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Photo of GUINNESS WORLD RECORD Sweetgrass Basket Big Percy
Museum News

“Big Percy” is a Guinness World Records Holder

The South Carolina State Museum's recent acquisition “Big Percy,” a monumental sweetgrass basket created by master artisan Corey Alston, is the new...
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Wide view of the entrance to the American Battleground: South Carolina's Revolution exhibition at the South Carolina State Museum. A large wood-paneled feature wall displays the exhibition title alongside a mural depicting Revolutionary War soldiers in battle. In front of the wall is a glass-topped interactive exhibit table on polished wood floors, with the open gallery extending into the background.
Ongoing Exhibition

American Battleground: South Carolina's Revolution

Trace South Carolina’s transformation from a thriving British colony to one of the Revolution’s most important battlegrounds.
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Museum Miles 5K Race to Revolution
Event

Museum Miles 5K: Race to the Revolution

Support the State Museum with a 5k run/walk starting at the Museum and moving through the city of Columbia!
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A large brown eagle with outstretched wings perches on a log, its sharp yellow talons gripping the wood. The bird’s hooked beak is slightly open, and its feathers are layered in shades of brown and cream against a plain light background.
Changing Exhibition

South Carolina Wings of Wonder

Now Open | Guests can explore the diversity of South Carolina birds in this exhibition, which features specimens and objects from the museum’s...
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South Carolina State Museum, Dinosuar, South Carolina, Family, Things to Do, Columbi
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Become A Member

Membership at the South Carolina State Museum offers great benefits including free general admission all year and more.
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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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Revolutionary Astronomers

NEW! | This new planetarium experience takes audiences back to the American Revolution to discover the crossroads between history and astronomy. 
Black and white image of a painting that shows a tall ship on the right facing a wooden fort with flag flying above it.

What's Happening at the Museum

See events calendar
Event

Friday Night Laser Lights - August

Fri., Aug. 21 | 6 - 10 p.m. Enjoy special shows featuring lasers choreographed to iconic music inside the museum’s 55ft digital dome BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium.
Additional Ticket Required
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Lunar Eclipse Night at the Museum

Thurs., August 27, 2026 | 8:30 p.m. - 1 a.m. Late-night museum experience includes lunar eclipse viewing, planetarium shows, and more.
Included with Admission
Suitable for All Ages
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Harvesting Heritage: Third Annual Crab Crack

Sat., Aug. 29, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Harvesting Heritage is an ongoing event series at the South Carolina State Museum highlighting the past and future of creativity, innovation, and artistry in Black foodways throughout South Carolina.

Explore Exhibitions

Changing Exhibition

Bird Photographer of the Year

CLOSES AUG. 30 | Exhibition features 70 award-winning images of our feathered friends captured by amateur and professional photographers from around...
Changing Exhibition

South Carolina Wings of Wonder

Now Open | Guests can explore the diversity of South Carolina birds in this exhibition, which features specimens and objects from the museum’s...
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...

Featured Articles

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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
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