10 Best Museums in Greenville, South Carolina (2024)
Greenville has some of the best museums in the US. Whether you want to take pictures of animals at the International African American Museum or learn more about the history of medicine at the International Civil Rights Museum, there are plenty of fascinating museums you would not like to miss. This article will help you discover the best museums in Greenville, South Carolina, with a list of the top 5 museums according to TripAdvisor reviewers. Now you can quickly prioritize which museum to visit first, whether you live in Greenville or are just visiting as a tourist.
10 Best Museums in Greenville, South Carolina
This article will help you discover the best museums in Greenville, South Carolina
1. The Upcountry History Museum
Founded on October 20th, 1987, by the Upcountry History Association, The Upcountry History Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history of upstate South Carolina. The museum has exhibits that tell the story of how people lived from prehistoric times to the present day. Visitors can explore over 4 acres of permanent and rotating exhibits, which include nature walks with guided tours for children and adults alike. While visiting this fantastic museum, you’ll have plenty to do with an IMAX theatre, meeting rooms, and exhibit halls!
Address – 540 Buncombe St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
2. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
A child’s mind is a powerful thing. When they are exposed to new experiences and situations, it’s natural for them to learn and grow. That’s why the Children’s Museum of the Upstate exists: to nurture children’s minds through play. Visitors are immersed in an interactive experience with hands-on activities that promote learning and discovery. They can run from room to room, discovering new things about science, the arts, history, and more.
Address – 300 College St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
3. M&G at Bob Jones University
Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery is the first of its kind in the U.S., featuring artwork and artifacts from around the world, including China, Latin America, Africa, and Europe. You’ll find a vast collection of sculptures by Auguste Rodin and other European masters on display, along with an exhibit on the history of Christianity. There are also displays of African masks, Australian Aboriginal artwork, and ancient Greek pottery. A gift shop offers jewelry and accessories made from semi-precious stones at various sites featured in the gallery’s exhibits.
Address – 1700 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29614, United States
4. Sigal Music Museum
Founded by local musician Sigal Perlmutter and her husband, a Holocaust survivor, the museum is one of the most impressive collections of musical instruments to be found anywhere in the country. The museum’s exhibits include more than 1,000 stringed and percussion instruments worldwide. They organize free special events such as workshops and concerts. For a family-friendly activity or an enriching experience with your friends, head to Sigal Music Museum next time you’re in Greenville!
Address – 516 Buncombe St, Greenville, SC 29601, United States
5. Greenville Museum of Art
The Greenville Museum of Art is a great place to start if you’re looking for something that appeals to the masses. It has something for everyone: Paintings, sculptures, and photography. They also have an impressive collection of antique pottery from every corner of the world. There’s also a theater where they show documentaries and films about art and artists, followed by a question and answer session. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum also has some fantastic events like Art & Wine night. As one of many museums in Greenville, it may not be the most famous, but it deserves your attention!
Address – 802 South Evans St. Greenville, NC 27834
6. The Ultimate Driving Museum
Formally known as the BMW Car Club of America Foundation Museum, The Ultimate Driving Museum showcases BMW race cars. The museum celebrates 50 years of BMW M history. About 25 unique BMW cars of various models are on display. Visit the Ultimate Driving Museum and explore more than 50 cars. To learn more about the history of BMW cars, visit this Greer (just 12 miles from Greenville) gem. The museum is just off Highway 101, so it’s easy to find if you go through town. And the best part is that it is a self-guided museum with detailed explanations accompanying the exhibits. So you can learn more about what you see.
Address – 190 Manatee Court Greer, South Carolina 29651
7. Miniature World of Trains
This museum is a one-of-a-kind experience. Visitors get to step into a world of miniature trains. The trains are the size of toy trains, but this is not just a toy train museum. It is filled with history and even offers guided tours where you can learn about different eras of railroading. What’s so great about Miniature World of Trains? Visitors experience the joys and sorrows that come with any mode of transportation through various historical periods.
You will find locomotives from every decade, starting from the 1850s up until the present day. One highlight is seeing full-sized trains at their original location. If your kids love trains, they’ll have a blast exploring everything on offer at Miniature World of Trains. And if it still needs to be clarified, this is truly an immersive museum. At least half of the exhibit space consists of mock towns where visitors can explore historic buildings from various periods, like churches or schoolhouses, or admire the scenery.
Address – 2400 North Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, South Carolina 29609
8. Greenville Cultural Exchange Center
With various objects on display, Greenville Cultural Exchange Center fascinates people who want to learn about the days gone by. It is a multicultural center that preserves the legacy, history, and achievements of Greenville’s Afro-American community. The Greenville Cultural Exchange Center (GCC) was created to provide a cultural exchange between Western and Asian countries. The place offers exhibitions, lectures, and other programs introducing people to different cultures. There’s also a restaurant where you can sample cuisine from around the world. It’s not too far from downtown Greenville, making it a great day trip destination. They offer guided tours, workshops, concerts, and more if you want to avoid exploring alone.
Address – 700 Arlington Ave, Greenville, South Carolina 29601, United States
9. BMW Zentrum
The BMW Zentrum is home to North America’s largest BMW retail store. There are also design and marketing offices within the facility. In addition, there is a theatre with a screening room for viewing films about all aspects of the company’s history. Visitors can see how engineers and designers work on future cars and view car collections, including historic vehicles from past decades that specialists have restored at BMW Classic.
A must-see exhibit is the interactive 3D theatre which lets you experience what it feels like to be inside one of the company’s latest sports cars. Other highlights include an interactive video wall providing information about critical events in BMW’s history, a one-of-a-kind customized M3 made entirely out of carbon fiber, and a gallery with 20 vehicles representing each decade since World War II.
Address – 1400 Highway 101 Street, Greer, South Carolina 29651
10. Military History Center of the Carolinas
The Military History Center of the Carolinas is a must-see about American military history. The three floors of exhibits will take you on a journey from the Revolutionary War to current conflicts in the Middle East. You’ll learn about General Robert E. Lee’s battle at Gettysburg, Thomas Stonewall Jackson’s defeat of General George B. McClellan at Antietam Creek during the Civil War era, and much more.
For children, the museum has plenty of hands-on activities that are fun for all ages. There is also an area where kids can climb over real tanks and explore other weapons up close. If you’re visiting in January, they have a special exhibit showing off high school students’ talents in art and writing.
Address – 14 Airport Road Extension, Greenville, South Carolina 29607
Conclusion
There are many incredible places to visit and explore when you come to the Upstate. This blog post helps you discover some of Greenville’s best museums. Each museum has something unique to offer, and all are worth visiting. If you’re looking for a museum specializing in a particular subject, you’re sure to find one that interests you. And if you are looking for a general overview of the history and culture of the area, several museums will give you an excellent resume. Whichever type of museum you’re looking for, you’re sure to find it in Greenville.