NUTSHELL: If you’re looking for a spot in South Carolina that’s brimming with fascinating exhibits and hands-on fun, the South Carolina State Museum is definitely worth a visit. Located in the heart of Columbia, this museum offers a diverse range of attractions from interactive science exhibits and captivating historical displays to impressive art collections. Whether you’re interested in exploring the natural history of the state, diving into the realms of art and culture, or simply enjoying a family-friendly experience, this museum has something for everyone. So, grab your curiosity and prepare for an exciting adventure through South Carolina’s rich heritage and vibrant present!

THE NUT: According to the museum’s website, 

Our Mission: Through innovative partnerships, comprehensive collections, and stimulating exhibitions and programs, the South Carolina State Museum provides educational environments that entertain, inspire imagination and creativity, and enrich the lives of visitors.

Our Vision: The South Carolina State Museum is an ever-changing, innovative institution reflecting the essence and diversity of South Carolina, a catalyst for the cultural and educational development of our state and a model among museums nationally.

Our Values: We are committed to our Guests. We value creativity, integrity, scholarship and innovation. We are committed to the educational improvement of all of South Carolina’s school children. We provide opportunities for people to learn and have fun. We create an open, learning, engaging environment for families and community to gather.

NOW SHOWING: The South Carolina State Museum’s latest exhibition, Make Some Noise: The Science of Sound / Haz un poco de ruido: La ciencia del sonido, invites visitors of all ages into an engaging, bilingual exploration of sound. This exhibit allows guests to delve into how sound travels, how humans and animals perceive it, and how it influences our emotions and memories. Highlights include a Chladni plate interactive, an Edison Amberola Phonograph from 1908, and various natural history specimens. Unique to this exhibition is a collaboration with the University of South Carolina, showcasing student animations paired with original music to illustrate sound’s emotional impact. Interactive elements, like the spectrogram and other hands-on activities, encourage visitors to experiment and “Make Some Noise” themselves.

COMING SOON: The South Carolina State Museum is excited to present Harvesting Heritage, a captivating event series led by rising culinary star Chef Amethyst Ganaway. This fall, the series will delve into the rich tapestry of Black foodways across six distinct regions of South Carolina. Kicking off on August 17 with “Coastal Connections,” the event will explore seafood sustainability and local ecosystems, featuring special guests like Tia Clark and Terrell Brown. “Upstate Fusion” on September 21 will celebrate indigenous and African American culinary traditions, while “Black Appalachia” on November 16 will highlight the foodways and cultural practices of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Join us for a culinary journey through South Carolina’s diverse heritage!

GEOGRAPHY: The South Carolina State Museum’s permanent natural history exhibition is a breathtaking journey through the state’s rich and varied past. With an estimated 1 million fossils and specimens, this collection is a treasure trove of biological, geological, and paleontological wonders. It features everything from ancient arthropods over 500 million years old to 70-million-year-old dinosaur bones, 40-million-year-old whale fossils, and Ice Age bones dating back 400,000 years. Visitors can also explore taxidermy mounts of present-day animals. This comprehensive collection not only showcases the evolution of life in South Carolina but has also led to the discovery and naming of numerous extinct species, including rays, sharks, fish, whales, and turtles. Each exhibit piece offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s ancient environments and the life forms that once thrived there.

DATE NIGHT: Get ready for a stellar evening with Friday Night Laser Lights at the South Carolina State Museum, sponsored by Prisma Health. This summer, the museum’s 55-foot digital dome BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium transforms into a dazzling arena for laser shows set to iconic music. On July 19, experience the magic of full-dome laser shows with a lineup that includes music by Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and Lady Gaga Enjoy a cash bar featuring craft beers, wine, specialty drinks, and non-alcoholic options, along with delicious bites from the local food truck, Cheese and Thank You. Please note, laser shows include bright, flashing lights and occasional water-based haze. Don’t miss this cosmic experience filled with electrifying visuals and music!

ESSENTIALS:

South Carolina State Museum
301 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201

803-898-4921

Museum Hours
Mon: Closed
Tue – Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sun: 12 PM – 5 PM

IMAGE CREDIT: Edgefield Face Vessel – South Carolina State Museum.