South Carolina State Museum

Home

A museum visitor in a red jacket views an interactive digital table in the foreground while a large projected scene of Revolutionary War soldiers on horseback and in battle fills the wall behind them. The immersive display combines historic artwork with digital interpretation in the American Battleground: South Carolina's Revolution exhibition.

Museum Open Over the Holiday Weekend

The South Carolina State Museum is the perfect destination to celebrate the holiday weekend with exciting exhibitions, planetarium experiences...
Learn More
Graphic for “Moonlight & Milestones” featuring a crescent moon and stars above dark, softly illuminated clouds, with the event title in white lettering in the upper right.
Event

Moonlight & Milestones

An epic Make Way for More black-tie revitalization celebration hosted by the SCSM Foundation.
Learn More
Black type on a white background with pink and blue alternating squares above and below. The black type reads: Artist Homecoming 2026: Elements of Craft. Oct. 8 - 9, 2026.
Event

Artist Homecoming 2026

Join the State Museum for a two-day gathering celebrating South Carolina’s creative community and connecting artists, cultural leaders, and arts supporters from across the state.
Learn More
Photo of GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Sweetgrass Basket Big Percy
Museum News

“Big Percy” is a Guinness World Records Holder

The South Carolina State Museum's recent acquisition “Big Percy,” a monumental sweetgrass basket created by master artisan Corey Alston, is the new...
Learn More
South Carolina State Museum, Dinosuar, South Carolina, Family, Things to Do, Columbi
Support

Become A Member

Membership at the South Carolina State Museum offers great benefits including free general admission all year and more.
Learn More

Museum Hours

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

South Carolina State Museum301 Gervais StreetColumbia, SC 29201

Get Directions
Plan Your Visit

Revolutionary Astronomers

NEW! | This new planetarium experience takes audiences back to the American Revolution to discover the crossroads between history and astronomy. 
Black and white image of a painting that shows a tall ship on the right facing a wooden fort with flag flying above it.

What's Happening at the Museum

See events calendar
Event

First Sunday

1st Sunday of Every Month | 12 - 5 p.m. General admission is only $1 for guests on the first Sunday of every month! Planetarium and 4D theater tickets are an additional price. Sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
Suitable for All Ages
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

College Night

Thurs., Sept. 10 from 7 - 10 p.m. College students from across the state are invited to experience the South Carolina State Museum after hours!
Additional Ticket Required
Adult Event
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Accessibility Morning - Taco Dragon from "Dragons Love Tacos"

Sat., Sept. 12, 2026 | 9 - 11 a.m. Meet Taco Dragon and more during this 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

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...

Featured Articles

Read More Featured Articles

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