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.

Sat., March 14, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Join the State Museum as we celebrate individuals with disabilities with a day of fun, inclusive activities such as a hands-on community art project, special shows with ASL interpretation, a Sensory Room, Silent Disco, hands-on object areas, and more.

ASL Interpretation

Assistive Listening Device

Captioning Available

Suitable for All Ages

Wheelchair Accessible

Thurs., Feb. 26 & March 19, 2026 | 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

Saturday, March 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The State Museum takes flight with Flock Fest! Enjoy hands-on activities, gallery tours, birding opportunities, and more on the special day full of feathered fun.

Included with Admission

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

Alt text: Two men stand on either side of a large woven sweetgrass basket sculpture during an unveiling ceremony, each holding back blue drapes. The basket, featuring decorative loops and a crown-like handle, sits on a wheeled platform beneath string lights. A podium and microphone are to the right, and photographers and audience members are visible in the foreground.

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 Corey Alston from Mount Pleasant, S.C.