Best of Charleston Architecture
Explore downtown Charleston’s finest 18th and 19th century houses. Discover the unique beauty, craftsmanship and family histories each of these National Historic Landmark houses has to offer.
Adult ticket - $32.00
Child ticket (ages 6-12) - $19.00
From The Charleston Museum online shop
Allow one week for delivery
Pass includes admission to all of the following:
Aiken-Rhett House – 48 Elizabeth Street
The Aiken-Rhett House stands alone as the most intact townhouse complex showcasing urban life in antebellum Charleston. Built in 1820 and greatly expanded by Gov. and Mrs. William Aiken, Jr. in the 1830s and 1850s, the house has survived virtually unaltered since 1858.
Heyward-Washington House – 87 Church Street
Built in 1772, The Heyward-Washington House was the town-home of Thomas Heyward, Jr., Revolutionary patriot and signer of the Declaration of Independence. This Georgian-style house was also George Washington’s temporary residence during his southern tour of 1791. Among the several outbuildings still on the site is the kitchen building, the only 18th century kitchen open to the public in Charleston.
Joseph Manigault House – 350 Meeting Street
The Joseph Manigault House, built in 1803, is a premier example of Adam-style, or Federal architecture. Designed by gentleman architect Gabriel Manigault for his brother, Joseph, the house is one of the most distinguished in the city, capturing the lifestyle of a wealthy, rice-planting family. A charming Gate Temple is the focus of the period garden.
Nathaniel Russell House – 51 Meeting Street
Since 1808, visitors have admired the grand Federal townhouse of Charleston merchant Nathaniel Russell. Set amid spacious formal gardens, the Nathaniel Russell House is widely recognized as one of America’s most important neoclassical dwellings. The graceful interior with elaborate plasterwork ornamentation, geometrically shaped rooms and a magnificent free-flying staircase are among the most exuberant created in early America.