Attraction Guide: South Carolina State Museum, Columbia, United States

South Carolina State Museum Guide

Explore South Carolina's Story: Art, Science, History, and Natural History Under One Roof Guide

The South Carolina State Museum is a comprehensive museum located in Columbia, offering a journey through the state's rich history, diverse natural history, vibrant art scene, and groundbreaking scientific achievements. Housed in a historic textile mill, the museum features four floors of exhibits that cater to a wide range of interests. From ancient fossils to contemporary art, the State Museum provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages. The museum's building itself has a significant history. Originally built in 1894 as the Columbia Mills Building, it was one of the first completely electric textile mills in the world. The building operated as a textile mill for nearly a century before being transformed into the South Carolina State Museum in 1988. The museum's exhibits are organized into four main categories: natural history, science and technology, cultural history, and art. Each category features a variety of artifacts, interactive displays, and educational programs that bring South Carolina's story to life. Visitors can explore exhibits on South Carolina's prehistoric past, learn about the state's role in the American Revolution and Civil War, and discover the contributions of South Carolinians to science and technology. The museum also features a planetarium, a 4D theater, and a rotating schedule of special exhibitions. While the museum doesn't have a specific culinary focus, its location in downtown Columbia provides easy access to a variety of restaurants offering Southern cuisine and other culinary delights.