South Carolina State Museum

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An antique, indigo-blue silk flag featuring a detailed, hand-embroidered central emblem. The emblem sits upon a small patch of green grass and includes a collection of military and symbolic items: a tan shield with a crescent moon, a red cap on a pole, and draped flags or fabric in light blue and tan.
Permanent Exhibition

American Battleground: South Carolina's Revolution

In honor of the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, the South Carolina State Museum presents a new exhibition exploring the state's...
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Bird Photography Of The Year
Changing Exhibition

Bird Photographer of the Year

Now Open | Exhibition features 70 award-winning images of our feathered friends captured by amateur and professional photographers from around the...
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A large, intricately woven sweetgrass basket sculpture is displayed on a white pedestal inside a museum gallery. The basket features decorative loops, arched openings, and a tall, crown-like handle, with framed artwork and a small red airplane sculpture visible in the background.
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...
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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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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

Artist Talk | Corey Alston & Corren Alston

Sat., May 23, 2026 | 11 a.m. This artist talk series highlights artists with work currently on view in Lipscomb Art Gallery. Artists will discuss their work and offer visitors a chance to hear firsthand the ideas, experiences, and processes that fuel their creative journeys.  
Adult Event
Included with Admission
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Harvesting Heritage: Voices From the Mosquito Fleet

Sat., June 6, 2026 | 6 p.m. - 8:00 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.
Additional Ticket Required
Adult Event
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Accessibility Morning - Rainbow Fish

Sat., June 13, 2026 | 9 - 11 a.m. Sat., June 13, 2026 | 9 - 11 a.m. Meet Rainbow Fish 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

Explore Exhibitions

Changing Exhibition

Bird Photographer of the Year

Now Open | Exhibition features 70 award-winning images of our feathered friends captured by amateur and professional photographers from around the...
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...
Aspen DePratter Headshot

South Carolina Wings of Wonder

Now Open | Explore the diversity of South Carolina birds in this exhibition, which features specimens and objects from the museum’s extensive natural history collection.

Learn more about this fascinating exhibition

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