Exchange Building

Exchange Building is a museum in Charleston, SC, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the city’s colonial and revolutionary history. Located at 122 East Bay Street, the museum offers guided tours of the historic Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, a 1771 structure that played a pivotal role in the founding of SC. Visitors walk through the Great Hall and underground dungeon, experiencing immersive storytelling that brings to life the struggles and triumphs of early American history. The museum serves tourists, school groups, and history enthusiasts, offering educational programs focused on the colonial and Revolutionary eras. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Sundays. The museum has received consistently positive feedback, with visitors praising its engaging tours, informative guides, and compelling exhibits.

The museum’s mission centers on historical education and public engagement, with a strong emphasis on evolving interpretations of Charleston’s past. It has hosted notable programs such as “Meet the Artist: Dale Watson and the Art of Independence,” featuring local artist Dale Watson whose work was displayed in the Great Hall from May to July. The museum has also developed new interpretive panels on the Southern Campaign of the American War for Independence and women’s history in SC. Staff members, including former director Dr. Edwin Breeden, have contributed to the site’s scholarly depth and public outreach, ensuring that the museum remains a dynamic resource for understanding regional and national history.

Situated on East Bay Street in downtown Charleston, the Exchange Building is just a short walk from several historic landmarks. It lies less than a hundred meters from the Old Exchange Marker and Lee Cohen Harby Memorial, both located on the same street. The museum is about 75 meters from Rainbow Row (North End), a cluster of colorful historic homes, and approximately 190 meters from Joe Riley Waterfront Park, a popular green space along the Cooper River.

The museum is recognized for its thorough, well-documented presence online, with a website that search engines easily index and navigate. Its digital content is consistently updated with historical insights, event announcements, and educational materials, reinforcing its credibility and accessibility.

As a cornerstone of Charleston’s historic district, Exchange Building offers a profound connection to the city’s revolutionary roots, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the legacy of American independence.

Services:

• Admission Sales
• Education Programs
• Educational Programs for Schools
• Guided Tours
• Historic Site Tours
• Online Education Programming