Reviews of Gibbes Museum of Art (Museum)

Michael Stern

Small museum with quality artwork and furniture. Enjoyed it.

Harry Spratlin

An important museum for historic art

Stefan Williams

Awesome art

Rosalie Crawford

Wonderful art collection in downtown Charleston. The Gibbes had a makeover about 2 yrs ago and they updated the museum from a dark, quiet carpeted gallery to a beautiful, airy museum with its stunning (original?) mosaic tiled floors. The collection spans from colonial portraiture, sculpture, to modern contemporary art. This is not the biggest museum, but it is an impressive collection, and it captures the local culture and history of Charleston. The folk art exhibit was wonderful and whimsical, I thoroughly enjoyed it. They also have a wonderful miniature portrait collection, which is very unique. The Butcher & Bee have a cafe from their restaurant the Daily in the museum, and it offers a wonderful place to have a snack or a great coffee or tea after seeing some great art. The gift shop is really nice and they also have some studios for local artists to use, which is really great for the community. They also have a great #savethearts campaign where you can mail postcards to the local senators and congressmen to make them aware of how important the arts are to the community. Make sure you fill one out before you leave! Be prepared to spend about 2 hours here, if you see the entire museum. It’s worth a visit if you’re visiting Charleston! ♥️

Justme Che'

I love this gallery!

Michelle Pellino

I love this museum. Very interesting

John Veyera

Stellar exhibits, beautiful building, and excellent staff. A friend and I decided to go to here for an afternoon, and found the entire experience to be very pleasurable. I greatly enjoyed A Dark Place Of Dreams! Beautiful and moving!

Marilyn Brooks

Really enjoyed this museum, it had an eclectic collection from early 1700's to current day.

George Milton

Really a great collection of southern historical art.

Philip Keber

Nice mix of Art. Pleasant building and pleasant staff. Good time

Eugenia Felsinger

An outstanding presentation at C of C by Gibbs Dir. Angela Mack at Center for Creative Retirement to show the New Gibbs! What a great gift to our fine city and nation! Thank you. My membership is on the way.

Keesha Tucker

Beautiful collection of classic, local and contemporary

Daniel Weiner

Interesting exhibits, some dating to the 1700's. My favorite was "Iron Man" (the painting)

Tara Schnaible

Great little gem in downtown Charleston. Really friendly staff and a super-interesting building.

Reginald Wright

We had a beautiful weather and lovely reception at the Gibbes Museum

Jim Jeffers

Even if you stay only an hour, at 15 dollars it's one of the most reasonable priced places downtown. Good sculptures and local art are the strong points. Lacks a national and world depth.

Ryn Wilson

Amazing place to visit! The shoppe had cute gifts of all kinds and the art was breathtaking.

David Criscitiello

Charlestons art museum is a gem. With a clear focus on balancing classics with striking modern art, the Gibbes is firmly aware of not only it's location in the heart of historic Charleston but also our current times. In other words there's plenty to enjoy for any lover of art.

Lisa Heinrich - Estabrook

Nice art, very small.

Dee Garza

I work there. But I love the museum.

Anthony Ladd

Friendly staff and intriguing exhibits.The security guard on the third floor was extremely courteous.

Karen Wilhelm

Beautiful Historic Site in Charleston.

Margaret von Werssowetz

An all time great art institution. Outstanding permanent collection focusing on regional Southern art. Excellent collections of miniatures, woodblocks, & The Charleston Renaissance. Brilliantly curated shows as well!

Jim McHugh

Some incredible pieces in this museum! Lots of local and national history can be learned from these paintings and sculptures.

Robin Ziebert

A small,but excellent museum. Wonderful collection of local artist past and present. In addition, they have one of the largest miniature collections in the country. Worth visiting for that alone.

Gail Hughes

This is Charleston's best location for visual arts. This historic building houses a wide range of art from over a lobg time line but also includes modern pieces conveying fresh ideas. There are classes, lectures, demonstrations, trips, cafe, garden and lots of shopping options. Warm. Welcoming.

