top of page
DSC_0657 copy.jpg

Where preservation meets design...

MARCH 13–MARCH 16, 2025
As the opening weekend for The Charleston Festival, Charleston by Design celebrates preservation inspired design through a series of tours, lectures, and events. 
Thesis-Illumination2021-178.jpg

ART

at the Aiken-Rhett House Museum

As part of Charleston by Design, Historic Charleston Foundation has invited acclaimed Charleston artists Shepard Fairey and Tim Hussey to have their work exhibited in the Double Parlor of the historic Aiken-Rhett House Museum for Charleston by Design 2025. This exclusive art exhibition, specially curated for the storied c.1820 space, will only be open to the public March 14-16 for Charleston by Design. At the Opening Night Party, guests can be among the first to experience the exhibit while mingling with the artists, designers, and speakers in an extraordinary evening to kick off The Charleston Festival. 

About the Artists
TCF2025-12-Artists Banner.jpeg

The 

Artists

About the House Museum

The Aiken-Rhett House Museum is one of two Historic House Museums owned and operated by Historic Charleston Foundation. Originally constructed in the 1820s on the edge of a bustling and growing Charleston, the mansion was heavily modified and expanded beginning in the 1830s under the ownership of Gov. William Aiken and his wife, Harriet Lowndes Aiken and again in the 1850’s while the Aiken’s traveled abroad during one of their Grand Tours of Europe. A remarkable and unique property, the Foundation has chosen a preserved-as-found preservation style for this historic site.

 

What does that mean? The historic house is truly frozen in time. Peeling wallpaper, exquisitely preserved moldings and grand staircases create hauntingly beautiful and blank canvas for artists and designers alike. The Foundation activates this unique space with art exhibits and designer vignettes to share history and preservation in a modern way. 

AikenRhettHouse_ext.Credit Historic Charleston Foundation - Copy.jpg
Thesis-Illumination2021-198.jpg

LECTURES

A highlight of the Charleston by Design weekend, don't miss the captivating Design in Mind Lecture Series at the historic Second Presbyterian Church.

bottom of page