2026 Best of the Holy City READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS ARTS & CULTURE
01 Jul 2026
Voted on by our readers, these award-winning attractions, standout shops, and essential services are part of what keeps Charleston among the most beloved places to live in the country.
July-August 2026
The Charleston art and culture scene is thriving! A living blend of historical preservation and contemporary innovation in a city that is constantly moving. A culture engine powered by institutions that honor history while actively shaping what comes next: Case in point: Performance art is elevated to its most ambitious expression at the Charleston Gaillard Center, a world-class venue that brings symphonies, dance, theater, and touring productions into dialogue with local voices and global talent, reinforcing Charleston’s role on the national arts stage. For families and the next generation of creatives, the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry transforms curiosity into hands-on exploration, reminding us that cultural literacy starts early. So many art galleries, so little time! Yes, take in many on an ArtWalk or check out the visual storytelling at an off-the-beaten-path gem, the Wells Gallery in Kiawah, where Southern landscapes, coastal light, and contemporary works reflect the Lowcountry’s enduring aesthetic. And for an authentic sense of place, the horsedrawn rhythms of the Old South Carriage Company offer a moving narrative of the city itself—told at street level.
BEST ART GALLERY
Wells Gallery
BEST MUSEUM
Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry
BEST PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Charleston Gaillard Center
BEST SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Old South Carriage Company
