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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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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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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.
Collection Spotlight

The 2nd South Carolina Flag

VITA POTIOR LIBERTAS | Liberty Rather Than Life Carried by the 2nd South Carolina Regiment during the Revolutionary War, this historically important...
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Large wall covered in colorful abstract paining in deep blues, yellow, red and purple. In the foreground is a small case with a beaded sculpture a large glass bowl on display.
Changing Exhibition

From the Vault: South Carolina Art from the Museum's Collection

An exhibition exploring the variety and depth of the State Museum's art collection, featuring works by artists and craftspeople who were born in or...
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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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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

Artist Talk | Roxy Lenzo

Fri., July 17, 2026 | 12 p.m. Summer Spotlight & 6 p.m. Artist Talk Screening Event 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

Friday Night Laser Lights - July

Fri., July 17 | 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

Explore Exhibitions

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

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

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