Rent the Museum

Large space with string lights suspended from ceiling and round tables with silver table cloths, gold chairs and large flower center pieces.

Rent the Museum

Modern design meets historic elements offering a unique space for weddings, evening receptions, day time meetings and more.

Planetarium lobby during evening reception shows the side of the large dome exterior on the left with circular lights projected on it

Planetarium Lobby

Modern design meets historic elements offering a unique space for weddings, evening receptions, day time meetings and more.

Terrace at night with skyline visible in background and string lights set up above three formally set tables

Observatory Terrace

Modern design meets historic elements offering a unique space for weddings, evening receptions, day time meetings and more.

Large room with light colored wooden floor has table set up in u shape facing a large screen on the wall with mural of bridge in the background

Meeting Rooms

Modern design meets historic elements offering a unique space for weddings, evening receptions, day time meetings and more.

Wrap sandwich cut in half sitting in a dark plastic basket tray with lettuce, tomato, cheese and turkey in a green spinach wrapk

Crescent Café by The Food Academy

Booking an event at the museum? Check out daytime and evening catering options from The Crescent Café by The Food Academy!

Learn more about the Cafe
Large space with string lights suspended from ceiling and round tables with silver table cloths, gold chairs and large flower center pieces.

Rent the Museum

Modern design meets historic elements offering a unique space for weddings, evening receptions, day time meetings and more.

Rent the Museum

The South Carolina State Museum is a one-of-a-kind facility located in the heart of downtown Columbia’s Congaree Vista. The historic building, filled with modern elements and unique features, makes for a beautiful and unforgettable event venue. The possibilities are endless with the vast amount of spaces available throughout. Whether a seated dinner for 50 or a reception for more than 1,000, your guests will be dazzled by all the State Museum has to offer.

Our museum special events team is ready to help make your event memorable. Submit a Information Request to find out about our availability and current pricing, or how to set up a tour.

Information Request

Contact Our Team

Phone: 803.898.4901

Send an Email

We strive to host events that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully. Please let us know if you have any requests that may make your experience with us a better one. Click here to view our accessibility offerings.

Bride and groom stand behind small, tall table with white tablecloth and members of their wedding party socializing in the background with the side of the planetarium dome exterior visible on the left side of the frame.
Rent the Museum

Host Your Wedding at the Museum

Make your special day unique and memorable for ceremonies, receptions - or both - when you host your event at the State Museum!
Learn More
Entrance of museum with large glass front and giant telescope tripod legs visible through glass
Rent the Museum

Evening Events

Host receptions, proms, private dinners, holiday parties and more in a unique setting at the State Museum.
Learn More
Large room with light colored wooden floor has table set up in u shape facing a large screen on the wall with mural of bridge in the background
Rent the Museum

Daytime Events

The museum offers great spaces for daytime events and meetings, featuring a variety of amenities including WIFI access, A/V equipment, and more.
Learn More

Available Spaces

Large space with string lights suspended from ceiling and round tables with silver table cloths, gold chairs and large flower center pieces.
Rental Space
The museum’s expansive lobby embodies the facility’s original mill character through exposed bricks and ceilings, a wooden grand staircase that leads to the mezzanine and more.
Large room with tables set up in u shape facing another line of tables and projector screen
Rental Space
Our Meeting Rooms offer a unique space to host meetings, training sessions and smaller gatherings featuring a variety of amenities such as WIFI access, A/V equipment, and more.
Table with white tablecloth and white dishes with Large white floral arrangement set up in an open space with wood flooring
Rental Space
The mezzanine’s location on the second floor overlooking the main lobby makes it a perfect location for evening events and receptions.
Terrace at night with skyline visible in background and string lights set up above three formally set tables
Rental Space
Unique, intimate location for exclusive events featuring a historic telescope and a terrace looking over Gervais St. and The Vista.
Planetarium lobby during evening reception shows the side of the large dome exterior on the left with circular lights projected on it
Rental Space
The Planetarium Lobby at the South Carolina State Museum offers an out-of-this-world space for weddings, evening receptions, parties, and more special events.
Three formally set table with the white table cloths and napkins with painted mural of bridge in the background
Rental Space
Named after the mural of the Gervais Street Bridge by local artist Blue Sky that takes up one entire wall, the Vista Room is versatile space that can be used for receptions, parties, meetings and conferences.
Close up of salad with lettuce, peppers, red onion, boiled egg and shredded carrot

Catering from The Crescent Café by The Food Academy

The Crescent Café by The Food Academy is the exclusive daytime caterer for museum events, school field trips and rentals! Plus, they have extensive options available for evening museum rental events.  

Contact The Food Academy to Learn More