The South Carolina State Museum in Columbia, SC, brings together South Carolina history, art, natural history, and science and technology across four floors. You can add a planetarium or 4D theater show to general admission, and the museum’s galleries follow a regular Tuesday-to-Sunday schedule.
- Address: 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201
- Regular gallery hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday; closed Monday
- General admission: $13 for adults, $11 for seniors ages 62 and older, and $10 for children ages 3–12
What to expect at the museum
The South Carolina State Museum spans four floors of permanent and changing exhibits about the state’s history, art, natural history, and science and technology. Its home is the historic 1893 Columbia Mill textile building.
Beyond the galleries, the museum has a planetarium, a 4D interactive theater, and the Boeing Observatory. The BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium features a 55-foot digital dome and 145 seats.
For another local collection, the Columbia Museum of Art offers a different focus in the city.
Tickets and admission
- Admission
- $13 for adults, $11 for seniors ages 62 and older, and $10 for children ages 3–1
General admission covers the museum’s four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, with additional ticket options that include planetarium or 4D shows.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 12 PM–5 PM
- Monday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
- General admission: $13 for adults, $11 for seniors ages 62 and older, and $10 for children ages 3–12.
- Admission plus one planetarium or 4D show: $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $15 for children.
- Admission plus two planetarium and/or 4D shows: $21 for adults, $19 for seniors, and $18 for children. When buying show tickets, you select a date and from the available showtimes.
On the first Sunday of every month, general admission is $1; planetarium and 4D theater tickets cost extra. The Museums for All rate is $2 per person for eligible guests receiving SNAP/EBT, WIC, or Medicaid.
To use it, bring the relevant card or proof of Medicaid and a valid photo ID to the Admissions Desk; the rate covers up to four household members.
Opening hours and special schedules
Museum galleries and the store are open Tuesday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; they are closed Monday. The Boeing Observatory opens Tuesday–Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and is closed Monday.
Hours and admission details can change, so check the official site before you go.
Parking and arrival
Accessible parking spaces are available on the lower deck of the parking deck on a first-come, first-served basis. The museum also has elevators serving all four floors and accessible bathrooms on each floor.
Wheelchairs, rollators, and portable stools are available by request on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need one, ask about availability when you arrive.
How do you get to the museum?
The museum is about a 10-minute drive from American Inn Columbia. The full address is 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
Planning time for exhibits and the planetarium
Plan your visit around the four floors of exhibits and, if you want a show, the available planetarium or 4D theater times. Show-ticket buyers choose a date and available showtime, so check the schedule before settling on an arrival time. The Boeing Observatory has its own opening hours, which start later than the galleries on both weekdays and Sunday.
A one-day Columbia sightseeing route can help you fit the museum into a wider city visit.
FAQs
What is the museum’s address?
It is at 301 Gervais Street, Columbia, SC 29201.
How many floors does the museum have?
There are four floors of permanent and changing exhibits.
Is there accessible parking?
Yes. Accessible spaces are on the lower deck of the parking deck and are available first-come, first-served.
What is the museum building?
The museum is housed in the historic 1893 Columbia Mill textile building.