J. Marc Simpson

Beautiful historic art gallery

Fred Preston

Second visit. Very nice place.

Kc Kramp

Great little are museum

James Williams

It's OK at best. I think it's pricey for just basically 1.25 floors of art and you're done in a couple of hours, even taking your time. Chicago is $25 and you can't see everything in one day. Cleveland is free and there is more to see. And, why does everything have to be Charleston-centric? It's almost like they don't want it there if there is no connection to Charleston. But, we have an inferiority complex in South Carolina, and we always have. They have tons of room, and they need to utilize it with more art, particularly more European art. The few impressionist pieces they have are very good, in my opinion. The bird sculptures on the 3rd floor are good, particularly the rooster.

Peter Pollak

Fantastic!!!

Dwayne Ross

Great museum

Beabea Beabea

Love going here.

Bobby L.

Have been a member for two years. Beautiful building, excellent art works. Great miniature portraits and early colonial period pieces. Nice cafe and gift shop. Support your local art museums!

Hillel Weinberg

Compact -- but great!

Andie Quasem

Its a nice place to go with family

Harper Jeong

Small and cute museum

Austin Seagrave

Really great exhibits.

Marlene Preston

Really nice experience with a mix of art from Gullah pieces to antique furniture to featured American artists. There's a unique miniature gallery that held drawers of broach-style pictures.

Philip Lange

Great

YazedERZ

I am not a huge fan of art do I didn't enjoy it. But if u love art museums u will love it

Jon Jones

Good collection of regional art. The Harlem exhibit was fantastic

sarah floyd

Smaller museum Beautifully decorated and nice gift shop

AidanM05

Love the art here. Really made me feel joyful inside!!! ♥️♥️♥️

Asia Walton

Great museum. Their galleries are amazing and it's not too expensive to go and spend some time. Plus, their gift shop is A1

Kelly Bowers

Wish I had some of that great treatment when we arrived. Took awhile to start appreciating where I was after the lousy welcome we received. Great building. Great art. No warm fuzzies.

Tom Cox

Wonderful museum filled with great art. Clean bathrooms.

Katie Hansen

Fun date activity on a rainy day in Charleston

Edward Eatman

The best art museum in Charleston SC. It was a very enjoyable experience

Max Adventure

Tour guide was v knowledgeable about all the pieces and the history of the area. The collections were vast but also specific to the area as well which was nice. I'm kicking myself for forgetting to check out the garden while I was there.

Jaci Healy

Pan American exhibit is quite interesting.

Myrtle Vaughn

It was certainly nice though I would have enjoyed it a lot more if they had more places to sit near the art. Personally when I enjoy a piece, I like to sit for a while to really look at it and take it in. Price to enter was reasonable.

James Shelley

What a nice, peaceful, COOL, and pleasant place. Well laid out and substantial! Must do in C-town!

Alexandre Borrel

Good museum little bit small for the price

Daniel James

Always fantastic with plenty of art for the whole family to enjoy! Just another great feature of Charleston, and a must stop location for visitors!

Shannon Hopkins

Amazing remodel! The Guggenheim exhibit was spectacular. I'm so impressed with the modern move. The Chagall was my favorite.

Allie Moreland

Kind of small...but free tours are offered and it is a good way to learn a little Charleston history through art

Adam Wroblewski

Any time that you can explore history and get lost in the different periods of time I'm a huge fan of. This museum was filled with rich history and timeless art. If you're in Charleston it's a must stop in.

The Gilmores

A great small museum. A must do in Charleston. There for a class on how we "look" at works of art....and the world around us. The class was fabulous.

J ramzi

Got some great collection of arts. Made my daughter sparks her interest in arts..

Sangwoo Kill

Very nice art

Carrie palomino azurza

Love love love it so does my 9 year old

Laura Kinsman

Nice small museum. Mostly local artists throughout the history of Charleston.

