South Carolina State Museum

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Platform with low panel in front. On the platform is a tall mannequin wearing a long and black gown with a large collar and a headdress featuring two curvy horns
Exhibitions

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume

Ends Jan 4, 2026! Created by the Walt Disney Archives, this critically acclaimed exhibition features 70 costumes, from characters such as Cinderella...
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Santa Clause in front of Finn the Shark

Holidays at the South Carolina State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum is the perfect destination over the holiday break with special 4d theater and planetarium experiences, exhibitions...
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Rocky landscape at night with green and purple aurora lights glowing in the dark sky
Planetarium

Áróra

Explore the beauty of the Northern Lights in Áróra, an immersive planetarium experience exploring these mystical lights in 4K.
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A collage of four colorful painted portraits of young people, each wearing glasses. From left to right: a girl with braided hair and a yellow flower, wearing a green shirt; a person with shoulder-length brown hair in a gray hoodie with the word "Leap"; a person with short twisted hair in a light blue jacket and a mask with "Speak" written across it; and a girl with natural hair pulled back, wearing a white hoodie with a small bird design, set against a bright red and yellow background.
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...
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Dad with son on his shoulders points at the antique Anderson Car on display with Mom and daughter nearby.
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Join the fun and save all year when you become a member of the State Museum!

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Museum Hours

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

South Carolina State Museum301 Gervais StreetColumbia, SC 29201

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What's Happening at the Museum

See events calendar
Event

Accessibility Morning - Meet Santa & Penelope the Dinosaur

Sat., Dec. 13, 2025 | 9 - 11 a.m. Meet Santa, Penelope the Dinosaur 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
Event

Santa Saturdays

Santa is stopping by the museum to meet with guests and members! Get your wish lists ready and bring your cameras to take a fun picture with our jolly...

Suitable for All Ages
Event

Constellation Concert Series: Music in the Observatory

Thurs., Jan. 15, 2026 and Thurs., Feb. 26, 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
Side view of mannequin wearing voluminous pale blue ball gown with small butterfly appliques across the bodice. Two women stand on the right, one in a blue and white dress and the other in black pants and patterned blouse, stand looking at the ball gown.

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume

Ends Jan. 4, 2026 | Now Open

Created by the Walt Disney Archives, this critically acclaimed exhibition features 70 costumes, from characters such as Cinderella to Maleficent and more.

Learn More & Get Tickets to the Blockbuster Exhibition

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...
Changing Exhibition

Apollo 16 & Beyond: South Carolina in Space

Explore the history behind South Carolina astronaut Charles Duke's Apollo 16 lunar mission and learn about scientists and engineers who have...
Suitable for All Ages
Included with Admission
Wheelchair Accessible
Changing Exhibition

Make Some Noise: the Science of Sound

Make Some Noise: the Science of Sound engages guests of all ages in an interactive world of sound! Explore the way sound travels, how humans and...
Suitable for All Ages
Included with Admission
Wheelchair Accessible

Events Coming in 2026

Two panelists sit on stage holding microphones and speaking during a discussion. The person on the right gestures while talking and wears a black shirt with yellow text that reads “Gullah Geechee.” The person on the left smiles and listens attentively. A projected image of a waterfront scene is visible in the background.

Harvesting Heritage

This ongoing event series highlights the past and future of creativity, innovation, and artistry in Black foodways throughout South Carolina.

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

Featured Articles

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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