Exhibitions
Exhibitions
The museum features four floors of exhibitions on the art, cultural history, natural history, and science and technology of South Carolina. Plus, online experiences and more!
What to explore at the museum?
From permanent galleries focused on history, art, natural history and science and technology to engaging changing exhibitions, the museum is the best place to discover the richness of the Palmetto State - all under one roof!
Guests are invited to visit the South Carolina State Museum and enjoy four floors of fascinating displays that journey through time and space from pre-history to the modern day. Not able to visit in person? That's Okay, the museum offers engaging online exhibitions to enjoy and a full catalog of traveling displays available for local libraries, community centers and other museums to host.
Current Exhibitions
Upcoming Exhibition | American Battlefield: South Carolina's Revolution
The first major exhibition completed as part of the Reimagine the Experience campaign, this new display will open in June 2026 in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. The exhibition focuses on South Carolina’s critical role in declaring and fighting for independence. It will feature important objects from the museum's collection as well as interactive elements that will help guests explore the more than 400 battles and skirmishes fought in South Carolina and discover the surprising stories of the people – patriots, loyalists, women, enslaved, free blacks, and indigenous people – who comprised South Carolina’s revolutionary experience.
This exhibition is supported by a grant from the SC250th Commission.
More Upcoming Exhibitions
Changing Exhibition
The State Museum will host Bird Photographer of the Year as one of two new bird-focused exhibitions opening March 7, 2026, exploring the beauty...
Changing Exhibition
The State Museum will host South Carolina Wings of Wonder as one of two new bird-focused exhibitions opening March 7, 2026, exploring the beauty...
Traveling Exhibitions Program
Did you know the museum offers traveling exhibitions for display at schools, community centers, museums, and other cultural institutions?
Bindings & Betweens: South Carolina Quilts
This online exhibition traces the history and art of South Carolina made quilts. Featuring pieces from the museum’s collection, the exhibition highlights both the objects and their makers for an in-depth look at the quilt making process.
More Online Exhibitions
Virtual Exhibition
The years following the Civil War were a time of great upheaval. This virtual exhibition uses artifacts from the time period to examine the...
Virtual Exhibition
From tribal women leaders, to our first female Governor, this virtual exhibition utilizes objects, images and stories to explore how women engaged...