Reimagine the Experience
Reimagine the Experience
The State Museum is working on something exciting . . .
New Exhibitions, Experiences & Stories from South Carolina
This collaborative project will allow the museum to feature more of its extensive collection and renew over 150,000 square feet with updated exhibitions and immersive multimedia experiences to highlight the fascinating art, culture, natural wonder and history of South Carolina. Through these new spaces and engaging explorations of objects, the museum will offer guests the opportunity to connect with each other and the many communities that call our state home.
Featured additions will include:
- New immersive exhibitions and exciting multimedia experiences.
- Hands-on education spaces and state-of-the-art collection storage
- In-depth explorations of artifacts, natural history specimens and fossils, and art from the museum’s collection.
- More people and their stories represented from across South Carolina.
Want to Support RTE?
MAKE A DONATION
RTE at a Glance
Take a look at where we are in the RTE project as it stands today and where we are headed.
Phase 1
RECENTLY COMPLETED
The first phase focused on infrastructure improvements to the historic building that houses the museum, including:
• Improved ADA facilities including updated public restrooms and Wellness Room, sponsored by Aflac.
• Wifi throughout the building and upgraded technology in the BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium and Rev. Dr. Solomon Jackson, Jr. 4D theater.
• A new public website and full access to our online collection database.
... and more
Phase 2
HAPPENING NOW
The second phase focuses on developing a new exhibition exploring the American Revolution in South Carolina, allowing the museum to expand the historical scope of its galleries further into the 20th century. This phase also includes:
• A hands-on invention space where visitors of all ages can discover their innovative and creative selves.
• Expanded astronomy space featuring STEAM-based activities centered around the Boeing Observatory.
• Inspiring changing exhibitions featuring South Carolina innovators, past and present.
• Engaging K-12 field trips and intergenerational family programming.
• Thought-provoking discussions, art installations and music programs featuring South Carolina artists, innovators and inventors.
• Community Collaborative area inviting innovators and educators across the state to convene and collaborate.
Phase 3
COMING SOON
The final phase of the project will complete the museum’s transformation, reimagining the second through fourth floors with new immersive experiences. Guests will explore South Carolina’s natural habitats from the prehistoric era to today and discover exhibitions that tell the state’s story from its earliest history through World Wars I and II and into the modern day.
More to come!
Mission
This capital project will transform the South Carolina State Museum into the state’s leading educational resource. Through innovative exhibitions, engaging programs and extensive statewide outreach, RTE aims to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to explore South Carolina’s past, present and future through accessible and interactive in-person, virtual and distance learning experiences.
(Meegan Kane. Public Programs Producer, South Carolina State Museum) "We're working on something exciting."
(Colonel Claude J. Eichelberger. Board Member, South Carolina State Museum Foundation) "Something new."
(Meegan) "A vision."
(Colonel Eichelberger) "A plan to reimagine your experience at the State Museum."
(Meegan) "And embark on the largest upgrade of our exhibition galleries in our history. This past year we listened, asking people from across the state to help guide this ambitious project forward. They encouraged us to think bigger, be braver, and find new ways to share the numerous stories of South Carolina."
(Colonel Eichelberger) "So we did."
(Meegan) "Don't worry. The shark is sticking around!
(Colonel Eichelberger) "From immersive multimedia experiences that highlight South Carolina's history, to engaging explorations of objects that help people connect with the past. We're working to become the place for South Carolinians to share and learn from one another, examine our complex shared history, and build a better future together with a focus on diversity and accessibility."
(Meegan) "To be successful, we will "Reimagine the Experience," and we need your help.
(Colonel Eichelberger) "Your voices and your stories are shaping the future of your State Museum."
(Meegan)"We're listening."
(Colonel Eichelberger) "Join us on this exciting journey as we work together to build a space for all of South Carolina's people and their stories."
Share your Thoughts: wearelistening@scmuseum.org
Through Reimagine the Experience, we are committed to making every interaction with the museum—whether in person or virtual—more engaging and inspiring. Our goal is for each guest to gain a deeper appreciation of our state’s vibrant culture and history.
Amy Bartow-Melia, Executive Director