The South Carolina State Museum is filled with the best of South Carolina history, science and technology, art and natural history. Science demonstrations, hands-on activities, fine art and a children’s center make this one of the top family attractions in the state. New additions to the collection and a continual flow of changing exhibits such as the upcoming Deadly Medicine make the Museum an exciting educational experience for guests, whether it is their first or their fifty-first visit. The combination of innovative exhibits, original programming and an exceptional permanent collection continue to make the Museum a vibrant part of Columbia and the state of South Carolina.
Gallery tours, docent-led tours, teacher workshops, school group tours. Fees vary.
Large gift shop with a variety of items related to South Carolina. Facility rental space ranging from small classrooms to large banquet spaces. The Crescent Cafe serves soups, salads, sandwiches, snacks and other food and drink items.
The Museum opened its doors to the public in 1988.
The focus is on South Carolina art, history, natural history and the contributions to science and technology. Our science and technology gallery focuses on space, lasers, scientific principles and other areas of the scientific world.
Extensive research collection of South Carolina Natural History. Also research collection of South Carolina art and history.
Access: Students, Scholars
Appointment required: True
Open Mondays 10 am-5pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day and the month of December.