Young woman observes a large gray meteorite in a display case mounted to a wall

Explore the State Museum

Discover exhibitions, learn about the museum's extensive collection, see what our immersive theaters can offer and more.

Exhibitions

Exhibition Galleries

Museum guests can explore exhibitions featuring the art, history, natural history and science and technology of the Palmetto State.

Learn More About the Exhibition Galleries

Astronomy

Planetarium

The 55-foot digital dome BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium takes guests on journeys to the deepest reaches of space and beyond.

Learn More About the Planetarium

Events

4D Theater

Enjoy immersive film experiences featuring 3D visuals mixed with real world effects, including air bursts, seat movement, ankle ticklers and more.

Learn More About the 4D Theater

Astronomy

Observatory

The Boeing Observatory at the South Carolina State Museum features a historic telescope, outdoor viewing terrace, and adjoining classroom.

Learn More About the Observatory

Red and white propeller airplane is suspended from the ceiling on display at the South Carolina State Museum.

Explore

Discover current exhibitions, learn about the museum's extensive collection of art, objects and fossils from South Carolina, see what our immersive theaters can offer and more.

Museum Hours

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

Plan Your Visit

Get Directions

A Mother with two daughters look at the exhibit entrance which features a large sign with the exhibit title done in a graffiti art style.

Exhibitions

Planetarium

4D Theater

Observatory

Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Meet Santa, enjoy holiday shows and more at the South Carolina State Museum this season!

Included with Admission

Suitable for All Ages

Wheelchair Accessible

Sat., Dec. 9 | 9 - 11 a.m. Meet Santa 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

Suitable for All Ages

Wheelchair Accessible

Fri., Dec. 15 | 6 - 9 p.m. State Museum members are invited to an exclusive holiday PJ party, sponsored by Cool Care!

Suitable for All Ages

Wheelchair Accessible

Pillars of Creation Image from James Webb Space Telescope Courtesy NASA

Astronomy Education Center

The museum is home to a wealth of astronomy related resources, including a state-of-the-art Observatory, a 55ft digital dome planetarium and a collection of antique telescopes.

Learn More about SCSM Astronomy

Explore the Collection

Learn more about the museum's collection featuring more than 1 million objects, artworks, fossils and specimens.

Learn More About Collections

Two hands in blue latex glove hold a whale tooth carved with a bird and images of ships and the sea

Audience looks up at domed shaped image depicting bright green lights in the sky over a snowy landscape

Museum News

New Planetarium & 4D Shows Light Up the State Museum For the Holidays

Celebrate the holidays at the South Carolina State Museum with exciting planetarium and 4D shows, special events and more!

Three audience members sit in a row from left to right looking up at a screen showing a projection of bright glowing green lights

Museum News

Museum Open Through New Year's Eve for Fascinating Fun

Visit the State Museum with friends and family for fascinating fun including four floors of exhibitions, digital dome planetariums shows, shopping in the museum store and much more!