Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston

After moving to its present address in the Beaux Arts building at 135 Meeting Street in 1905, the amazing Gibbes has earned a reputation as one of the finest museums of its kind. It houses a premier collection of over 10,000 fine art pieces, principally American works, from colonial through contemporary, many with a connection to Charleston and the South.

The renovation of the 1st floor features an engaging creative education center, a café and a museum store, while the rear reception area opens to the garden, part of Charleston's historic Gateway Walk founded by the Garden Club. Serving as a creative gathering place for the community, the entire ground floor of the museum is admission-free.

The newly expanded and renovated galleries on the 2nd and 3rd floors provide a showcase for more than 600 works of art from the permanent collections, including the work of numerous artists with ties to Charleston: Henrietta Johnston, Mary Roberts, Charles Fraser, William Melton Halsey, Ned I.R. Jennings and Jeremiah Theus.

Of particular interest is the renowned collection of more than 300 miniature portraits that are housed in innovative display cases and open storage cabinetry to allow an up-close view for visitors. Other collections feature paintings, prints, sketches, photographs, sculpture, ceramics and furnishings and works by African-American artists, many from Charleston/SC.

Why You Should Visit:
To enjoy a charming "stroll" through art while experiencing surprising/unfamiliar artworks and learning something new. Garden concerts in the spring and fall are particularly fun, and the "Gibbes on the Street" event in April/May is unmissable.

Tip:
Catch one of the many rotating exhibitions here when you're in town – you'll be in for a treat.

Opening Hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu-Sat: 10am-5pm; Wed: 10am-8pm; Sun: 1-5pm

One-Hour Public Tours (free with paid admission):
Tue, Fri: 12:30pm, Wed: 6pm, Thu, Fri & Second Sundays: 2:30pm