David Seith

Great place to see art and learn history. Very clean old building in downtown Charleston.

robert morse

Great paintings and some beautiful early American furniture on display. They also have a nice coffee shop. Well worth the time.

Amy Brewer-Davenport

I loved the diversity of the artists shown in this museum, it's really exciting to see. It's a little pricey, but there's a discount for buying online ahead of time

Joyce Becwar

Really coming into it's own. The museum was updated and re-curated a few years ago and has become a very enjoyable place to visit. Emphasis on local artists and history displayed in a thoughtful manner.

Julie Grove

Stopped in on a rainy Charleston day. A really nice collection, but we especially enjoyed the prints exhibit!

David Coleman

What a great little art museum. 3rd floor had a great Guggenheim exhibition. 2nd floor was standing art displays. Nice courtyard out back. Found it all worth the few dollars of entrance fee. Go. Enjoy. Not very busy so you can spend time with the art.

Ebony McKinney

Very nice museum. Small, quaint and a great selection of pieces. I enjoyed my visit and look forward to another visit.

Karen Kugblenu

Loved the museum. I hadn't been there since elementary school. The exhibit is excellent

Gavin Chitwood

Wheelchair accessible ( side entrance ) parking garage near on queen street. Good collection of art to do a history project on ( why I went ) bit pricey though.

Peggy Burcham

First experience in an art gallery. They had a marvelous mix of old and new

Julie Smoak

This was a lovely museum and we had a great time!

Joshua Leal

Bring in great exhibitions.

Robyn Schrimsher

Great museum to check out Charleston's historic art and furniture.

Kim Moore

Really enjoyed the concert in the garden tonight!!

Laurie Hines

Great exhibits! Ideal place to spend a hot and humid day.

Dave Frey

Having spent most of my life living close to museums in NYC and DC, I'll admit I'm spoiled. The Gibbes is a gem of a small museum. Their collection has something for everyone. I specifically enjoyed their focus on local artists, and the acknowledgement of Charleston's role in the slave trade through various artistic mediums.

Dave Marriner

Nice museum, good selection of quality works

Diana Warren

The museum has a mix of old and modern art, including paintings, furniture, sculptures. First floor is free, I believe. There is a cute cafe on the first floor, with tasty basked goods and coffee. One thing that I liked a lot was that you can borrow backpacks for your children (leave drivers license at the desk to check these out). These contain sketchpads/activity books and colored pencils, so if they are so inclined, the children can sit (benches in the galleries) and draw. There is also a lovely, small courtyard and garden on the first floor, opposite end from where you enter the building. That is a nice option to walk around (or sit) in the fresh air during your visit.

Xavier Amos

Beautiful exhibits

Tom Bradford

It's gotta be at the top for art in the South

rt misawa

Nice small art museum, good historical collection, rotating exhibits.

Theresa Dawson

Lovely venue

Hetty Cloud

Wonderful Exposition on non-figurative art

Patrick Newton 88

Great place to go see

Kevin Tarrant

This museum was much more extensive and engaging than I expected going into it. With a focus on historic and contemporary Charleston artists, this museum does a nice job of acknowledging the effects of racism and slavery on Charleston's rich artistic past.

Laurie Pitman

Great collection for this smallish town. The miniature collection is really special.

Loretta Lugo

The staff was very inviting. The gallery has great displays. Can't wait to go back.

abdul omer

The Gibbes Musuem of Art is extremely enjoyable with a great venue for events, as well as that the architecture is remarkable.

alex b

Museum is gorgeous. The rotunda is breathtaking.

David H

Beautiful building and great pieces.

Lawrence Buchman

Good place

Taylor Greene

I loved the way the rooms were all different. It was a joy to walk around on the self guided tour..Saw some fantastic pieces of art from the 1700's to now...The coffee shop is absolutely fantastic..The food and service was on point..

