Among Charleston’s many charming attributes, one of its most impressive is its well-earned reputation as a city of culture and creativity. The arts scene here is a vibrant one.
In fact, a few years back, the folks at Apartment Guide declared that Charleston is the number one city in America for art lovers. They based their ranking on the per capita number of artistic entities, galleries, etc. in the city. Charleston’s stat: one for every 1,775 residents - the highest concentration in America.
Spring is a particularly good time of the year to explore the arts in Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry.
Here are four top ways to get a taste for the arts around these parts…
Art Galleries in Charleston
Charleston has been the inspiration for countless artists over the centuries of its existence. Just stroll around the historic district or harbor, and there’s a good chance you may spot an artist in action, capturing either a street scene or a water or marsh vista on canvas.
For galleries open year-round, head to Gallery Row, located along historic Broad Street. Meander down the adjacent streets of the French Quarter – like State Street and Church Street, East Bay and Queen Street – to discover more. Most are housed in historic buildings, adding to their appeal.
A great way to experience the gallery scene is First Friday Artwalks. Sponsored by the Charleston Gallery Association, it’s a popular event with locals and visitors alike. Basically, galleries stay open late the first Friday of the month, from 5:00 pm till 8:00 pm. Most have complimentary libations and nibbles, and it’s a fun, festive scene. The association posts maps of the participating galleries. Read more about Artwalks on our Events page.
Charleston Art Museums
In a city known for its cultural scene, the Gibbes Museum of Art shines as Charleston’s premiere art museum. Its motto: “We believe art is the difference between merely existing and being truly alive.”
Its beautiful Beaux Arts building, backed by the elegant Lenhardt Garden, is prominently located on Meeting Street downtown, across from Circular Church.
The Gibbes is open year-round to visitors, with both permanent and rotating exhibits. Throughout the year they host a myriad of special events, exhibits, lectures, educational programs and parties to further their mission. Society 1858 is behind many of these endeavors, and their name is a nod to the year that the Gibbes began its art collection.
A new addition to Charleston’s museum scene, the IAAM (International African American Museum) at 14 Wharfside Street has drawn praise and accolades from around the globe. While a large focus is on history, it also weaves a whole tapestry of arts into the experience. It’s not to be missed.
Museums on Us
Bank of America is offering a special deal to its credit card customers, “Museums on Us.” If you happen to be a Bank of America cardholder, you get free admission to more than 225 museums and cultural institutions around the country during the first full weekend of each month. Each credit card holder is allowed to bring a guest for free with them.
Both the Gibbes and the IAMM are included in this cool program, and it allows you to save a bunch on admission. Read more about Museums on Us and find the whole list of eligible sites here.
Charleston Art Festivals & Special Events
Charleston has several festivals dedicated to the arts – including one of the very best in the world, Spoleto Festival USA. Patterned after the original in Spoleto, Italy, it’s a 17-day extravaganza of the performing arts each May/June.
Artists in the fields of all genres of music, dance, theater, opera and more flock to Charleston for an explosion of talent that is Spoleto. World premieres, artist talks, gala evenings - the city is abuzz with the artistic spirit. Read more here.
Spoleto’s little sister, Piccolo Spoleto Festival, runs concurrently with Spoleto Festival. It features hundreds of performances by mostly local and regional artists, in a huge variety of artistic styles. Tickets tend to be more affordable, and in some cases even free. There are also fun community events, like the Sunset Serenade opening concert at the Customs House downtown, and the Sand Sculpting Competition on the Isle of Palms. Read more about Piccolo here.
The Gibbes Museum hosts a week of special events, tours, lectures and workshops called Art Charleston, taking place at the end of April (April 23rd – 27th, 2025). Read more here.
… and a Top-notch Sculpture Garden
This last option is a bit of a drive from your luxury vacation rental on the Isle of Palms, but it’s a worthwhile day trip. Head up the coast to Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet to see what USA Today just named one of the top sculpture parks in America.
Brookgreen Gardens is a National Historic Landmark made of up over 9,100 acres of Lowcountry beauty, and it contains the largest collection of American figurative sculpture in the country. It boasts more than 2,000 works of art by 430 artists, and many are displayed among the lush gardens. You can visit all through the year, or during special seasonal events like Summer Light: Art by Night June through August, and Nights of a Thousand Candles during the holidays. Or
So come enjoy what’s been called the best place in America for the arts. There’s so much to see, enjoy and experience, you just may get inspired to create some of your own art. Just give us a call, and we’ll help you find the perfect Charleston beach house for your visit.
All best,
Lowcountry Lisa,
your Isle of Palms vacation blogger