Mace Brown Museum of Natural History
Discover prehistoric wonders at this free museum, featuring dinosaur bones, Megalodon teeth, and a fun fossil dig!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
Mace Brown Museum of Natural History
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more focus
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover prehistoric wonders at this free museum, featuring dinosaur bones, Megalodon teeth, and a fun fossil dig!
"You cannot beat the fact that this gem of a find is free for all!"
Free Admission 🆓
Entry is free, though donations are appreciated. A fantastic budget-friendly option!
Fossil Dig Fun :rock:
Kids can dig for their own small fossil to keep. A highlight for young visitors!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dinosaur Skeletons
Various displays
Marvel at impressive dinosaur bones and fossils that transport you back millions of years.
Megalodon Teeth
Fossil displays
Gaze upon the colossal teeth of the ancient Megalodon shark, a true prehistoric wonder.
Fossil Dig Pit
Designated area
Get hands-on and dig for your own small fossil to take home – a memorable souvenir!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission, Big Discoveries
Perfect for Young Paleontologists
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Admission 🆓
Entry is free, though donations are appreciated. A fantastic budget-friendly option! 
Fossil Dig Fun :rock:
Kids can dig for their own small fossil to keep. A highlight for young visitors!
Parking Tips :car:
Metered street parking is available, or use nearby garages if needed.
Check Hours :clock:
Open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM, but closed on Wednesdays.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Admission 🆓
Entry is free, though donations are appreciated. A fantastic budget-friendly option!
Fossil Dig Fun :rock:
Kids can dig for their own small fossil to keep. A highlight for young visitors!
Parking Tips :car:
Metered street parking is available, or use nearby garages if needed.
Check Hours :clock:
Open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM, but closed on Wednesdays.
Student Guides :mortar_board:
Student paleontologists often provide informative tours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History for its free admission and engaging fossil exhibits, especially the interactive fossil dig. While some note its small size, most find it a worthwhile and educational stop, particularly for families with children interested in dinosaurs and paleontology. The knowledgeable student guides also add to the positive experience.
"You cannot beat the fact that this gem of a find is free for all! We were able find parking at a meter (free) in front of the museum/college. There's other parking nearby if that's full.
Go up the stairs to access the museum part itself. It was our first time and we were so impressed! There's a little fossil dig within one of the larger fossil rooms where you can collect a free find.
There were a couple rooms to go through and so many fossils! It was heaven, really! I would definitely go there again as I didn't get to spend as much time as I wanted to since we were with family and that means different attention spans. I would like to come back to visit on my own terms. The program being offered through the College seems like a good one worth checking out if this is your thing!
There are a couple Dino exhibits sprinkled out on the first floor as well. Highly recommend for all ages, even for younger kids!"
Carolyn Washington
"Took my 7 yr old girl to see the dinosaurs 5/18/25. She loved it. This place is just enough for an active child. Something small enough to do in a short time, but well worth it. Great for future paleontologists."
Anita Wurm
"I always forget to make reviews!! But I make them all at once lol. This was a great place to come by! entry is free! The guy who was there was super sweet and we had a wonderful informative conversation! They have a cute little things you can purchase; my husband and I bought a cup and coasters! It is pretty small, but it’s so nice and cool I’d have to say!"
Angela Ortega
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located at 202 Calhoun Street, on the 2nd floor of the School of Sciences and Mathematics Building at the College of Charleston.
Metered street parking is often available on Calhoun Street. If street parking is full, the George Garage is a nearby option.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed, its downtown Charleston location means it's likely accessible via local bus services. Check Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) for routes.
Yes, if you're exploring downtown Charleston, the museum is centrally located and walkable from many shops, restaurants, and other points of interest.
Visitors typically access the museum by going up the stairs to the second floor of the School of Sciences and Mathematics Building.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History is completely free! Donations are gratefully accepted to support the museum.
The museum is open daily from 11 AM to 4 PM, with the exception of Wednesdays when it is closed.
No, advance booking is not required as admission is free. You can typically walk in during operating hours.
The museum sometimes offers tours led by student paleontologists. It's worth checking their schedule or inquiring upon arrival.
While walk-ins are welcome, for larger groups, it might be beneficial to contact the museum in advance to inquire about group visits or any specific arrangements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse collection of fossils, including dinosaur bones, Megalodon teeth, and other ancient species. There's also a fossil dig pit for interactive fun.
Absolutely! The museum is very kid-friendly, with engaging exhibits like dinosaur displays and a fossil dig that are perfect for sparking children's interest.
Given its size, a visit can range from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on your pace and the engagement of your children. It's ideal for a short, impactful experience.
Yes, there are cute items available for purchase, such as cups and coasters, which make for nice souvenirs.
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, visitors are generally welcome to take photos for personal use within the museum. It's a great way to capture the impressive fossils and exhibits.
The dinosaur skeletons and the large Megalodon teeth are particularly striking subjects for photos. The fossil dig pit also offers fun, candid shots.
While not explicitly stated, it's always polite to avoid using flash photography that might disturb other visitors or potentially damage delicate exhibits.
Tripod usage is often restricted in smaller museums to avoid obstruction. It's best to inquire with museum staff upon arrival if you plan to use one.
The main halls with the larger fossil displays offer ample space for framing shots. The entrance area and the fossil dig can also provide interesting backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 The museum's compact size means it's manageable for shorter attention spans, making it a perfect activity for a quick educational stop. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds. The student guides can often make the experience even more engaging for kids. It's an ideal spot to spark an interest in science and paleontology in a fun, accessible environment.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 It offers a substantial educational and entertaining experience without any cost, making it a top recommendation for those watching their expenses. Pair your visit with other free activities in downtown Charleston, like exploring the historic streets or visiting public parks. Parking can be managed with metered spots or by utilizing free parking days if available, further keeping costs down.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Collections
+1Beyond the large-scale exhibits, the museum also features a variety of other fossilized specimens, providing a broader understanding of ancient ecosystems. The displays are thoughtfully arranged, often with informative labels that detail the species and their geological context. This makes it easy for visitors to learn as they explore, even without a guided tour.
One of the most interactive elements is the fossil dig pit. This hands-on activity allows younger visitors (and the young at heart!) to experience the thrill of discovery by digging for their own small fossil to take home. It’s a memorable takeaway that reinforces the educational experience and adds a fun, tangible element to the visit.
A Student-Led Experience
These student guides are often enthusiastic and knowledgeable, eager to share insights about the fossils and the ongoing research. They can provide detailed explanations about the specimens, answer questions, and even offer a glimpse into the work happening in the museum's lab. This personal interaction can significantly enhance the visitor experience, making it more dynamic and engaging.
The museum's affiliation with the college also underscores its commitment to paleontological research and education. It serves as a living laboratory, supporting the academic programs and contributing to the broader scientific community. This ensures that the collections are not just static displays but are part of an active, evolving field of study.
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