London. Learn about the Native American people who originally inhabited the area, as well as the African slaves and European settlers who came along later. More exhibits teach about the history of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and the weaponry of those conflicts. Other highlights include ancient Egyptian artifacts, historical textiles, South Carolina natural history, and the Loeblein gallery of Charleston silver. Add The Charleston Museum to your Charleston travel itinerary, and discover new vacation ideas by using our Charleston itinerary planner.

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to The Charleston Museum

FROM $31 BOOK WITH VIATOR 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour 90-Minute Charleston City Sightseeing Bus Tour

4.4

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Tours from $31 ›

FROM $95 BOOK WITH VIATOR Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour Charleston's Savor the Flavors of Upper King Street Walking Food Tour

4.7

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $95 ›

FROM $39 BOOK WITH VIATOR City Bus Tour with Charleston Museum Admission City Bus Tour with Charleston Museum Admission

4.6

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from $39 ›

FROM $5 BOOK WITH VIATOR Charleston Self-Guided Audio Tour Charleston Self-Guided Audio Tour

1.5

Duration: 1 to 6 hours

Tours from $5 ›

FROM $13 BOOK WITH VIATOR Charleston Scavenger Hunt: Castles, Cannons & Colleges Charleston Scavenger Hunt: Castles, Cannons & Colleges

Duration: 2 hours

Tours from $13 ›

The Charleston Museum reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating

1,091 reviews

Google

4.6

By sjk7301948

REALLY well done and vey thorough. The staff was helpful; and the guide at the "Huguenot" house was very professional and patient.

REALLY well done and vey thorough. The staff was helpful; and the guide at the "Huguenot" house was very professional and patient. more »
By brusselslady48

Lots of really interesting artifacts from the South Carolina low country. An impressive collection of Civil War era items. Excellent presentation of information.

Lots of really interesting artifacts from the South Carolina low country. An impressive collection of Civil War era items. Excellent presentation of information. more »
By ArtchickTravels

The Charleston Museum provides an excellent background to anyone wanting to understand Charleston through the ages and its importance as a center for trade, slavery, and military action. We did this..... more

The Charleston Museum provides an excellent background to anyone wanting to understand Charleston through the ages and its importance as a center for trade, slavery, and military action. We did this..... more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Blanca LeFebvre

We enjoyed each and every one of the exhibits at the museum. Interesting content! It is a nice place to take the kids. They have a little kid section where they can learn and play. Very nice.

more less
By Beverly Varshovi

This is a lovely museum. Very clean. The staff was personable and helpful. It was a great way to spend a rainy afternoon, looking at Charleston's historical time line, Charleston's role during the revolutionary and civil wars, some very interesting natural history exhibits, and a beautiful silver display. A terrific bargain for $12 - less for children and seniors.

more less
By Jordan Yoshimine

We bought the 3 site ticket which included the Heyward-Washington home and the Managult house as well as the museum. If you like museums, this one did an excellent job documenting Charlestons history. Honestly, we spent 90 minutes there. If you like to take your time, it could really take you 4-5 hours or more. It was very interesting and informative.

more less
By Damian&Rita Explorers

America's 1st museum!!!! Definitely would recommend everyone in the area to visit The Charleston Museum. Great artifacts and much knowledge to be gained 👌🏾.

more less
By Mattias Zackrisson

Reasonable priced museum. It provides a concise and yet comprehensive overview of the history of Charleston and the low country. History as well as natural history.

more less