South Carolina State Museum

The South Carolina State Museum spreads across four floors and presents exhibitions covering art, natural history, science, technology, and regional cultural development. The building also houses a planetarium and a 4D theater with motion seats and special effects.

The building was constructed in 1893 as a textile mill and underwent major renovation in 1988 to become South Carolina's largest cultural institution. This transformation of a historic factory into a modern cultural space shaped the location's character.

The museum displays objects that tell the story of South Carolina's development, from Native American artifacts to Civil War items and industrial innovations. These collections help visitors understand the region's history and identity.

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, with a café and shop on site. Visitors should allow enough time to explore all four floors at a comfortable pace.

The digital planetarium displays astronomical shows on curved screens that create the sensation of floating in space. This immersive theater experience differs from traditional planetarium presentations.

Location: Columbia

Address: 301 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201

Opening Hours: Monday off; Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 12:00-17:00

Phone: +18038984921

Website: https://scmuseum.org

GPS coordinates: 33.99895,-81.04797

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44