Art Museum of Myrtle Beach

The Franklin G. Burroughs-Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum, better known as the Art Museum of Myrtle Beach, stands as a remarkable testament to vision, perseverance, and community spirit. Its story began long before its opening in 1997, when a dedicated group of artists, civic leaders, and cultural advocates imagined a permanent home for the arts along the South Carolina coast. Their dream found form in the historic Springmaid Villa, a 1924 oceanfront home originally built by textile magnate Eugene Cannon and later owned by Col. Elliot White Springs.

By the mid-1970s, the Villa faced demolition, but a determined preservation effort saved the building from disappearing. Led by members of the Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild, the campaign culminated in the extraordinary relocation of the 150-ton structure, moved eight miles south on flatbed trucks over three days. This feat of dedication and engineering secured the Villa a new life, with land donated by Myrtle Beach Farms Company. Soon after, the Springmaid Villa Art Museum Corporation was formed, laying the foundation for what would become a cultural landmark.

After years of fundraising and tireless effort, the museum opened in June 1997, renamed to honor Franklin G. Burroughs and Simeon B. Chapin, founders of Myrtle Beach Farms. Its mission was clear: to preserve art, nurture creativity, and provide accessible cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike. In 2003, the museum achieved a milestone by eliminating admission fees, ensuring that art could be enjoyed by all, regardless of background.

Today, the museum hosts diverse exhibitions, community programs, and educational initiatives, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. Its contributions were recognized in 2013 with the prestigious Elizabeth O’Neill Verner Award for Outstanding Arts Organization. More than just a museum, it is a symbol of resilience and shared vision, embodying Myrtle Beach’s enduring commitment to the arts.