Explore

Young woman observes a large gray meteorite in a display case mounted to a wall

Explore the State Museum

Discover exhibitions, learn about the museum's extensive collection, see what our immersive theaters can offer and more.

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Exhibitions

Exhibition Galleries

Museum guests can explore exhibitions featuring the art, history, natural history and science and technology of the Palmetto State.

Learn More About the Exhibition Galleries
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Astronomy

Planetarium

The 55-foot digital dome BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium takes guests on journeys to the deepest reaches of space and beyond.

Learn More About the Planetarium
Young girl gasps in delight as she experiences a show in the in the 4D theater audience at the State Museum.
Events

4D Theater

Enjoy immersive film experiences featuring 3D visuals mixed with real world effects, including air bursts, seat movement, ankle ticklers and more.

Learn More About the 4D Theater
Observatory Educator Looks Through Alvan Clark Telescope During Solar Observing Hours With Dome Open Above Him Showing Blue Sky
Astronomy

Observatory

The Boeing Observatory at the South Carolina State Museum features a historic telescope, outdoor viewing terrace, and adjoining classroom.

Learn More About the Observatory
Red and white propeller airplane is suspended from the ceiling on display at the South Carolina State Museum.

Explore

Discover current exhibitions, learn about the museum's extensive collection of art, objects and fossils from South Carolina, see what our immersive theaters can offer and more.

Museum Hours

Open today from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Plan Your Visit
Get Directions
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

What to See and Do When You Visit

A Mother with two daughters look at the exhibit entrance which features a large sign with the exhibit title done in a graffiti art style.

Exhibitions

Group of school children sit under the planetarium dome which projects an image of the milky way

Planetarium

4D Theater, South Carolina State Museum, Snow, Open For Fun

4D Theater

Boeing Observatory

Observatory

Upcoming Events

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
Pillars of Creation Image from James Webb Space Telescope Courtesy NASA

Astronomy Education Center

The museum is home to a wealth of astronomy related resources, including a state-of-the-art Observatory, a 55ft digital dome planetarium and a collection of antique telescopes.

Learn More about SCSM Astronomy

Explore the Collection

Learn more about the museum's collection featuring more than 1 million objects, artworks, fossils and specimens.

Learn More About Collections
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Museum News

South Carolina State Museum Planetarium Exterior

Plan Your Visit

Explore four floors of exhibitions, enjoy 4D theater and planetarium shows and discover the universe in the observatory.

Plan Your Visit