Steeped in history but with all the perks of city living, Charleston, South Carolina, exudes a sultry, Southern charm that is hard to resist. With over 70 galleries, world-class institutions like the Gibbes Museum of Art and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art, as well as the countless artists who have made the city home, Charleston’s art scene is as vibrant as it is diverse. There is a concentration of galleries in the historic French Quarter, where monthly First Friday art walks are a beloved tradition among locals and visitors alike. The second Sunday of every month, a large section of King Street is pedestrian-only, and retailers, performers and food vendors fill the street for all to enjoy.
Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Courtesy Explore Charleston.
Charleston embraces the full spectrum of styles, mediums and genres, from traditional Lowcountry landscapes to the cutting edge and contemporary, by both established and emerging artists, ensuring that every art collector who visits Charleston will find a piece that meets their taste and budget.
In the following pages, you will learn about some of the top galleries, the artists they represent, as well institutions and organizations that keep Charleston on the map as one of the top art destinations in the country. Charleston’s rich cultural offerings extend beyond the visual arts, so we turned to the locals for the insider scoop on where to eat, stay and play, so you can make the most of what The Holy City has to offer.
The first tip comes from gallerist Robert Lange: “Let me let you in on a little secret: Charleston is so special because of its size—you can safely walk just about anywhere on the peninsula,” he says. “Every nook and cranny feels thoughtfully cared for, and even though it’s a city, it has the warmth of a small community. That’s especially true of the art scene, which is incredibly gracious and welcoming.”
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The Dewberry Hotel, Charleston, SC.
Stay
Described as “a hip luxury hotel with old world charm with a great lobby bar as well as one of the best rooftops in town,” The Dewberry was unanimously recommended by the folks at Principle Gallery, Robert Lange Studios and Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. Other suggestions for luxury accomodations include Hotel Bennett and Charleston Place. For a more boutique experience, check out Zero George, Wentworth Mansion and The Pinch. Principle Gallery also gives a shout out to Emeline, a trendy design-forward hotel with a cozy café and a fantastic in-house restaurant; Frannie & The Fox; and The Vendue, which houses work from many local galleries and has a great rooftop bar with a waterfront view.
Courtesy Millers All Day, Charleston, SC.
Breakfast & Brunch
What better way to fuel up for a day of gallery hopping than a mimosa brunch? The locals suggest Millers All Day, which they say feels like a small town diner “mixed with a foodie’s gourmet menu that makes all your favorite dishes feel grown up. Great place to start the day if you were out having too much fun the night before.” Hot brunch spots include Poogan’s Porch, Charleston’s oldest independent culinary establishment known for their epic shrimp and grits; Husk, southern style James Beard level dining; and Halls Chophouse, which Robert Lange describes as “gospel brunch with fresh popovers instead of bread…this place oozes class and spirit at the same time. Listen to a piano player and some beautiful voices while dining on traditional southern brunch fare.”
Courtesy Harken Café, Charleston, SC.
Coffee
To get your morning buzz on, Robert Lange recommends Harken Café, “a little piece of magic a few blocks from the gallery on Queen Street. They have the best coffee in town and make sure to try the tea time cookie, you wont regret it.” His favorite is the “Butter Me Up” breakfast sandwich and you can’t go wrong with one of their morning pastries. Also worthy of mention is Baba’s on Meeting, a casual cafe with European vibes, and Harbinger Café, which Lange describes as “a whimsical space full of plants, Instagram-worthy shelves full of treasures, and cozy seating.”
Courtesy 167 Raw Oyster Bar, Charleston, SC.
Lunch & Dinner
167 Raw Oyster Bar made it to the top of the list from the teams at Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Robert Lange Studios and Principle Gallery, the latter of which describes it as “perfect for seafood lovers, with an upbeat atmosphere and one of the freshest lobster rolls in town.” FIG, a beloved fine-dining spot blending Lowcountry ingredients with refined technique, also scored high ratings—try the ricotta gnocchi if it’s on the menu—and Leon’s Oyster Shop. Fried chicken and oysters may seem an unlikely pairing, but Leon’s makes it work.
Courtesy Edmund’s Oast Brewing Co., Charleston, SC.
Beer
Breweries are a great way to get a taste of the local flavor in any new city. They’re cool, casual, friendly and always have a dedicated crowd of regulars. On the top of Robert Lange’s list is Edmund’s Oast Brewery, which he calls the “godfathers of the Charleston beer scene. Making some of the best beer in town, their brewery is an easy-going large space with a never ending supply of good brews.” If you’re into IPAs, Charles-towne Fermentory is the place for you, but they have a crowd pleaser for all palates. Finally, Revelry, with a great rooftop space and a rotating selection of small batch beer, is a great place to hang with friends.
The Gin Joint, Charleston, SC. Courtesy ArrivalGuides.
