Culture and Art in Charleston

Charleston's rich cultural history can be traced back to the first immigrants who came here. In the past, Charleston was once one of the major cities in the United States and an art center. The 250-year-old Wharf Street Theater is the first building specially built for theaters in the United States and is still in use today.

There are many galleries and performance venues in the city, and these places are crowded when the piccolo Spereto Art Festival is held in late spring every year. 17 days of artistic activities including opera, music, dance and drama attracted artists from all over the world.

The exhibitions and performance calendars held here fully prove the important position of Charleston. For the latest list, please visit the city's website.

The piccolo Spretto Art Festival is held from the end of May to the beginning of June. By then, there will be activities in all major theaters, churches, parks, shops and streets in the city, which will be regarded as an art feast. Since the establishment of 1977, the festival has developed into an internationally renowned celebration of music, opera, drama and dance. It attracts performing artists from all over the world to compete. The holiday schedule is usually published in January every year, so it is wise to log on to the website to reserve seats in advance.

Gibbons Art Museum (135 Dating Street) selectively collects some Japanese woodcuts and portraits of celebrities in South Carolina (such as Benjamin West), and there is also a showroom to display the works of local artists who made outstanding contributions to the urban cultural revival in the 1920s and 1930s. A long-term exhibition is particularly eye-catching. Some of the paintings mainly reflect the history of the lowlands, from the early British colonies to the American War of Independence, to the American Civil War, until today.

The City Hall Art Gallery (80 Broadway Street) has a portrait of President George Washington by John Du Rebel and a portrait of President james monroe by Samuel Morse. The art gallery on the second floor of the exhibition hall originated from the custom of entrusting artists to paint for visiting celebrities. You can ask a guide to show you around and answer your questions at any time.

Enjoy the performance of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra (George Street 14) or watch traditional dances at the Performing Arts Center of North Charleston Gymnasium (500 1 North Charleston Gymnasium Street).

Many works of Charleston Theatre will be staged at the Pier Grand Theatre (Church Street 135). Built in 1736, it is the first building specially built for theatrical performances in the United States.

The University of Charleston (205 calhoun Street) is a good resource for exploring art. It is one of the earliest institutions in the United States and is famous for its art colleges, troupes and ballet. The campus is located in the center of the old town of Charleston, including the gorgeous Sotwa Theatre. Art colleges often hold their own exhibitions, so it's best to check the schedule on the website.

There are many art galleries in Market Street, Church Street and King Street in downtown Charleston. Carolina Gallery (188 King Street) mainly displays Charleston's Renaissance works, while Church Street Inn Gallery (177 Church Street) displays oil paintings and watercolors by famous local and international artists.

Individual plantations are open to the outside world, where visitors can get a general understanding of the development of Charleston culture. The architecture and interior furnishings of Leighton Hall (3380 Ashley River Road) and Middleton Plantation (4300 Ashley River Road) have their own characteristics, more of which are the original appearance before the American Revolution.

There are more than 3,000 historical buildings in the whole urban area of Charleston, which can be called a national historical landmark. Read the next page to learn more about Charleston's architecture and landmarks.