Charleston Art Scene: Where to Appreciate Art in the Holy City
The Hat Man on 43 Broad St
Charleston has a bustling art scene — thanks to the many famous painters, sculptors, and craftsmen who have lived here over the years.
Not only can you view Charleston art at one of the city’s many museums, but you can also enjoy it in galleries and at its many historic sites and monuments.
If you want to enjoy art on your trip to Charleston, here are five tips for appreciating art in the Holy City and some of the best ways to enjoy it.
5 Tips for Appreciating Art in Charleston
Of course, you can see Charleston art in some of the city’s many museums. But there are more ways to take in a little culture on your trip.
In addition to visiting museums like the Gibbes Museum and the Charleston Museum, here are some tips for finding art around the city.
1. Visit Charleston Museums
Charleston Museums are the obvious place to see Charleston art.
At many of the museums in the city, you’ll be able to view artworks by famous Charlestonians as well as pieces from other famous artists from the Lowcountry as well as artists from around the world.
2. Enjoy the Street Art
Charleston is home to many murals — many of which aren’t permanent, so you may want to consider visiting them while they’re still here!
Unfortunately, street art is ephemeral, meaning it isn’t meant to last forever. The famous artwork “Power & Glory” by Shepard Fairey at the College Lodge at 159 Calhoun Street is slated for demolition.
Luckily, you can still visit “The Hat Man” at 43 Broad Street and “Renoir Redux: Exceptional Pairings” by David Boatwright at the Mira Winery at 68½ Queen Street.
3. Take a Tour
Take a private or public tour of Charleston to enjoy some of the architecture and craftsmen’s work around the city.
On many public tours, you’ll be able to view some of Charleston’s famous murals and buildings.
Our tour of Charleston’s alleyways and passages features ironwork by famous Charlestonian Phillip Simmons.
Or, take a private tour if you want to get more in-depth information about the Charleston art scene.
Charleston Ironwork
4. Walk Around Charleston
You can’t walk very far in Downtown without absorbing some local Charleston art.
Walk down King Street to appreciate the Riviera Theater; walk through Charleston’s alleys and gardens to appreciate the iron work; enjoy street art in the French Quarter.
5. Visit Charleston Galleries
Charleston is home to plenty of galleries.
You could make a list of the galleries you want to visit or book a private tour to enjoy the galleries with a little bit of context of the history of the Charleston art scene.
Famous Charleston Artists
Charleston has been home to many famous artists throughout the years.
Although you won’t just find Charlestonian art in our many museums, you should keep your eyes peeled for these famous artists who lived and worked here over the decades:
- Phillip Simmons
- Shepard Fairey
- Alice Ravenel Huger Smith
- Alfred Hutty
- Elizabeth O’Neill Verner
Where to Check Out Charleston Art
There is no shortage of art in Charleston. From museums to galleries to art schools — the Holy City has it all!
Here are some of our favorite places to view Charleston art.
Charleston Art Museums
Charleston is home to dozens of museums, and three of them specialize in art, including the Gibbes Museum, the Charleston Museum, and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.
Here is a little preview of the types of art you’ll see at each one.
Gibbes Museum
The Gibbes Museum of Art is one of the most famous art museums in the Lowcountry.
Established in 1858, it was originally called the Carolina Art Association. In 1905, it moved into its current building on Meeting Street.
The Gibbes Museum specializes in 20th-century American Regionalism and art from the Charleston Renaissance.
It’s open daily (hours vary throughout the week), and the general admission for adults is $12.
You can take a docent-led tour of the museum on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1 p.m.
Charleston Museum
Another famous place to see Charleston art is the Charleston Museum.
Though this museum offers more than just art exhibits, it features a fine art collection of 18th to early 20th century paintings and sculptures.
The Charleston Museum is the oldest museum in the U.S.
Permanent exhibits include decorative arts, Charleston homes (which you can tour separately), and historic artifacts.
The Charleston Museum is open daily (hours vary throughout the week), and the general admission is $15.
You can get a discount if you purchase tickets for more than one of the buildings at the same time.
Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
The Final Charleston art museum on our list is the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, which is located at the College of Charleston.
Here, you’ll be able to view contemporary art created by up-and-coming and mid-career artists.
This museum is named after Charleston-born artist William Halsey, whose works have been exhibited at famous museums around America, including MoMA, the Whitney, the Art Institute, and the Met.
Charleston Art Galleries
There are nearly a dozen famous art galleries in Charleston. You could easily spend a long weekend browsing these galleries and learning about the city’s famous and upcoming artists.
Some of our favorite Charleston art galleries include:
- Principe Gallery Charleston
- City Gallery at Waterfront Park
- Ella Richardson Fine Art
- Robert Lange Studios
- LePrince Fine Art Galleries
- The Miller Gallery
- Charleston Artist Guild Gallery
- Art Institute of Charleston Gallery
- Charleston School of the Arts Gallery
Charleston Art Tours
You’ll see plenty of Charleston art on our public tours, including our Alleys and Hidden Passages Tour and our Charleston History Tour.
Not only will you be able to get a chance to check out some of the famous street art around the city, you’ll also get to appreciate Charleston architecture and craftsmanship, like the famous ironwork designed by local artist Phillip Simmons.
If you want to enjoy an art tour of Charleston, you could always book a private tour. Our guides can curate a tour that will introduce you to Lowcountry artists, like some of the ones mentioned in the sections above.