A Guide To

Art Galleries in Downtown Charleston

There are dozens of art galleries in Downtown Charleston and two distinct gallery districts. One district is on Broad Street called Gallery Row and the other is located in the historic French Quarter one block North of Broad Street.rnrnIf you are an art lover, you’ll want to take an afternoon for a leisurely stroll through the art districts and be captivated by vibrant and awe-inspiring works of art that can only be found in Charleston. Many artists have been drawn to Charleston for its charm and serene surroundings which can be reflected in their artwork. Whether you are looking to bring home a piece of Charleston with you or you are an art enthusiast, this guide will help you find the Best Art Galleries in Charleston, South Carolina.

If you’d like to see more galleries, click here to visit the Charleston Gallery Association, which represents a large number of galleries. In addition, they organize monthly First Friday Artwalks from 5-8 pm.

robert_lang

Robert Lang Studios

Address: 2 Queen Street

Phone: (843) 805-8052

Robert Lange Studios has been voted the Best Art Gallery in Charleston by Charleston City Paper and Charleston Living Magazine. This art gallery offers residency space for many different artists from a diverse range of styles and levels of their careers. The gallery is owned by a married couple and fellow artists are Megan and Robert Lange, both artists have their own art displayed at their gallery that is characteristic of the contemporary and hyper-realism style that the gallery is known for. This gallery is located in the heart of the art district on the same street as many other Charleston icons including the Dock Street Theatre, Foot Light Players Theater, and six other different art galleries. Gallery Hours: Monday-Tuesday 11 am-5 pm; Thursday-Sunday 11 am-5 pm.

mary martin gallery

Mary Martin Galleries of Fine Art

Address: 103 Broad Street & 143 East Bay Street

Phone: (843) 723-0303

Mary Martin, owner of Mary Martin Galleries (MMG) specializes in mentoring unknown artists and helps them become nationally recognized. MMG is known for being an eclectic gallery that thrives from original and captivating pieces. MMG hosts monthly ongoing exhibitions—sometimes twice a month— that allows collectors and general art lovers a chance to meet potential upcoming artists. Stop by on the first Friday of every month until 8:00 PM to meet featured artists and other local art lovers. Gallery Hours: Monday-Tuesday 10 am-6 pm; Thursday-Sunday 10 am-6 pm.

halsey institute of contemporary art

The Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art

Address 161 Calhoun Street

Phone: (843) 953-4422

While this art gallery is located outside the official art district – this gallery is the only non-collecting contemporary art gallery in the city. Located at the College of Charleston in the School of the Arts building, this 3,200 square feet gallery has a museum-level of quality exhibit space. Halsey has between five and seven exhibits per year. The gallery hosts contemporary artists either emerging in their careers or artists established on a national level. All exhibits are accompanied by an educational program including lectures, panels, screenings, and other special events. Gallery Hours: (during exhibitions) Monday-Saturday 11 am–4 pm; Thursdays 11 am-7 pm.

principle gallery

Principle Gallery Charleston

Address: 125 Meeting Street

Phone: (843) 727-4500

Principle Gallery Charleston is located in the historic French Quarter and shares museum-quality works from established American and International artists. The art falls within the realm of Contemporary and Classical Realism. The gallery boasts a light-filled space featuring original, provocative work from a variety of artists. The gallery is open Monday-Wednesday 10 am-6 pm; Thursday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm; Sunday 11 am-6 pm.

meyer vogl gallery

Meyer Vogle Gallery

Address: 122 Meeting Street

Phone: (843) 805-7144

Meyer Vogl Gallery, located in the French Quarter, permanently features oil paintings by owners and artists, Laurie Meyer and Marissa Vogl. In addition, they exhibit works by a number of local and internationally recognized artists. The owners exhibit artwork they feel an emotional connection to and hope to engage the senses of art lovers and introduce collectors to exhilarating new works.

reinert gallery

Reinert Fine Art

Address: 181 King Street

Phone: (843) 694-2445

Reinert Fine Art showcases contemporary impressionist works in oil by Rick Reinert and more than 60 other artists offering their unique and diverse styles. They have two locations—179 and 181 King Street and also feature an outside courtyard and sculpture garden gallery. Gallery Hours: Monday -Saturday 10 am-5 pm; Sunday 11 am-5 pm.

Hagen Fine Art

Address: 125 Church Street

Phone: (843) 901-8124

Hagan Fine art is located in a pretty pink building that sits on the triangle that’s framed by Market and Beaufain Streets in the heart of Downtown Charleston. The gallery houses six showrooms and the working studio of owner and artist, Karen Hewitt Hagan. At Hagen, you will find an exciting collection of Lowcountry, American, European, and Russian landscapes, interiors, and still life as well as romantic figurative and abstract art, paintings, and sculptures. Hagan offers private By Appointment shopping experiences to find the perfect pieces for your homes and collections. Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-5 pm.

Gibbes Museum

The Gibbes Museum of Art

Address: 135 Meeting Street

Phone: (843) 722-2706

The Gibbes Museum of art offers some of Charleston’s finest art pieces. This museum is home to the foremost collection of American art that incorporates the story of our city. The museum connects everyone to the city and region’s artistic past to a vibrant contemporary art scene. Hours: Monday: 10am-5pm; Tuesday: 10am-5pm; Wednesday: 10am-5pm; Thursday: 10am-5pm; Friday: 10am-5pm; Saturday: 10am-5pm; Sunday: 1pm-5pm