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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...
Learn More
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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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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A group of people enjoy music and dancing at an indoor event. In the foreground, a woman wearing a white top and red skirt holds a drink and smiles while moving to the rhythm. Other guests in colorful attire are visible in the background, creating a lively and social atmosphere.
Event

Harvesting Heritage: Stories in Season

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.
Learn More
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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Book Talk with Author Margaret Renkl

Tues., Dec, 2 | Enjoy an evening with celebrated environmental author Margaret Renkl, presented in observance of South Carolina Arbor Day. Free to the general public.
The book cover of The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year by Margaret Renkl, featuring vibrant illustrations of flowers, birds, butterflies, and leaves surrounding a golden-yellow crow silhouette. A Reese’s Book Club sticker appears at the top left corner.

What's Happening at the Museum

See events calendar
Event

Accessibility Morning - Madeline

Sat., Nov. 8, 2025 | 9 - 11 a.m. Meet Madeline 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

Harvesting Heritage: Stories in Season

Fri., Nov. 14, 2025 | 6 - 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.
Additional Ticket Required
Adult Event
Wheelchair Accessible

Explore Exhibitions

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
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

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
Man faces away from camera in neon yellow shirt with "Museum Team" written across the back in blue letters

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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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