Idan Bidani

Very nice local paintings and artifacts from Charleston if it's cold outside pay a visit

Amels Phone

Great collection

Andre Tremblay

Smaller museum. Some good pieces.

Born Trutth

This is a beautiful place to take your children to see beautiful artwork. Even a beautiful place to take your significant other. This was a field trip event to this Museum. It was a wonderful experience and Miss Elise had great patience and she was an awesome tour guide. She kept the attention of the children and interacted with them. Even the staff was wonderful very helpful, all the way to the security officer very kind-hearted people.

Bob Paczynski

Nice ... especially on a hot Charleston Summer day, but not as big and expansive as I had hoped. A little but of a lot of artists, but not terribly detailed on any particular one.

Gregory Smith

Wonderful, cool, beautiful respite from the stifling summer heat in Charleston. Friendly staff greet you, and a convenient cafe offers a place to sit and relax either before or after your visit. The museum has wonderful works of art from modern to classical, sculpture to painting. Some of the more contemporary works referencing Charleston itself were my favorites. Don’t miss the Veiled Lady.

Jasmine Arit

I love local art. This is a beautiful museum with wonderful history. A must see.

Najad Tuffaha

Excellent art.

Leah Niblett

Beautiful museum. Great way to spend an afternoon.

Vincent Van Brunt

Good small art museum, not all art museums can be the Met the art institute, or Lacma

stephen skaggs

Beautiful peices and a diverse collection that lets you go back and take a look at American history and the cultures that built us through an amazing diplay of art.

J Snider

We really enjoyed this museum. There collection is fairly good sized and had

Jarrod Daughtry

Such an amazing space with so much to offer in the form of education, enrichment and discovery. A must-do whenever you're visiting Charleston.

Jamie Logan

Didnt see much because I was doing my own free tour and it wasn't free

Nick Hollingsworth

Exquisite Charleston art collection.

Charles Williams

The "Gibbes," as it is affectionately known by locals brings its visitors face to face with the history of the South Carolina Lowcountry in a very engaging and well organized way. The paintings, sculpture, photographs, etc. found in the Gibbes Museum of Art are mostly by American artists and there is usually some kind of connection to Charleston or the South, but various interesting traveling exhibits also make their temporary home there. If you take it all in, you'll benefit from a Charleston history lesson in various art forms, plus the joy of whatever exciting new exhibit is featured at the time. If you like fine portraiture, photographs, history, sculpture, interesting exhibits, friendly staff and appreciate dogged attention to every detail from historical storytelling to perfection in display - don't miss the charm of a small museum that always has something new to be discovered. I find myself going there again and again and always find treasures to feed my soul and fuel my own artistic endeavors.

Fred Blake Spa

This is an awesome art museum to go to on a hot day and there is even a Daily Cafe that has some good coffee and snacks.

Andie Meza

Beautiful exhibits

Riley Legette

Wonderful selection of pieces

Eric Savage

One of the highlights of our trip. Such a gorgeous space and loved the way it was designed to cut down on the noise of the lobby. We enjoyed the artists in the studios working that were beyond friendly and personable about their work. Great exhibits and pieces, plenty of colonial and South Carolinian pieces. Would highly recommend.

Kyle Kosmider

Good exhibit scene.

Melissa Hulett

Beautiful art, I could easily spend hours here. A very relaxing layout, and a coffee shop downstairs!

Lance Boone

Great Staff

Mark Nelson

I was received by the most wonderful and charming staff member upon entering. Her focus and attention was engaging and quite helpful. She made me feel like I was being welcomed into a family member's home. The artwork on each floor was well worth the visit, particularly the "Porgy and Bess" collection. I was pleasantly surprised and enlightened to find both historical and contemporary works by African American artists represented. Some of these artists I had only experienced through art history textbooks. What a delight to have had the same charming young lady who took my entrance fee and gave directions to be ready to inquire with such earnest and passion about my experience as I was exiting an hour later. I will certainly return some day when I am again in town.

