South Carolina State Museum

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Exhibitions

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume

Now open for a limited run! Created by the Walt Disney Archives, this critically acclaimed exhibition features 70 costumes, from characters such as...
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Artist Homecoming 2025
Event

Artist Homecoming 2025

Please join the South Carolina State Museum in celebrating our state’s visual arts community and the re-opening of the museum’s Lipscomb Gallery
Learn More
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Event

Storied Threads: History, Artistry, and Innovation in SC Textiles and Design

Join us for a discussion of the history and future of textiles and fabrics, fashion and design in South Carolina.
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South Carolina State Museum Planetarium Exterior
Visit

Blue Star Museums

The South Carolina State Museum is proud to be part of the Blue Star Museums initiative, a national appreciation program to thank our military...
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Become a Member

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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Plan Your Visit

One Enchanted Evening Gala

Friday, Oct. 17 | Enjoy a fairy tale-inspired evening where history, elegance, and transformation align at the State Museum.
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What's Happening at the Museum

See events calendar
Event

Accessibility Morning - The Pigeon Has to Go to School

Sat., Sept. 13, 2025 | 9 - 11 a.m. Meet The Pigeon 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
Included with Admission
Suitable for All Ages
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Summer Nights at the Museum

Fri., Sept. 19, 2025 | 5 - 9 p.m. Explore the State Museum after-hours and enjoy a special movie during this new summertime event series.
Additional Ticket Required
Suitable for All Ages
Timed Tickets Required
Wheelchair Accessible
Rocky landscape at night with green and purple aurora lights glowing in the dark sky

Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume

New Blockbuster Exhibition | 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

Shared Sacrifice: South Carolina in World War II

Highlighting the 180,000 South Carolinians who served in World War II, this exhibition explores the powerful stories of the men and women who...
Included with Admission
Wheelchair Accessible
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
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Artist Homecoming 2025

Thursday, Sept. 25 - Friday, Sept. 26

Please join the museum in celebrating our state’s visual arts community and the re-opening of the Lipscomb Gallery.

Learn More About Artist Homecoming

Blue Star Museums Program

As a part of Blue Star Museums, active military and their families are invited to enjoy free general admission to the South Carolina State Museum from Armed Forces Day, May 17, 2025, through Labor Day, September 1, 2025.

Click Here to Learn More about Blue Star Museums
Logo that reads South Carolina Artist Homecoming
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Join Our Team!

See what job openings are currently at the museum and find out how to apply.

Job Openings

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