South Carolina State Museum

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Bird Photography Of The Year
Changing Exhibition

Bird Photographer of the Year

Now Open | Exhibition features 70 award-winning images of our feathered friends captured by amateur and professional photographers from around the...
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A large, intricately woven sweetgrass basket sculpture is displayed on a white pedestal inside a museum gallery. The basket features decorative loops, arched openings, and a tall, crown-like handle, with framed artwork and a small red airplane sculpture visible in the background.
Museum News

“Big Percy” Arrives at the State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum recently unveiled its latest acquisition, "Big Percy," a sweetgrass basket made by renowned Gullah Geechee artist...
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Large wall covered in colorful abstract paining in deep blues, yellow, red and purple. In the foreground is a small case with a beaded sculpture a large glass bowl on display.
Changing Exhibition

From the Vault: South Carolina Art from the Museum's Collection

An exhibition exploring the variety and depth of the State Museum's art collection, featuring works by artists and craftspeople who were born in or...
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A collage of four colorful painted portraits of young people, each wearing glasses. From left to right: a girl with braided hair and a yellow flower, wearing a green shirt; a person with shoulder-length brown hair in a gray hoodie with the word "Leap"; a person with short twisted hair in a light blue jacket and a mask with "Speak" written across it; and a girl with natural hair pulled back, wearing a white hoodie with a small bird design, set against a bright red and yellow background.
Changing Exhibition

When I See Myself, I See . . .

This portrait series, by acclaimed storyteller and visual artist Natalie Daise, highlights the creativity, dreams and lived experiences of 21 Voorhees...
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Dad with son on his shoulders points at the antique Anderson Car on display with Mom and daughter nearby.
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Museum Hours

Open today from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

South Carolina State Museum301 Gervais StreetColumbia, SC 29201

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What's Happening at the Museum

See events calendar
Event

Artist Talk | Christine Tedesco

Sat., April 18, 2026 | 11 a.m. This program series highlights artists featured in the exhibition, From the Vault: Art from the Museum’s Collection, currently on view in Lipscomb Gallery.
Adult Event
Included with Admission
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Teacher Appreciation Day

Sat., May 2 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. The State Museum is celebrating South Carolina teachers on Sat., May 2 with FREE general admission and more.
Suitable for All Ages
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Accessibility Morning - Pete the Cat

Sat., May 9, 2026 | 9 - 11 a.m. Meet Pete the Cat and more during this special morning designed for guests who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly and disability-adapted experience.
ASL Interpretation
Assistive Listening Device
Captioning Available
Included with Admission
Suitable for All Ages
Wheelchair Accessible
Aspen DePratter Headshot

South Carolina Wings of Wonder

Now Open | Explore the diversity of South Carolina birds in this exhibition, which features specimens and objects from the museum’s extensive natural history collection.

Learn more about this fascinating exhibition

Explore Exhibitions

Changing Exhibition

Bird Photographer of the Year

Now Open | Exhibition features 70 award-winning images of our feathered friends captured by amateur and professional photographers from around the...
Changing Exhibition

South Carolina Wings of Wonder

Now Open | Guests can explore the diversity of South Carolina birds in this exhibition, which features specimens and objects from the museum’s...
Changing Exhibition

Native Communities of South Carolina

This display honors the Native People of South Carolina, highlighting their ongoing efforts to preserve and share their cultural and artistic...
Changing Exhibition

When I See Myself, I See . . .

This portrait series, by acclaimed storyteller and visual artist Natalie Daise, highlights the creativity, dreams and lived experiences of 21 Voorhees...

Featured Articles

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Accessibility at the Museum

The South Carolina State Museum is committed to providing accessible and inclusive experiences for our guests. 

Learn More about Accessibility at the Museum
Guide presents ASL interpretation during planetarium show
Headphones hang on a microphone stand with a purple and blue wall in the background

Our State, Our Stories Podcast

Developed to coincide with the museum's 35th anniversary, this new series explores stories that uncover South Carolina's rich past through in-depth looks at the museum's collection, behind-the-scenes peeks, and more.

Learn more and subscribe to the podcast