Thomas Smith

Such a good experience seeing the new exhibit! Didn't see anything from other floors, but I will definitely come back to see more exhibits soon.

Roberto Mascia

There is no good paint....

Linda Winkler

Well run, nicely arranged museum with both art, local history - via artistic mediums, and changing exhibitions. I recently saw the Rauschenberg show focussing on his photographs, especially from time he spent in Charleston in the early 80s. A good place to absorb some art and its context, without feeling overwhelmed as a bigger place might make you feel.

Jessica G.

To me it's a bit pricey to get in. Has a good mix of art and definitely stirs conversation.

Linda Fraser

Really nice art museum. Permanent collection is always worth seeing. The visiting exhibitions are usually better than I expect.

Ryan Smith

A Great place to visit while in town or for a quiet date! The ground floor has public restrooms, a Cafe, and gift shop for artsy people! The additional 2 floors of art are marvelous. (2nd floor is historical art and statues) (3rd floor changes but at the moment, modern art) $10 student $15 regular They also have elderly discounts.

John Nulty

I liked the building and eclectic approach to the exhibitions. I very much liked the installation piece.

Stephen Mulligan

Great people, great building. Collection tries to cover too much

J Rousseau

Beautiful museum great wedding venue!

John Connor

Great Cafe

ZyAire Johnson

my school is coming there soon, hope its great

Gail Kapusnick

Interesting museum, especially when visiting artists are there. We took an old woodcut block there and a visiting printmaker showed us how to print it.

frank powell

What an amazing place! Some pieces really rare, but other pieces are interactive and you can touch. She sure and visit the Chilean printmaker. She is an artist in Residence who can really connect with young people.

Bill Haber

extremely positive and strong local collection

RandolphP

A very nice, well laid-out art gallery. Collection contains many unique treasures. One of the jewels of Charleston.

Pillow Productions

Beautiful selection, an artistic walk through history.

Liliana Rocca

Very nice musuem, a niche for southern Charleston history and art until the present time. I recommended vividly for his well balanced content.

Jeb Hallett

The recent renovation is spectacular! This is as elegant as any small museum in America. the quality of the permanent collection and current exhibits is first class!!! The Museum shop is extraordinary. The upcoming cafe will make the Gibbes one of my favorite hangouts in Charleston!!!

Jenny Turner

Great display of local wood and stone carving master Mary May. She was engaged with children of Angel Oak School.

DJ Stewart

Wonderful art museum. Good variety. Nice staff. Bistro inside had good food.

Dave Kaiser

Beautiful!

Cat Shena

Very Beautiful place and well organized exhibits. Staff is very lovely and informative as well.

Ioana Singureanu

Impressive collection of Charleston art. .. a "must see"

Elizabeth Rothstein

dont miss this

Mike Johnson

Well worth a visit.

The Austonauts

A fantastic art museum with wide appeal. If you like American art or are interested in Charleston history then this place is a must do when visiting Charleston. The new renovation is beautiful and I can only imagine the experience improving once their cafe and garden are completed. A true Charleston gem!

Evan Guthrie

I really like the Gibbes Museum Of Art on Meeting Street in Charleston. I have been coming here since I was a little and this museum always seems to inspire imagination and inspiration to create. I like that there are really good exhibits, programs, and events held here that makes it seem like a different experience each time, but still familiar and something that you can remember and return and enjoy again. I like all of the pieces that show the history of Charleston and South Carolina and all of the different stories that they tell of all of the different centuries. This museum is very consistent in the quality it delivers. I look forward to being able to come back here many times in the future.

Luiza Reynolds

I recommend this place. Love Charleston and the art galleries you find in this beautiful place

Elizabeth Butler

I have been to the Gibbes five or six times. I always enjoy it. The regional art mostly from the 17th and 18th Centuries is nice. The Harlem Exhibit was also enjoyable.