Must-see Art Museums in South Carolina: Worthy of Your Gallery Tour
South Carolina's art scene is as diverse as it is accessible, with a variety of museums and galleries that cater to different interests and age groups. Here's a rundown of some of the top art museums in the state.
Gibbes Museum of Art (Charleston)
As Charleston's premier art museum, the Gibbes Museum of Art boasts a collection dating back to 1858, making it one of the oldest arts organizations in the U.S. The museum features an extensive American art collection that tells the story of Charleston through thousands of objects and rotating special exhibitions. Its architecturally notable Beaux Arts building, with soaring ceilings and unique viewing spaces, is a sight to behold. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, artist studios, hands-on classrooms for all ages, public lectures, and a sales gallery supporting visiting artists. The museum is located on Museum Mile among other historic venues.
SCAD Museum of Art (Savannah)
With strong ties to South Carolina through SCAD, the SCAD Museum of Art focuses on contemporary art from international artists. It functions as a key resource for students and alumni of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). The museum also houses the Walter and Linda Evans Center for African American Studies, which offers immersive workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and symposia celebrating African American art and culture. Guided tours, film screenings, and interactive activity packs for younger visitors are available, enhancing engagement with contemporary art.
Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage
The Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage is a free museum dedicated to the culture, history, and art of the Lowcountry region. Its current exhibition, "The Language of Clay," highlights the pottery and clay artistry of the Catawba tribe, including live artisan demonstrations and hands-on clay workshops for all ages. The museum provides guided tours explaining the cultural significance and creative processes behind the work, emphasizing heritage preservation through art.
South Carolina State Museum - Lipscomb Art Gallery
The South Carolina State Museum's recently reopened Lipscomb Art Gallery space features rotating museum collections. The gallery hosts special receptions and exhibitions showcasing art from the museum’s extensive collection, contributing to the cultural landscape of the state museum.
Arts Council of York County
The Arts Council of York County provides gallery space for local, regional, and national artists in Rock Hill, including exhibitions in various mediums such as paintings, prints, sculptures, and textiles. The council supports the arts through diverse programming, juried competitions, and youth classes to foster community engagement in art. The Arts Council offers artist studios and cultural events, serving as a vibrant hub outside of Charleston and Columbia.
Each of these museums and galleries offers distinct experiences, ranging from historic American art and contemporary African American arts programming to hands-on cultural heritage workshops and regional artist showcases. They each place a strong emphasis on education, offering workshops, lectures, and family programs that connect the community to the arts. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or just starting out, South Carolina's art scene has something for everyone.
- Gibbes Museum of Art
- SCAD Museum of Art
- Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage
- South Carolina State Museum - Lipscomb Art Gallery
- Arts Council of York County
[1] Museum Mile [2] Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage Exhibitions [3] Blue Star Museums [4] South Carolina State Museum - Lipscomb Art Gallery Exhibitions [5] Arts Council of York County Exhibitions
- Visitors to South Carolina can broaden their travel itinerary by exploring the diverse art scene, including a stop at the Gibbes Museum of Art in Charleston to marvel at American art spanning centuries.
- For those interested in contemporary art and African American culture, the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah offers a unique collection from international artists and immersive workshops celebrating these aspects.
