Aiken-Rhett House
Aiken-Rhett House Museum
An 1820 city mansion with a fully preserved enslaved people’s quarters courtyard, displayed in its original state under a “preserve, don’t restore” approach, with a self-guided audio tour.
The Aiken-Rhett House once belonged to William Aiken, a governor of South Carolina, and is one of the most completely preserved urban plantation compounds in America. The faded wallpaper, original furnishings, and artworks inside have not been restored. In the back courtyard, the kitchen, stables, and enslaved people’s quarters remain as they were, offering a direct view of living conditions under urban slavery. The house uses an audio self-guided tour. Admission is about $15, and a combination ticket with the Nathaniel Russell House is available. It is located in the northern part of the old city.
Opening hours
About 10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- The Charleston Museum
- Mother Emanuel AME Church
- International African American Museum
- South Carolina Aquarium
- King Street
- Charleston City Market
- Gibbes Museum of Art
- St. Philip's Church