Museums are the cultural hubs of Charleston. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about The Holy City or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 12 museums to visit in the Holy City.

Note: All ticket pricing reflects a standard adult ticket.

Fun fact: The Gibbes offers a variety of classes and workshops for all ages and levels. | Photo provided by the Gibbes Museum of Art

Arts

Gibbes Museum of Art, 135 Meeting St. | $12

Gibbes Museum of Art has a vast permanent collection, making it the perfect place for an art enthusiast to spend the afternoon. Museum staff strives to preserve the history of the American South by displaying paintings, miniatures, decorative objects, and more. Some objects are centuries old, allowing patrons to explore the connection between Charleston's past and present.

Don't miss: The Miniature Collection, a series of tiny paintings made to commemorate marriages, births, and other special occasions

Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art at The College of Charleston, 161 Calhoun St. | Free

This non-collecting museum serves as space for the production, presentation, interpretation, and dissemination of ideas by artists from around the world.

It takes 1 to 2 hours to experience the International African American Museum. | Photo by Greg Noire, Sony, courtesy International African American Museum

Culture

International African American Museum, 14 Wharfside St. | $22

Celebrate culture with a visit to the International African American Museum. Exhibits highlight both triumphs and challenges, providing valuable insight into the lived experience of millions. The museum is also home to the African Ancestors Memorial Gardens, a great place to rest while you reflect on the stories you heard inside.

Don't miss: African Roots + African Routes, a permanent exhibit dedicated to tracing the movement of people of African descent to the United States and other parts of the Atlantic World.

The Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting St. | $15

Visit America's first museum to discover how Charleston contributed to the birth of our nation. The Charleston Museum has everything from historic artifacts to an armory filled with weaponry. Young visitors are sure to love the miniature mansion and hands-on exhibits.

Don't miss: A 1797 pocket watch in the Loeblein Gallery of Charleston Silver

This local landmark appears in Season 2 of "Outer Banks." | Photo by @beckybidlen

History

Edmondston-Alston House, 21 E. Battery | $15

Enjoy spectacular views of Charleston Harbor while taking in a stunning collection of silver, furniture, and decorative items. Constructed in approximately 1825, Edmondston-Alston House highlights the varied experiences of its occupants.

Don't miss: A sunlight-drenched library filled with classic books

The Museum at Market Hall, 188 Meeting St. | $7

In the 1860s, young soldiers went to the market hall to get provisions before heading to battle. Today, the Museum at Market Hall houses hundreds of relics from the Civil War. The museum building is also an excellent example of the Greek Revival architecture style.

Don't miss: Sheep and bull skulls sculpted into the frieze of the building

South Carolina Historical Society, 100 Meeting St. | $1

Take in the history of South Carolina with a collection of galleries and interactive exhibits. This museum explores South Carolina’s timeline, starting with its early settlements and extending to early 1900s culture.

Don’t miss: The Charleston Recovers exhibit

Kids

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry, 25 Ann St. | $15

Grab the kids and head to the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry. The museum aims to deliver innovative learning experiences for children — popular exhibits include DooDash's Art Studio, Air Air Everywhere, and a make-believe grocery store.

Don't miss: An infant and toddler playspace designed to encourage the development of fine motor skills

Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, 22 Calhoun St. | Free

Spend the day with dinosaurs, cave bears, whales, and more when you visit the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History. While you're there, take a guided tour to learn more about the fossil record.

Don't miss: A huge jawbone from an extinct Megalodon

Children's Museum of the Lowcountry’s new ceilings and track lighting | Photo by Leigh Webber via Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry

Specialty

North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum, 4975 Centre Pointe Dr. | $6

Get up close and personal with vintage fire equipment at the North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum. See ladder trucks, pumpers, and more as you take a self-guided tour.

Don't miss: A steam-powered fire engine from 1904

Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, 40 Patriots Point Rd., Mt Pleasant | $16+

Hands-on history. Climb on board this museum that floats in the Charleston Harbor, where visitors can learn about the World War II aircraft carrier and America’s history. Kids will remember climbing through the USS Yorktown + seeing what life on deck would have been like.

The Powder Magazine, 79 Cumberland St. | $8

Originally used as a gunpowder storage facility, The Powder Magazine played an important role during the American Revolution. It has also served as a wine cellar, a livery stable, and a print shop. Today, The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of South Carolina uses the building to help locals and tourists alike explore the history of Charleston.

Don't miss: Artifacts from South Carolina's days as one of the thirteen original colonies

What to bring

Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:

Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours –– like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty/sweet combo.
Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
Use the thick-lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.

What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know.