Location & Hours

The Confederate Museum is located in Market Hall at the corner of Meeting Street and Market Street in the heart of historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina. The address for postal correspondence is The Confederate Museum, PO Box 20997, Charleston, South Carolina 29413. Market Hall itself is an unmistakable building — a Greek Revival structure with prominent columns at the head of the City Market, one of Charleston's most visited landmarks.

The museum occupies the upper floor of Market Hall. To reach the museum, enter through the Meeting Street entrance and follow the signs to the staircase that leads to the museum galleries. The building's street-level front faces Meeting Street and is easy to find if you are walking through downtown Charleston.

The museum's location in the heart of Charleston's most historic district makes it an ideal stop during any exploration of the city's storied past. Within walking distance you will find the historic City Market, Charleston's famous Rainbow Row, the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, the South Carolina Historical Society, and many other cultural and historical sites. The museum can be incorporated into a half-day or full-day walking tour of downtown Charleston with ease.

The Confederate Museum operates on a seasonal schedule. During the winter months of January and February, the museum is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM. During the main season from March through December, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM, except on major holidays.

The museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays throughout the year. Holiday closures include Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and certain other major federal holidays. We recommend confirming hours by calling (843) 723-1541 before making a special trip, particularly during holiday periods or if you are visiting at the edges of operating hours.

Arriving at least 30 minutes before closing is recommended to ensure you have adequate time to explore the collection. Many visitors find that an hour to an hour and a half is sufficient for a thorough self-guided tour, though researchers and those with deep interest in specific aspects of the collection may wish to plan for longer visits.

Admission to The Confederate Museum is priced affordably to make it accessible to all visitors. General adult admission is $5.00 per person. Children between the ages of 6 and 12 are admitted for $3.00. Children 5 years old and younger are admitted free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.

Group rates may be available for organized visits. School groups, historical societies, genealogical clubs, tour groups, and other organizations planning to visit with multiple participants are encouraged to contact the museum in advance to inquire about group arrangements and pricing. Planning ahead also ensures that the museum staff can prepare for your group's visit and provide an appropriately tailored experience.

The museum accepts cash for admission. Please come prepared with exact change or small bills when possible. The admission fees collected go directly toward the cost of operating and maintaining the museum and its collection, as the institution receives no significant government subsidy and relies on visitor support to sustain its work.

The Confederate Museum is handicap accessible. The staff is committed to ensuring that all visitors can access the collection and enjoy their visit comfortably. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, we strongly encourage you to call ahead at (843) 723-1541 so that staff can prepare and provide any necessary assistance to make your visit as enjoyable as possible.

Because the museum is housed in a historic building that dates to 1841, some aspects of accessibility may differ from what visitors are accustomed to in newer facilities. Historic buildings present particular challenges when it comes to modifications, and the museum works within those constraints while doing everything possible to accommodate visitors with mobility limitations, visual impairments, or other needs.

Visitors who use wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids should contact the museum before their visit to discuss the best way to access the galleries. Staff will make every effort to ensure a welcoming and accessible experience for everyone who wishes to visit.

Yes, The Confederate Museum welcomes group visits and can accommodate a range of organized groups including school classes, college students, historical societies, genealogical researchers, heritage organizations, and general tour groups. Group visits are an excellent way to experience the collection with the benefit of shared discussion and the expertise of the museum's volunteer staff.

Organizations planning a group visit are encouraged to contact the museum in advance — preferably several weeks ahead — to confirm availability, arrange any necessary special accommodations, and discuss the nature of the group's interests. This advance notice allows the museum to ensure appropriate staffing and to provide a more tailored experience that addresses the specific interests and educational needs of the group.

For school groups in particular, the museum can serve as a valuable complement to classroom study of the Civil War era, providing students with direct access to primary source artifacts and the opportunity to ask questions about historical preservation and interpretation. Teachers planning field trips are encouraged to review the collection and identify specific artifacts that connect to their curriculum before the visit.

The Confederate Museum is located at the corner of Meeting Street and Market Street in downtown Charleston, South Carolina. If you are driving, you will find that downtown Charleston has limited parking, which is typical of historic urban districts. The closest parking options include the Market Street Parking Garage, the Aquarium Parking Garage (a short walk away), and various surface lots in the surrounding blocks. Street parking is available but can be difficult to find during peak tourist season, particularly in spring and summer.

Charleston's downtown is also accessible by CARTA (Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority) bus routes, which connect the historic district to other parts of the city and surrounding region. Several routes stop within a short walk of Market Hall. Visitors staying in downtown hotels will often find the museum within comfortable walking distance of their accommodations.

For those taking a guided tour of Charleston, many walking and carriage tours pass through the Market Street and Meeting Street area, and some specifically include or mention Market Hall and The Confederate Museum. Arranging a downtown tour that includes a museum stop can be a convenient way to combine the museum visit with broader exploration of Charleston's historical district.