39 Museums to Explore in South Carolina

Checkout places to visit in South Carolina

South Carolina

South Carolina is a state in the Southeastern United States and the easternmost of the Deep South. It is bordered to the north by North Carolina, to the southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and to the southwest by Georgia across the Savannah River.

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Museums to Explore in South Carolina

Aiken-Rhett House Museum

The Gov. William Aiken House was built in 1820 at 48 Elizabeth Street, in the Wraggborough neighborhood of Charleston. The house is considered to be the best-preserved complex of antebellum domestic structures in Charleston.

BMW Zentrum

The BMW Zentrum, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a captivating automotive experience that celebrates the brand's rich history, cutting-edge technology, and the art of precision engineering. As the only BMW museum in North America, the Zentrum offers visitors a glimpse into the world of BMW, showcasing its iconic vehicles and the manufacturing process behind these ultimate driving machines.

Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery

The Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery, situated in Greenville, South Carolina, is a cultural treasure that offers a captivating journey through art, history, and the rich tapestry of human creativity. Founded by the renowned evangelist Dr. Bob Jones Sr. in 1951, the museum has grown into one of the Upstate region's most esteemed and comprehensive collections of art from around the world.

Cayce Historical Museum

The Cayce Historical Museum, located in Cayce, Lexington County, South Carolina, is a captivating destination that preserves and celebrates the rich history and heritage of the local community. This museum offers visitors an opportunity to step back in time and gain insights into the cultural, social, and economic evolution of Cayce and the surrounding area.

Clemson Area African American Museum

The Clemson Area African American Museum, located in Pickens County, South Carolina, stands as a vital institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage and contributions of African Americans in the region. This museum serves as a beacon of culture and history, inviting visitors to explore the stories, struggles, and triumphs of the African American community in the Clemson area.

Columbia Museum of Art

The Columbia Museum of Art is South Carolina's premier international art museum established in 1950 with extraordinary collections of European, American, Asian, and modern and contemporary fine and decorative art that span millennia. It is one of the main attractions in Richland county.

Darlington County Historical Commission & Museum

The Darlington County Historical Commission & Museum is a valuable institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history, culture, and heritage of Darlington County, South Carolina. Located in the city of Darlington, the museum serves as a hub for historical research, education, and community engagement, making it an essential resource for both residents and visitors interested in the area's past.

Fort Jackson

Fort Jackson is a United States Army installation and is located within the city of Columbia, South Carolina. It is the largest and most active initial entry training center in the U.S. Army, training 50 percent of all soldiers and 60 percent of the women entering the Army each year.

Gibbes Museum of Art

Formerly known as the Gibbes Art Gallery, is an art museum in Charleston which houses a premier collection of over 10,000 works of fine art, principally American works, many with a connection to Charleston or the South.

Golden Plough Tavern

The Gen. Horatio Gates House and Golden Plough Tavern are two connecting historic buildings located in downtown York, York County, Pennsylvania. The tavern is quite significant for its age and social history but is also an exceptional museum of historic carpentry and vernacular architecture.

Greenville County Museum of Art

The Greenville County Museum of Art is a cultural treasure nestled in the heart of Greenville, South Carolina. This museum is a testament to the vibrant arts and cultural scene that enriches the city and serves as a hub for both residents and visitors seeking to explore the world of visual arts.Founded in 1936, the Greenville County Museum of Art has grown into one of the Southeast's premier art institutions, boasting a diverse and impressive collection of American art.

Greer Heritage Museum

The Greer Heritage Museum, located in Greer, South Carolina, is a cultural treasure that invites visitors to step back in time and explore the rich history and heritage of the Greer community. Housed in a historic building, the museum serves as a hub for preserving, celebrating, and sharing the stories of the city's past.The Greer Heritage Museum is dedicated to showcasing the unique history of Greer, a city with deep roots in agriculture, industry, and community life.

Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens

This is a historic mansion that was the home of members of the prominent Hampton family. The house is of a post-Colonial, Classical Revival style which was constructed in 1818. Now the house was restored and reopened to the public in 1970 as a museum that epitomizes the lives of the planter elite in antebellum South Carolina and is operated by the Historic Columbia Foundation.

Hartsville Museum

The Hartsville Museum, located in the city of Hartsville, which is part of Darlington County, South Carolina, is a cultural institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history, heritage, and artistic accomplishments of the region. This museum serves as a valuable resource for both residents and visitors interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Darlington County's past and present.

Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center

The Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center, located in Beaufort, South Carolina, is a charming historic landmark that offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history and culture of this picturesque Lowcountry town. Housed in a beautifully preserved antebellum home, the Heyward House Museum serves as a gateway to Beaufort's past and a welcoming center for tourists and history enthusiasts.

Heyward-Washington House

A historic house museum at 87 Church Street in Charleston. Built-in 1772, it was home to Thomas Heyward, Jr., a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence, and was where George Washington stayed during his 1791 visit to the city. It is now owned and operated by the Charleston Museum.

Hollywood Wax Museum

The Hollywood Wax Museum, located in Horry County, South Carolina, is a captivating and entertaining attraction that offers visitors a chance to step into the glamorous world of Hollywood and interact with lifelike wax figures of their favorite celebrities. This museum is a unique blend of art, entertainment, and pop culture, making it a popular destination for tourists and movie enthusiasts of all ages.

Indian Steps Museum

Indian Steps Cabin, also known as the Indian Steps Museum, is a historic memorial and museum located at Lower Chanceford Township, York County, Pennsylvania. It was built between 1908 and 1912. It is essentially "L"-shaped with two wings extending from a circular "Kiva." The foundation and first story is constructed of local, well-cut stone. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.

John Mark Verdier House

The John Mark Verdier House, located in Beaufort, South Carolina, is an exquisite historic mansion that stands as a testament to the architectural elegance and cultural heritage of the Lowcountry region. This beautifully preserved antebellum house serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of the past and the history of Beaufort.

Joseph Manigault House

This is a historic house museum at 350 Meeting Street in Charleston built in 1803. It was nationally significant as a well-executed and preserved example of Adam style architecture. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1973.

Map of Museums to explore in South Carolina