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.
Ongoing Exhibition

American Battleground: South Carolina's Revolution

Opening June 27, 2026 | Trace South Carolina’s transformation from a thriving British colony to one of the Revolution’s most important battlegrounds.
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Close up of the profiles of 3 women as the look up at the planetarium dome which displays colorful lights and lasers.
Event

Friday Night Laser Lights - June

Back by 'POPular' demand, this Friday Night Laser Lights features the return of popular planetarium laser show experiences from Michael Jackson, Prince, and Queen!
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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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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

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South Carolina State Museum301 Gervais StreetColumbia, SC 29201

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Salute to 250 Day

Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution on Sat., June 27th, at the South Carolina State Museum with free general admission, a new exhibition opening, live music, and more.
Revolutionary Astronomers Planetarium show

What's Happening at the Museum

See events calendar
Event

Artist Talk | Sanford Greene

Fri., June 19, 2026 | 12 p.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

Friday Night Laser Lights - June

Fri., June 19 | 6 - 10 p.m. Back by 'POPular' demand, this Friday Night Laser Lights features the return of popular planetarium laser show experiences from Michael Jackson, Prince, and Queen!
Wheelchair Accessible
Event

Father's Day Special Offer

Sun., June 21, 2026 | 12 - 5 p.m.

Happy Father's Day!

Dads receive FREE general admission this Sun., June 21st.

Explore 4 floors of regular exhibition galleries on South Carolina history...

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...

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