A new significant museum opening in Spartanburg is the Spartanburg Art Museum (SAM), located in the heart of downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina. Although it is primarily known as the only contemporary art museum in the Upstate region, SAM frequently hosts one-of-a-kind exhibitions, including curated shows with historical and regional themes. The museum features changing exhibitions 4 to 5 times a year, showcasing regional, national, and international artists with free general admission to encourage community engagement.
In 2025, SAM has exhibited various installations and artworks, and it sometimes includes historic exhibits integrated with contemporary art perspectives. The museum is part of the vibrant cultural scene at the Chapman Cultural Center, which also houses other art and historical venues in Spartanburg.
Other nearby museums complementing historic exhibits include the Johnson Collection, which focuses on Southern art and the rich history and culture of the American South, making it a key place for historic and cultural exhibitions in Spartanburg.
Visitors to these museums can experience a blend of historic, cultural, and artistic exhibitions that reflect both contemporary and historical narratives relevant to Spartanburg and the wider region. The Spartanburg Art Museum and nearby institutions are evolving into cultural hubs with free or accessible public programming, making them excellent points to explore Spartanburg’s heritage and art scene in 2025.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g54448-d12140436-Reviews-Spartanburg_Art_Museum-Spartanburg_South_Carolina.html)
[2](https://spartanburgartmuseum.org)
[3](https://www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org)
[4](https://thejohnsoncollection.org)
[5](https://tcmupstate.org/spartanburg/)