Cocktails
With specialty cocktails from the ’40s, 80 rums on hand and bartenders sporting suspenders, the Gin Joint is paradise for lovers of the art of mixology. Fun tip—if you give the bartender three adjectives of what you like, they will whip them into an inventive custom cocktail. Bin 152, a small French wine bar, also gets props from the locals. Sit in the window and watch the charm of Charleston stroll by while enjoying fine French wine paired with a charcuterie board.
Courtesy Andell Inn, Charleston, SC.
Play
Principle Gallery associate Francesca Ingargiola encourages visitors to stroll along The Battery, Charleston’s most renowned neighborhood, to view the historic homes along the waterfront, including Rainbow Row. Also on her list is Shem Creek in nearby Mount Pleasant, a lively waterfront with casual dockside dining and dolphin sightings. Robert Lange adds, “If it’s your first time in the city there is plenty to discover on foot without leaving downtown but if you want to adventure out go to Magnolia Plantation. With its lush gardens, it’s a must-see for nature enthusiasts.”+++
Charleston Gallery Association
info@charlestongalleryassociation.com
www.charlestongalleryassociation.com
Charleston Gallery Association, Pivot, oil on canvas, 30 x 40 in., by Walker Antonio. Courtesy Stevenson & Co., Charleston, SC.
The Charleston Gallery Association is a dynamic collective of more than 35 galleries showcasing the work of talented local, regional, national and international artists. At the core of CGA’s mission is wholeheartedly supporting and nurturing the abundant diversity found within the fine art galleries of the Charleston community. By nurturing a sense of togetherness and shared appreciation for the arts, the organization helps cultivate a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates artistic expression and fosters a deep connection between galleries, art enthusiasts, collectors and Charleston’s thriving creative community.
Charleston Gallery Association, Republic Ice-Scream, oil on linen, 30 x 24 in., by West Fraser. Courtesy Helena Fox Fine Art, Charleston, SC; Charleston Gallery Association, Charleston Illumination, oil on linen, 30 x 40 in., by Christine Lashley. Courtesy Principle Gallery, Charleston, SC.
The CGA celebrates the artistic energy that makes Charleston, South Carolina, so special. From traditional landscape paintings and wildlife to abstract and street art, there is something for every taste and budget in Charleston’s vibrant community of galleries. Don’t miss Charleston Gallery Association’s First Friday Artwalk, held every month of the year, with the exception of January and July.
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Dare Gallery
31 Broad Street, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 853-5002, www.daregallery.net
Sandpiper Gallery
2201C Middle Street, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
(843) 883-0200
www.sandpipergallery.net
Dare Gallery in Charleston and Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan’s Island are renowned for the wide variety of paintings, jewelry, glass and ceramics they offer. Incredible crashing waves, peaceful marshes, coastal wildlife, still life, figurative works and abstract expressionism hang side by side harmoniously.
Dare Gallery, Bobbing, oil on canvas on panel, 16 x16 in., by Isaiah Ratterman; Dare Gallery, Paris Plaza, oil on panel, 24 x 18 in., by Bruce Nellsmith.
In October, the gallery features Michael Cyra, whose insightful paintings reveal underlying patterns of color and light in a subject. From the interplay of shadows at dusk to the warm glow of a sunset, his paintings encourage viewers to stop and appreciate nature's moments of awe. November showcases Bruce Nellsmith’s paintings created during his annual tenure in France. “I am drawn to architectural elements in my paintings,” says the artist. “This may be because I came to landscape and cityscape painting by way of abstraction. Lately I have been softening the architectural elements in paintings to make them almost as organic in feeling as the surrounding landscape. When painting in France, I have an ever-present awareness of the great French painters that came before me. In Collioure, where I often paint, the ghosts of Picasso, Matisse, Derain, Dufy and Chagall await.” Nellsmith’s show, Rêves et Ancêtres Français (French Dreams and Ancestors) opens on November 7.
Sandpiper Gallery, Sullivan’s Island.
The wildlife and landscape paintings of Isaiah Ratterman and the wildlife sculpture of Bob Thames will be in the December spotlight. Their joint show Drifting and Bobbing opens on December 5.
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Principle Gallery Charleston
125 Meeting Street Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 727-4500
art@principlecharleston.com
www.principlegallery.com
Top: Principle Gallery, Room for Two, oil and silver leaf on canvas, 36 x 36 in., by Michele Kortbawi Wilk; Principle Gallery is located in the heart of Charleston’s historic gallery district.Bottom: Principle Gallery, Morning Mist, Australia, watercolor, 18 x 26 in., by Joseph Zbukvic.
Principle Gallery Charleston is located in the heart of historic Charleston, just steps away from the Gibbes Museum of Art and the historic Mills House Hotel. Together with its sister gallery in Alexandria, Virginia, Principle Gallery represents a diverse group of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, showcasing contemporary and classical representational works, with sculpture featured prominently alongside paintings. The gallery’s spacious salon-style layout invites art lovers to engage with the artwork in a more personal and intimate way. The gallery’s knowledgeable and welcoming team is passionate about making fine art accessible and enjoyable to everyone.
