Exhibitions

Exhibition Galleries

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

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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.

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Events

4D Theater

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

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Astronomy

Observatory

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

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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

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Explore Your State Museum

Our state-of-the-art 4D theater, digital dome planetarium and observatory offer the chance to journey through the deepest reaches of space, immerse viewers in the wonders of the natural world and make learning come alive for guests and students. Go beyond the museum's amazing on site experiences to discover more about the collection that includes more than 1 million objects, artworks, fossils and specimens. Enjoy online exhibitions and see what the Astronomy Education Center has to offer from telescope live streams to virtual planetarium live sky shows and more.

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

Planetarium

4D Theater

Observatory

Explore the Collection

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

Learn More About Collections

Two hands in blue latex glove hold a whale tooth carved with a bird and images of ships and the sea

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

Halloween Event, Columbia, South Carolina State Museum, Growl at the Moon, things to do

Events

Halloween at the State Museum This October

The South Carolina State Museum is excited to announce a month of exciting Halloween shows and events this October!

Two women, one standing and one seated wearing blue sweaters point at a computer screen that has a photograph of a painting on it.

Collections

South Carolina State Museum Launches its First-Ever Online Collection Database

The South Carolina State Museum's art collection is now available to explore online featuring more than 4,500 pieces of fine and folk art, historic and modern pottery contemporary works, and more.