To Schedule Your Visit . . .
Don’t Wait! Programs fill up quickly so reserve today.
Be Sure To See Our Newest Exhibits…
BODY WORLDS Vital
Now open for a limited engagement!
Making its Southeastern premiere at the South Carolina Sate Museum,
BODY WORLDS Vital celebrates the potential of the human body and the body in motion. This blockbuster exhibit is designed to show visitors a contrasting view of the reality between healthy and unhealthy lifestyle choices. Discover the contrast between healthy bodies and those in medical distress.
The Charleston Earthquake, 1866
This exhibit examines the most destructive earthquake ever recorded in the eastern United States and outlines modern day earthquake preparedness.
Uncommon Folk
The world of folk and traditional art is explored with pieces from the museum’s permanent collection that have rarely, if ever, been seen on exhibit.
A series of new exhibits marks the observance of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. The display is part of an expansion of the Museum’s permanent Civil War exhibits that will add, when complete, another 2200 square feet of new space to the museum’s history floor.
This exhibit features some of the best pieces of South Carolina stonewear from the extensive collection of the Holcombe family of Clinton, SC. It includes some pieces by Dave the Potter, plus examples from Thomas Owensby and other important 19th century potters.
School Programs
Visit our
Lessons at a Glance page and check out the many art, natural history, science & technology and cultural history programs available.
Planetarium • StarLab • Outreach
At the museum…and in your classroom! Starlab is a portable, inflatable planetarium dome that accommodates up to 30 students. It comes complete with everything needed for planetarium demonstrations. For more information call (803) 898-4999.
Home School Fridays
Third Friday of the Month! Home schools are welcome to participate in programs all school year. Plus, the State Museum has Home School Fridays on the third Friday of the month. Refer to the
Home School Fridays Page for dates and program offerings.
Plan Ahead...
Don’t have time to visit our gift shop? Pre-order gift bags for your students from the Cotton Mill Exchange. Contact (803) 898-4967 at 4 days prior to your visit.
Would you like lunch to be ready and waiting for you? Pre-order box lunches for elementary students or hearty lunches for middle and high school students. Each lunch consists of a sandwich, chips, cookie, and a drink. Contact (803) 898-4999 at least 4 days prior to your visit.
Need a place for lunch?
Call to reserve lunch space if you prefer to bring bag lunches. (NO CHARGE for lunch space when available.)
FAQ
How do I schedule a visit to the SC State Museum?
When are programs available?
Tuesday through Friday throughout the school year. 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where do I find information about the Museum’s educational programs?
How can I obtain pre-visit materials?
We can send them by e-mail, fax or mail. Let us know your preference.
How many adult chaperones may I bring?
We recommend one chaperone for every five students to maximize learning. We permit as few as one chaperone for every ten students. If groups bring more than one chaperone for every five students there will be an extra charge of $6 per person. Teachers are counted as chaperones.
How much do programs cost?
There is no charge for South Carolina students or teachers with advance reservations except for special exhibits and Starlab.
Teachers Make Great Friends
Join the Friends of the State Museum and receive $5 OFF the regular Dual or Family membership rates. Call 803.898.4937 or email
membership@scmuseum.org for more information! (Mention “TEACH4.”)