The museum officially opened on October 29, 1988 and now averages between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors each month. Visitors have come from all 50 states and 39 foreign countries. With approximately 98,000 square feet of exhibit space, the State Museum is one of the largest museums in the Southeast. Plans are to expand exhibit space during the coming years to 101,000 square feet. The State Museum has been honored as an outstanding tourism attraction and also for its adaptive use of the former historic textile mill building.
The second floor is all about the Natural History of South Carolina. Visitors have a chance to touch a 30 million-year-old tooth from the Giant White Shark, explore South Carolina natural habitats from the mountains to the sea and much more.
Science and Technology are featured on the third floor. Permanent exhibits include the first American-built locomotive, laser demonstrations, and South Carolina's contribution to space exploration. A featured exhibit on telescopes and astronomy will run through November 1997.
South Carolina's History is documented on the fourth floor. Featured are Civil War exhibits, a one-room schoolhouse and a turn-of-the-century country store.
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday & 1-5 p.m.
Open daily except New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
Admission:
Adults: $5
Seniors 62 and over, Military and College Students(w/ID): $4
Students ages 13 to 17: $4
Children 3 to 12: $3
Children 2 and under: FREE
Free auto and bus parking.
For more information:
Call: (803) 898-4921
External link: South Carolina State Museum Home Page