Upcoming gallery exhibitions include Michele Kortbawi Wilk and Christie Younger’s two-artist show, opening October 3; Joseph Zbukvic’s solo exhibition, opening November 7; France Jodoin’s solo exhibition, opening March 6, 2026; and Christine Lashley’s solo exhibition, opening April 3, 2026. Visit Principle Gallery’s website for more information on their artists and upcoming events, at both of their locations.
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Robert Lange Studios
2 Queen Street, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 805-8052
rlsartcharleston@gmail.com
www.rlsart.com
Top: The welcoming interior of Robert Lange Studios. Bottom: Robert Lange Studios, The Insight Inside, oil on panel, 40 x 30 in., by Robert Lange; Robert Lange Studios, As Above So Below, oil on panel, 36 x 30 in., by Adam Hall.
Robert Lange Studios is located in the heart of historic Charleston. Housed in a beautifully preserved 6,000-square-foot warehouse built in 1840—with original brick walls and century-old wood floors—the space provides a striking backdrop for contemporary art. Voted Best Gallery, rated #1 on Trip Advisor’s Things to Do, and featured on Condé Nast’s Top 10 Things to See in Charleston, the gallery prides itself on being a welcoming, inspiring space for all.
For over 20 years, Robert Lange Studios has had the privilege of representing some of the finest contemporary painters in the country. Beyond their extraordinary talent and accolades, these artists are authentic, passionate and deeply caring individuals who enrich the world through their creative expression.
The gallery features multiple rotating exhibition spaces, three working studios and a year-round artist residency program. Visiting artists from around the globe use Charleston as a source of inspiration, contributing to a vibrant and ever-evolving artistic community. With its dynamic programming and commitment to excellence, Robert Lange Studios has earned a reputation as a must-see destination for both seasoned collectors and the art curious.
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Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE)
Gallery by SEWE
205 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29413
(843) 723-1748
sewe@sewe.com
www.sewe.com
The Southeastern Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is one of the nation’s premier celebrations of wildlife and sporting art, attracting both passionate collectors and those discovering the genre for the first time. Each year, SEWE brings together an extraordinary selection of paintings and sculpture from renowned masters and rising talents whose work captures the beauty, spirit and diversity of the natural world.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, Yellow Bill, oil on linen, 20 x 13 in., by John Banovich; Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, a prior SEWE event. The 2026 edition takes place February 13 through 15. Photo credit: Reese Moore.
Collectors will find investment-worthy works that range from evocative landscapes to intricate studies of wildlife, each piece offering a unique connection to the outdoors. SEWE’s carefully curated roster includes artists whose work is highly sought after on the secondary market as well as new voices shaping the future of the field.
The SEWE Gallery is available online year-round for browsing and acquisition, while Gallery by SEWE in downtown Charleston offers a rotating selection of fine wildlife art to enjoy anytime you are in the city. During the exposition, the SEWE Fine Art Gallery at Charleston Place Hotel provides a premier in-person buying experience where visitors can meet the artists, discover new favorites, and acquire original works before they are placed in private collections.
The 44th annual event, SEWE2026, will take place February 13 through 15, 2026, throughout the city.
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, A Difference of Opinion, mixed media on toned rag paper, 48 x 58 in., by Joseph Sulkowski.
“Each February, SEWE transforms Charleston into the nation’s premier marketplace for wildlife and sporting art, where collectors and art lovers connect with the finest painters and sculptors in the genre,” notes the organization. “From timeless masterpieces to the next generation of talent, SEWE offers one-of-a-kind works that celebrate the beauty and spirit of the natural world.”
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Gibbes Museum of Art
135 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401
(843) 722-2706
www.gibbesmuseum.org
Set in the heart of downtown Charleston, the Gibbes Museum of Art is the oldest museum building in the South and the third largest cultural venue in the state of South Carolina. Not only is the Gibbes Charleston’s only art museum, it is also recognized as one of America’s oldest art organizations, established as the Carolina Art Association in 1858. Named the best museum in South Carolina by USA Todayand one of Charleston’s top cultural destinations by the Travel Channel, the Gibbes Museum remains the Lowcountry’s premier cultural institution, offering a collection that mirrors the region’s diverse community and rich history.
Exterior façade of the Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, SC. Photo by JB McCabe; Gibbes Museum of Art, The Exchange, 2001, oil on canvas, 50 x 36 in., by Edward Rice. Museum purchase. 2001.007.0001. Image courtesy of the Gibbes Museum of Art.
The museum has earned widespread recognition for its contributions to cultural tourism, including the South Carolina Governor’s Award for the Arts in 2019, which acknowledged the museum’s exceptional impact on the arts. The museum also received the Beacon Award from the Chamber of Commerce for its role in enhancing the region’s aesthetics and quality of life.
With world-class rotating exhibitions, a dynamic visiting artist residency program, and the 1858 Prize dedicated to recognizing rising stars, the Gibbes is a southern museum with a global perspective. Exhibitions are designed to engage in art in new and exciting ways, challenging established interpretations. —
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