To visit the museum, advanced timed tickets are required for all visitors. Popular dates and times may be sold out.
14 Wharfside StreetCharleston, SC 29401
Museum open 10am to 5pm (last entry 4:00 PM) Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Monday.
14 Wharfside Street — Charleston, SC 29401
Submitting a PreK-12 Field Trip Request form is the first step in booking a field trip at IAAM. Once the form is submitted, a representative from the Education Department will contact you via email.
Field trips are offered Tuesday-Thursday at 10:00AM, 10:30AM, 11:00AM, and 11:30AM. We ask that field trips be scheduled at least one month in advance.
A field trip at IAAM is a 75-minute self-guided experience curated by the IAAM Education Staff.
South Carolina Schools (1:10 chaperone to student ratio is REQUIRED):
Student: $0.00
Teacher/Chaperone: $0.00
In-State Enrichment & After-School K-12 Group Rate (1:10 chaperone to student ratio is REQUIRED):
Student: $7.00
Teacher/Chaperone: $15.00
Out-of-State Schools (1:10 chaperone to student ratio is REQUIRED):
IAAM accepts payment by credit card only. South Carolina schools receive FREE admission. For out-of-state schools, a 20% non-refundable deposit will be due upon booking. A representative from the Education Department will reach out by phone to collect payment by credit card at least two weeks before your visit.
Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time. IAAM Education Staff will be present at the bus stop to greet, check in, and administer visitor badges and educational materials to your class. Departures must take place one hour after the start of your tour. To ensure timely departure, please return visitor badges to IAAM Education Staff in the West Yard at the end of your visit.
Please email [email protected] if your group is running late and will not be present 30 minutes prior to your scheduled start time.
Yes, there is a designated drop-off and pick-up location located in front of the Museum on Concord Street. Vehicles are prohibited from idling for more than 15 minutes. Buses and Motor coaches may not drop off, pick up, or proceed down Inspection Street or Wharfside Street for any reason. After dropping off, bus parking can be found in the access lane behind the Aquarium Garage at 24 Calhoun Street. Learn more about the City of Charleston rules and permits for Buses here: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/187/Bus-Tour-Parking-Permit-Application
Please limit bags when entering the Museum. All students, teachers and chaperones must go through security before entering the Museum. All prohibited items will be held by security for the duration of your visit. You must return to security to collect your confiscated items. The Museum has free lockers available, although locks are not provided. If you would like to use a locker, please bring your own lock.
Group lunches are not permitted in the building, on the grounds, or in classroom spaces. There are two public parks near the Museum, Gadsdenboro Park and Liberty Square, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch. Currently, IAAM does not arrange, coordinate, or store boxed lunches or food deliveries.
Please remember to be respectful, courteous, and considerate while entering the galleries. View our Field Trip Guidelines for more information.
Chaperones must stay with students at all times. Please refer to our Field Trip Guidelines for more information.
In the case that changes or adjustments need to be made to your field trip, please email [email protected] as far in advance as possible to see if your request can be accommodated. Please note that IAAM does not offer refunds for cancelled visits. Due to high demand for programs and field trips, IAAM may be unable to reschedule your visit. Changes and cancellations (except for emergencies) should take place at least three weeks prior to your visit.
Currently, IAAM is not offering virtual field trip options. Stay tuned for future programs! And be sure to check out our ongoing series of digital exhibitions, as well as our Center for Family History’s Resource Center and Digital Archives.
Information about our Core Exhibitions can be found here.
No; currently, the IAAM collection database is under construction. However, pre and post lessons will be available soon.
IAAM has sensory bags available upon request. Sensory bags include adult and children’s sunglasses and sensory earmuffs, as well as an assortment of sensory toys.
A limited number of Quiet Rooms are available on the 2nd floor on a first-come basis for students who need time or space away from the galleries and exhibitions to contemplate, absorb, or reflect. The Museum also has a family restroom with changing rooms located on the 2nd floor. IAAM staff are happy to help you locate the family restroom or Quiet Rooms.