Events

Charleston by Design: an event focused on art + history

Explore history through the lens of art and design

January 24, 2024 • 
Callie Putnam
The historic Aiken-Rhett House Museum's outdoor space shines with lights and is filled with large floral pieces.

The four-day celebration of design and preservation features speakers and designers.

Photo by Historic Charleston Foundation

Does this stretch of weather have you longing for spring? Well, it will be here before you know it, and so will the festivals + events that come along with the blossoming of a new season.

Historic Charleston Foundation’s The Charleston Festival (formerly known as the Festival of Houses and Gardens) will run from Thursday, March 14 to Sunday, April 14. The festival aims to bring educational events to the community that spread awareness, teach history, and benefit the HCF through celebrating culture.

Bright red, pink, and white roses wrap the historic wooden staircase.

Select designers will shape historic spaces into their vision for the weekend.

Photo by Historic Charleston Foundation

Charleston by Design is a key event that focuses on design and preservation and helps kick off the festival weekend. Guests will explore historic homes with an art and interior design lens. HCF’s Aiken-Rhett House Museum will be the historic canvas designers use to create original displays and bring their visions to life.

Meet the designers

Guests can also hear presentations and visit studios, explore designer vignettes, and attend the Opening Night Party Fundraiser.

Historic room decorated with orange and green grand floral and fruit displays.

Historic spaces of Aiken-Rhett House are brought to life with grand displays.

Photo by Historic Charleston Foundation

HCF officials say events + fundraisers are a crucial part of supporting the Foundation’s mission-driven work. HCF works to preserve historic structures and communities while also shaping a future that “honors and protects our people, places, culture, and community.”

Tickets for the Vignettes and Mimosas event, Designer Vignettes, and the Opening Night Party are on sale now.

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