South Carolina State Museum

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Rocky landscape at night with green and purple aurora lights glowing in the dark sky
Planetarium

Áróra

Explore the beauty of the Northern Lights in Áróra, an immersive planetarium experience exploring these mystical lights in 4K.
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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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Space with wooden floors, tables and shelves full of houseware products (cutting boards, plates, cups, etc) with South Carolina imagery including crescents and palmetto trees
Visit

Shop

The South Carolina State Museum Store offers a variety of unique items from beautiful linens and jewelry to decorative items for your home or office...
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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: Gathering Ground

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.
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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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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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What's Happening at the Museum

See events calendar
Event

Constellation Concert Series: Music in the Observatory

Thurs., Jan. 15, 2026 and Thurs., Feb. 26, 2026 | 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Experience live music under the stars in the State Museum's Constellation Concerts event series.
Additional Ticket Required
Adult Event
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Harvesting Heritage: Gathering Ground

Sat., Feb. 21, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. - 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
Event

Accessibility Morning - The Red Crayon

Sat., Feb. 14, 2026 | 9 - 11 a.m. This program provides free access for families of children, teenagers, and young adults who would benefit from a sensory-friendly experience and quieter setting at the museum.
Suitable for All Ages

Explore Exhibitions

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...
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

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

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