Charleston’s passion and support for the arts dates back to its earliest days.
An exploration of the city’s history reveals that in 1736, a group of local actors performed in The Recruiting Officer at the new Dock Street Theatre, the first building in the United States designed solely for theatrical purposes. Throughout the years, the city’s residents remained loyal to the arts, even during the Civil War when legend has it that General Pierre Beauregard led theatergoers—interrupted by Union troops bombarding the city—in a rousing chorus of “Bonnie Blue Flag.”
Today, locals and visitors alike enjoy a year-round cornucopia of theater, music and dance offerings. An international arts festival, Broadway shows, symphonies and dance companies from all over the globe are complemented by local actors, dancers and musicians who have brought their talents to this charming Southern city.
Undoubtedly, the biggest shot in the city’s cultural arm occurred in 1977, when Pulitzer-prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti selected Charleston as the American counterpart to his Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds) held in Spoleto, Italy. Menotti selected Charleston, with its wealth of theaters, churches and other performing arts spaces, as the perfect counterpart. From its first season, Spoleto Festival USA was an instant success with its mix of opera, theater, musical theater and dance, and chamber, symphonic, choral and jazz music, as well as the visual arts. In fact, many of the premieres created for the annual arts festival have gone on to successful runs in theaters and concert halls around the world.
Spoleto enchantment begins in late May, when Charleston becomes a cultural mecca for 17 glorious days and nights. Thousands of visitors, both domestic and international, gather here to take advantage of the more than 120 performances by renowned artists as well as emerging performers. Spoleto Festival USA has firmly established itself as one of the world’s major arts festivals, presenting 100 world premieres and 93 American premieres since its inception.
>Piccolo Spoleto, the official outreach arm of Spoleto Festival USA, was founded by the City of Charleston Office of Cultural Affairs in 1979. Piccolo, which means “little” in Italian, was originated to bring attention to the many artists and artisans from throughout the Southeast. Every theater, church, recital hall and park is booked during the 17-day event, with hundreds of performances, many offered free of charge.
Other local festivals of note include MOJO Arts Festival, a celebration of African-American and Caribbean art held in early fall; and the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition, a nationally recognized forum for nature lovers, conservationists and art collectors held each February.
Charleston’s year-round theater offerings range from intense drama to comedic gold. Major companies like Charleston Stage, the Footlight Players, PURE Theatre, and the Village Playhouse and Repertory Company regularly present classics of modern theater, musicals and original productions, all stocked with talented locals of all ages. For those with active funny bones, Theatre 99 offers a different show each night, with the founders, The Have Nots, and friends performing improvisational comedy every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evening.
Fans of the ballet can enjoy the fine artistry of the Charleston Ballet, which presents elegant shows throughout the year and works to involve the community through ongoing outreach performances.
The Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston’s only fine art -museum, provides a distinguished collection of historic and contemporary works as well as a year-round schedule of fascinating art exhibitions, programs and family events. The museum offers residents and visitors access to a distinguished, interesting collection of more than 10,000 American works including paintings, prints, drawings, photography, sculpture and miniature rooms. The Gibbes is also known for its premier collection of miniature portraits and an engaging exhibit of Japanese woodblock prints.
Did you know? Charleston was ranked sixth among U.S. mid-sized metropolitan areas as an Arts Destination by American Style Magazine in 2008.
Original vintage poster art. A glimpse of European advertising at the turn of the 20th Century. Covering the walls of the gallery are large splashes of color inviting you to the Moulin Rouge and Monaco Grand Prix. The gallery’s selection includes the Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and contemporary periods.
A celebration of Charleston’s unique architectural and cultural heritage. Whether buying or selling, our clients’ needs and interests come first. Our expertise is luxury property and our experience and knowledge in all types of residential and commercial real estate mean we bring you the best possible service.
Bocci's - a great Italian restaurant in historic downtown Charleston on Church Street. USA Today has called Bocci's one of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States. Bocci's serves full Italian fare, excellent wines, heavenly desserts and gourmet coffees all at affordable prices. Perfect for the whole family. Dinner nightly.
Charleston’s passion and support for the arts dates back to its earliest days. 
Undoubtedly, the biggest shot in the city’s cultural arm occurred in 1977, when Pulitzer-prize-winning composer Gian Carlo Menotti selected Charleston as the American counterpart to his Festival dei Due Mondi (Festival of Two Worlds) held in Spoleto, Italy. Menotti selected Charleston, with its wealth of theaters, churches and other performing arts spaces, as the perfect counterpart. From its first season, 
Fans of the ballet can enjoy the fine artistry of the Charleston Ballet, which presents elegant shows throughout the year and works to involve the community through ongoing outreach performances.
Original vintage poster art. A glimpse of European advertising at the turn of the 20th Century. Covering the walls of the gallery are large splashes of color inviting you to the Moulin Rouge and Monaco Grand Prix. The gallery’s selection includes the Belle Epoch, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and contemporary periods.
A celebration of Charleston’s unique architectural and cultural heritage. Whether buying or selling, our clients’ needs and interests come first. Our expertise is luxury property and our experience and knowledge in all types of residential and commercial real estate mean we bring you the best possible service.
Bocci's - a great Italian restaurant in historic downtown Charleston on Church Street. USA Today has called Bocci's one of the leading Italian restaurants in the United States. Bocci's serves full Italian fare, excellent wines, heavenly desserts and gourmet coffees all at affordable prices. Perfect for the whole family. Dinner nightly.
