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VISIT

The South Carolina State Museum is a state-of-the-art facility featuring four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater and an observatory. The State Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in the state, is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.

South Carolina State Museum. Columbia, South Carolina, Museum, Attraction, Planetarium, Observatory, 4D Theater, Exhibitions

New Hours of Operation

Mon: CLOSED
Tues. – Sat: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sun: 12 – 5 p.m.

Museum Update

The South Carolina State Museum is now in phase two of re-opening. Hours of operation have been expanded, meaning the museum is now open on Sundays. Please note: the museum is unable to offer First Sunday $1 general admission due to capacity restrictions.

Museum Safety and Guest Expectations

Guest Rules

Per Governor Henry McMaster’s executive order, guests aged 3 and above are required to wear a face covering while visiting state buildings, which includes the State Museum.

Face coverings can help reduce pre-symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 from spreading the virus. Since re-opening, State Museum staff have been required to wear face coverings and we now ask our members and guests to join us in this important safety measure. The museum also asks visiting guests and members to:

  • Adhere to social distancing by placing at least 6ft of space between your group and other visitors

  • Stay home if you feel unwell, especially if running a fever

  • Wash and/or sanitize hands frequently

  • Contact the museum before your visit with questions, concerns or if you need individual assistance. Call 803.898.4999 or email webmaster@scmuseum.org

Museum Safety
Following guidelines provided by AccelerateSC and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the State Museum will be implementing the following measures:

  • Some areas, exhibits and attractions may remain temporarily closed or include limited features during this time.

  • Museum capacity managed on a daily basis

  • Museum staff will wear face coverings

  • Hand sanitizing stations throughout the museum

  • Reduced capacity in the planetarium and blockbuster exhibition

  • Signage to encourage hand-washing and social distancing among guests

  • Regular cleaning of public and hands-on areas

First Time Guest Information

The South Carolina State Museum is a state-of-the-art facility featuring four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater and an observatory.

Hours and Admission

What to See and Do

About the Museum

Directions

Questions? Call 803.898.4921

Handicap, Special Needs and Health Sensitive Guest Access

Handicap parking is available on a first come, first served basis.

Wheelchairs are available at no charge on a first come, first serve basis. Inquire at the Admissions Desk.

Elevator access is available on each floor.

Benches are located throughout museum.

For Out Of Town Guests

Hyatt Place Columbiahplogocolor

The hotel is a beautiful new 6 story building with 130 spacious guest rooms. The hotel is located within a short walking distance of multiple restaurants and only minutes from a variety of local downtown area attractions, including The Congaree Vista and the State Capitol. Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista is also minutes from the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Colonial Life Arena and the University of South Carolina.

Hyatt Place Columbia guests may also purchase a special State Museum ticket package that also includes transportation to the museum.

Click HERE to visit the website

Returning Guest

Welcome back to the South Carolina State Museum! See below for some quick links to help you plan your next museum visit:

Hours and Admission

Current and Upcoming Exhibits

Current Planetarium Shows

Current 4D Theater Films

Upcoming Events

Directions

Museum Map

Questions? Call 803.898.4921

Museum member

Thank you for supporting your State Museum by becoming a member! See below for some quick links to help you plan your next museum visit:

Hours and Admission

Current and Upcoming Exhibits

Current Planetarium Shows

Current 4D Theater Films

Renew and/or Upgrade Your Membership

Directions

Museum Map

 

Questions? Call 803.898.4937 or email membership@scmuseum.org

Educators

Your State Museum offers a variety of free educational programs focusing on art, cultural history, natural history and science & technology for school groups of 10 or more students. Each and every program is designed as an additional resource to meet South Carolina state education standards.

Field Trips

Classroom Observatory Access

Current and Upcoming Exhibits

Current Planetarium Shows

Current 4D Theater Films

Directions

Museum Map

 

Questions? Call 803.898.4999 or email groupvisits@scmuseum.org