South Carolina State Museum

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Platform with low panel in front. On the platform is a tall mannequin wearing a long and black gown with a large collar and a headdress featuring two curvy horns
Exhibitions

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume

Ends Jan 4, 2026! Created by the Walt Disney Archives, this critically acclaimed exhibition features 70 costumes, from characters such as Cinderella...
Learn More
Rocky landscape at night with green and purple aurora lights glowing in the dark sky
Planetarium

Áróra

Explore the beauty of the Northern Lights in Áróra, an immersive planetarium experience exploring these mystical lights in 4K.
Learn More
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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Join the fun and save all year when you become a member of the State Museum!

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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

Constellation Concert Series: Music in the Observatory

Thurs., Nov. 13 & Dec. 11, 2025 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Experience live music under the stars in the State Museum's Constellation Concerts event series.
Additional Ticket Required
Adult Event
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Harvesting Heritage: Stories in Season

Fri., Nov. 14, 2025 | 6 - 8:30 p.m. Harvesting Heritage is an ongoing event series at the South Carolina State Museum highlighting the past and future of creativity, innovation, and artistry in Black foodways throughout South Carolina.
Additional Ticket Required
Adult Event
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Book Talk with Author Margaret Renkl

Tues., Dec. 2, 2025 | 6 p.m. Enjoy an evening with celebrated environmental author Margaret Renkl, presented in observance of South Carolina Arbor Day. Free to the general public.
Adult Event
Wheelchair Accessible
SC2000.66.21e - View 1 of Monogrammed Sterling Silver Dinner Fork

Holiday Planetarium Lighting

Thurs., Dec. 4 | 4 - 7 p.m.

You're invited to a special after-hours museum event as we officially "light-up" the planetarium dome for the holiday season!

Learn more about this event

More Upcoming Events

Keisha Rainey

Book Talk with Author Margaret Renkl

Enjoy an evening with celebrated environmental author Margaret Renkl, presented in observance of South Carolina Arbor Day. Free to the general public.
Santa Clause in front of Finn the Shark
Family & Kids

Santa Saturdays

Nov. 29 and Dec. 6, 13, & 20 | Meet Santa, enjoy holiday shows and more at the South Carolina State Museum this season!
Large space with wooden floor and lots of tables, racks, and fixtures displaying a wide variety of merchandise from soaps to sweatshirts
Family & Kids

Member Holiday Party

Dec. 10 | State Museum members are invited to an exclusive holiday PJ party!
Side view of mannequin wearing voluminous pale blue ball gown with small butterfly appliques across the bodice. Two women stand on the right, one in a blue and white dress and the other in black pants and patterned blouse, stand looking at the ball gown.

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume

Ends Jan. 4, 2026 | Now Open

Created by the Walt Disney Archives, this critically acclaimed exhibition features 70 costumes, from characters such as Cinderella to Maleficent and more.

Learn More & Get Tickets to the Blockbuster Exhibition

Explore Exhibitions

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...
Changing Exhibition

Apollo 16 & Beyond: South Carolina in Space

Explore the history behind South Carolina astronaut Charles Duke's Apollo 16 lunar mission and learn about scientists and engineers who have...
Suitable for All Ages
Included with Admission
Wheelchair Accessible
Changing Exhibition

Make Some Noise: the Science of Sound

Make Some Noise: the Science of Sound engages guests of all ages in an interactive world of sound! Explore the way sound travels, how humans and...
Suitable for All Ages
Included with Admission
Wheelchair Accessible

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

Featured Articles

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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