New and permanent art and Upstate history exhibits are housed in the 1902 Victorian jail building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Free admission.

Visitors often comment that our original facilities resemble a brick castle. Located on the corner of Hwy 178 and Johnson Street, in downtown Pickens, SC. and built in 1902, this wonderful example of Turn of the Century Gothic architecture features crenellated turrets, a copper-colored tin roof, and is constructed of hand-rolled bricks which gives each brick a beautiful swirl pattern. But, there are clues to the original purpose of the building when one notices many of the windows have bars. Yes, this lovely building was the old Pickens County "Gaol" and it served as a jail until 1975.

The Museum Shop
Offering the work of more than 100 local and regional fine, traditional and folk artisans that represents the artistic spectrum of our unique area – including handcrafted jewelry, pottery, ceramics, baskets, scarves and handbags, woodcarvings, colorful prints and originals, Native American art, note cards, folk art, soaps, beeswax candles, locally harvested honey, handmade children’s toys and other specialty items.