columbia museum state​

Discover the rich history and diverse exhibits of the SC State Museum in Columbia. Explore everything from art to science with this inclusive guide. Exploring the State Museum Columbia, SC: Explore History and Diverse Culture Planning a trip to Columbia, South Carolina? Then one thing you should not miss visiting is the Columbia State Museum. Put it definitely on your radar because this place offers a bit of everything: from art and history to science and technology. But your discoveries don’t end there. The Columbia State Museum also hosts a stunning Planetarium and a 4D theatre to make your visit there even more enjoyable. So, stay tuned, to find out all you need to know in the inclusive guide that follows. Here is the outline of the article in case you want a quick jump! The Columbia State Museum – What To Expect One of the largest museums of the Southeast, the Columbia State Museum is housed in a former textile mill – built in 1893. The building gives off a unique industrial vibe since it has retained most of its character. Inside, you’ll come across four floors of exhibits. Yes, block enough time in your schedule because you’ll need it, to explore them all. From ancient history to cutting-edge science, there are items related both to natural history and the state’s cultural heritage. But, art is also predominant in the Museum. It boasts a stunning collection that includes works from local South Carolina artists. You’ll also be able to explore an exhibit on South Carolina’s role during the Civil War, along with two other imposing sections – an Observatory with a Planetarium and a 4D theatre. Center of many educational projects and interactive exhibitions, the Columbia State Museum, offers an all-inclusive experience. You can take some rest as you explore its permanent collections at the cozy Crescent cafe and buy memorable gifts from its cute shop. Exploring The Columbia State Museum, SC Having now got some clues about what to expect upon your visit to the Columbia State Museum, let’s now dive deeper into what you’ll discover in each of its four floors. 1.    The Ground Floor – Visitors Services and 4D Theatre This is your entry point. And as it happens with all museums in the world, here you’ll find the essential visitor services. The ticket desk, and the gift shop – take a quick look but visit it for purchases as you leave the Museum. There are also many special event spaces or temporary exhibits. While this floor isn’t packed with the big, permanent exhibits – they follow upstairs, the vibe will get you into the mood. Highlights: 2.    The 1st Floor – Art and Cultural History Ground Floor Map, Photo by WhenInColumbia.com Going upwards now. The first floor is where you’ll immerse yourself in South Carolina’s rich history and culture. This section is dedicated to the state’s artistic traditions, with galleries showcasing everything from classic works to contemporary pieces. You’ll also explore South Carolina’s significant role in the Civil War along with Native American heritage. Highlights: 3.    The 2nd Floor – Natural History and Science Natural History Area, Photo by WhenInColumbia.com As you reach the second floor of the Columbia State Museum, you’ll come across the wonders of nature! This floor is all about South Carolina’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and natural history. Here, you’ll encounter everything from fossils to live animals, with plenty of interactive exhibits designed to teach visitors about the state’s natural world. If you visit the Museum with your children they will surely be fascinated. Highlights: 4.    The 3rd Floor – Technology and Innovations Science and Technology Exhibits, Photo by WhenInColumbia.com Change of atmosphere here. This floor is dedicated fully to technology and human innovation! Here, the focus shifts to South Carolina’s contributions to the fields of engineering, technology, and industry. Aviation, space exploration, and the breakthroughs of the state’s manufacturing sector have their separate section here. Highlights: 5.    The 4th Floor – Planetarium and Observatory The Boeing Observatory, Photo by the SC State Museum Finally, you’ve made it to the top! The most interesting part of the Columbia State Museum. The fourth floor hosts the imposing 55ft digital dome planetarium, where you can watch immersive shows about the universe, stars, planets, and more. Here you can also observe the sky with the Museum’s observatory, and enjoy spectacular views of the night azure through high-powered telescopes. Don’t also miss its historic telescopic collection. The Planetarium, Photo by SC State Museum Highlights: Extra Tips For Your Visit Everything you need to know, you already have it. But, the following tips will make things easier for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Another Extra Tips FAQs 1.    How Long Will I Need To Visit the Columbia State Museum? To go through all its floors and expeditions, expect your visit to last at least three hours on average. However, the actual time will vary depending on how much you stay across each exhibit and which sections of the museum you’ll visit. 2.    Does the Columbia State Museum Offer Free Entrance Under Specific Conditions? Nope. You don’t get to have such a privilege. However, it does offer a low-fee entrance (of $1) on the first Sunday of each month. So, to make your visit more budget-friendly, check your calendar and schedule it wisely.    3.    How Big Is The Columbia State Museum in South Carolina? Quite big. It has four floors hosting permanent and temporal exhibitions, a cafe, and a shop. Other than that you’ll find an imposing observatory and a 55-feet digital dome planetarium to explore space and its mysteries. The Museum also boasts a 4D theatre to watch 3D films with your kids. Ready To Plan Your Visit To The Columbia State Museum? So, there you have it. Your all-in-one guide to plan your visit to the Columbia State Museum in South Carolina and make the most of your time there.  Whether you’re going there alone, with your kids, or with a