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West Virginia (WV)
Charleston
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Clay Center
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Clay Center

See all things to do
See all things to do
Clay Center
4.5
194
#7 of 42 things to do in Charleston
Science Museums • Art Museums
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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About
Opened in the summer of 2003, the Clay Center strives to present a variety of arts and sciences all under one roof. The Avampato Discovery Museum is two floors of fascinating interactive science exhibits, while the ElectricSkyâ„¢ Theater features planetarium shows. In addition there are a large performance hall and a small black-box theater, an art museum, a fun museum shop, and a cafe. There's something interesting scheduled virtually every night here!
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159 within 3 miles
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Attractions
46 within 6 miles
West Virginia Symphony Orchestra
18
116 ftSymphonies
Avampato Discovery Museum
29
253 ftScience Museums • Gardens
St. John's Episcopal Church
2
0.2 miReligious Sites
Capitol Market
211
0.3 miFlea & Street Markets
Appalachian Power Park
53
0.2 miArenas & Stadiums
Charleston Baptist Temple
5
0.2 miHistoric Sites
Capitol Street
168
0.3 miHistoric Walking Areas
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8
0.3 miArt Galleries
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4
0.3 miVisitor Centers
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1.1 miHistory Museums
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
194 reviews
Excellent
121
Very good
41
Average
17
Poor
9
Terrible
6
Dara
3 contributions
Only worth the effort if you are bringing small children
Jul 2022 • Couples
We looked forward to visiting the Clay Center because we enjoy all the Sciences, Art and Music, and History and Culture. According to the reviews, this was the place to spend time if one is in the area. So we planned to spend this rainy afternoon there today but were hard pressed to find anything of interest for more than half and hour. There is very little worth seeing here if you are an adult. The young man who took our money at admissions could have told us this but could barely remove himself from the book he was reading to give us any information about the place and neither could the other two seat fillers next to him. No directions or information was offered until we asked about show times for the Planetarium which we were told was broken and would be working again sometime in the future maybe next week, after he took our entrance money, of course. The planetarium was the main reason we came in the first place. We browsed around to the Juliet Art Gallery which had some quilts on the wall and a small exhibit of elaborate sketches by Rick Ambrose which were good then wandered through the exhibits. As I said, if you are a child, there are some interesting interactive exhibits, but many are out of order. I also noticed a clock that didn’t work and a toilet that didn’t flush, so the maintenance should be upgraded. We left extremely disappointed by the experience. Frankly, it was a waste of our time and money.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dsaxe1114
Cincinnati, OH40 contributions
Lots to do for everyone! Museums and movie!
Jul 2021
I enjoyed a couple hours at Clay Center. Interactive art displays and interactive displays in all the other areas like music, water and the body. I saw Africa movie and it was educational and exciting! Must visit while in Charleston with or without kids!
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
alex ll
Yorktown, VA238 contributions
Sadly Empty
Jul 2021 • Solo
The slow death of retail as we knew it...90% empty no real places to eat....lots of seniors walking around getting their exercise...many businesses abandoned with past due rent notices in their once beautiful display windows. In fairness the remaining businesses are providing excellent customer service with scattered sales helping draw traffic... did not actually see anyone buying anything.....a huge monument to failed American dream
Written July 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kiela L
Scott Depot, WV25 contributions
Fun for kids!
Feb 2021 • Family
My family comes here occasionally! My children really enjoy it! Their favorite part of the Clay Center is the water area! As a mother with two special need toddlers, this is a great place to come to allow kids to explore and learn in a safe and fun environment! The bottom floor has things for kids to learn about shopping, cars, and different type of careers! I highly recommend this place to families!
Written April 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Phil C
Michigan43 contributions
Amazing Place - Awesome Value
Mar 2021 • Family
Out family of 6 (4 kids from 7 -13) has visited a number of hands on museums. This was one of if not the best ever. When you factor in the affordable price and limited number of guests right now, it is a clear choice for our favorite. Advanced online ticket purchase is required but that is becoming the norm now. The different areas all look brand new still, the Waterworks room was run. There is a great science room with fun activities for ALL ages. The lower level town is by far the best I have seen. Everything is so detailed and realistic. Earn money through tasks and save it on you ATM card then spend that money on games or groceries in the store. This kids loved the 2 story climber as well. Everything was so well done. We ended with an amazing imax movie in the planetarium, so cool.
Written March 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Morgantowngirls
14 contributions
All State Band competition 2020
Mar 2020 • Family
What a great venue for a concert/ choir/ band show!!
Awesome auditorium with wonderful seating and sound!
We could do but they have museum/ discovery center and whole additional part for families and cost just $9 adults and less for kids.. great bang for the buck for afternoon of fun!
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wvmom
3 contributions
Wonderful
Feb 2020
My boys love this place. So many things to keep their minds busy and thier imagination soaring. I definitely recommend this place.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DC1
9 contributions
interesting + fun
Oct 2019
Interesting, fun displays with lots of sensory experiences. Planetarium was amazing and the presenter also showed us the positions of stars etc in the sky in the part of Scotland where we had travelled from ! Had almost 5 hours there but would have liked more time. Just vending machines - no cafe; helpful staff gave us directions where to eat nearby, but we were enjoying ourselves too much to leave. A packed lunch would have good.
Written November 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jonica E
Greensboro, NC7 contributions
Great for kids and kids at heart!
Nov 2019
I thought I was going to an art museum, but their art collection is 4 paintings. However, they have a nice chidren's museum with water, music and human body rooms. There is an amazing climbing structure as well. I enjoyed the children's displays.
Written November 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonbear
New Smyrna Beach, FL295 contributions
Just about everything you need
Oct 2019 • Couples
We were surprised at the variety of shops & restaurants here, as well as the extensive parking facility should you be driving. We were fortunate enough to walk her from our hotel-so, yes, there are also hotels at City Center
Written October 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Clay Center (Charleston) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Clay Center
Clay Center is open:
  • Sun - Sun 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Wed - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM