South Carolina State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum, located in Columbia’s historic 1894 Columbia Mills building, is the largest museum in the state and a Smithsonian Affiliate. The Museum features four floors of exhibits in art, cultural history, natural history, and science and technology. Our mission is to provide educational experiences that inspire, entertain, and enrich visitors through engaging exhibits and innovative programming.

Highlights of the museum include the Lipscomb Art Gallery, a 55-foot digital dome planetarium, the Boeing Observatory with a historic Alvan Clark telescope, and South Carolina’s only permanent 4D interactive theater. Its extensive collection includes over one million objects, such as fine art, fossils, cultural artifacts, and science exhibits. Notable exhibitions explore topics like World War II, South Carolina’s role in space exploration, and the science of sound.

The museum offers educational programs, field trips, and discounted access through the “Museums for All” program. General admission is affordable, with special pricing for children, seniors, and groups. Visitors can enjoy the Crescent Café and shop for locally made items in the museum store, one of the largest museum gift shops in the country.

Blending history, art, science, and culture, the South Carolina State Museum offers a dynamic and inclusive experience for learners and explorers of all ages.