Museums are the cultural hubs of Columbia. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the Midlands or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 15 museums to visit in our city.
Art
Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St. | $15 for adults, $10 for students
This award-winning museum is home to an internationally renowned collection. The art in the museum’s collection spans 5,000 years of global history. CMA offers traveling shows and exhibitions, an interactive activity space + events, and classes for all ages.
History
Cayce Historical Museum, 1800 12th St., Cayce | Free admission
The Cayce Historical Museum chronicles the history of the first European settlement in the Midlands, then known as “the backcountry.” The museum showcases the agricultural, social, and cultural heritage of the Cayce, Old Saxe Gotha, Granby, and West Columbia areas.
Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, 222 Broad St., Camden | $10 self-guided or $20 guided tours
This 110-acre outdoor museum includes historical homes, nature trails, and the Colonial Village. It serves as a gateway to understanding SC’s role in the Revolutionary War.
Lexington County Museum, 231 Fox St., Lexington | $5 or $2 for children
Lexington County Museum offers a unique learning opportunity to view structures and artifacts that focus on sharing the life stories of residents from the colonial period to the Civil War. It features more than 30 historic structures that have been moved to the site from locations throughout the county.
McKissick Museum, 1501 Pendleton St. | Free
McKissick is located at the heart of the historic Horseshoe on the University of South Carolina’s campus. The museum’s collections date back to 1801 and provide insight into the history of the University and the community, culture, and environment of the American South.
SC Governor’s Mansion, 800 Richland St. | Free
SC takes pride in this mansion, which has been home to 30+ governors and their families through the years. The Mansion, however, is more than a residence; the public rooms illustrate the history and heritage of SC.
National Steeplechase Museum, 200 Knights Hill Rd., Camden | Free admission, but donations are appreciated
Home of the Carolina Cup, learn about Camden’s equestrian history and steeplechase racing, which has deep roots in the region. The museum includes exhibits on the breeders, jockeys, and horses that have contributed to the sport.
Kids
EdVenture Children’s Museum, 211 Gervais St. | $13
EdVenture is an educational museum dedicated to creating new generations of lifelong learners through museum experiences, afterschool programming, and camps. When you visit the museum, you’ll find interactive activities and opportunities for kids to learn and have fun.
Local
Columbia Fire Museum, 1800 Laurel St. | Free
The museum educates the public about the importance of the Columbia Fire Department and the professional men and women within its service. Museum attractions date back as far as the mid-1800s and include a 1929 American LaFrance fire engine, a 1903 horse-drawn steamer + more.
The Olympia Mill Village Museum | 1170 Olympia Ave. | Open Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and by appointment
Located in the old Olympia Mill School building, this museum shows and tells the story of the “lintheads” who lived in the mill village.
Robert Mills House and Gardens,1616 Blanding St. | $12, $7 for youth + Free for Historic Columbia members
The Robert Mills House is one of five historic house museums in Columbia. This house is named after the prominent architect who designed it -- and who is also known for creating the Washington Monument. It features period rooms and focus galleries highlighting 18th and 19th-century decorative arts + landscaping.
The South Carolina Railroad Museum, 110 Industrial Park Rd., Winnsboro | $17 for adults
The South Carolina Railroad Museum features a walk-through display train featuring the 100-year-old Norfolk business car, a Southern Post Office car, a Nickel Plate caboose, and more.
Military
SC Military Museum, 1 National Guard Rd. | Free
The museum contains period and authentic firearms, uniforms, armored fighting vehicles + more. There are two buildings packed with these artifacts in chronological order so that you can experience the entire scope of SC’s military tradition.
SC Confederate Relic and Military Museum, 301 Gervais St. | $6, $5 for seniors and military, $3 for youth + free for members and children under 9
This museum aims to collect and preserve the military history of SC – containing 300 years of military campaigns, a battle flag collection + many artifacts from nearly every early American conflict.
US Army Basic Combat Museum, 2400 Ft. Jackson Rd. | Free
The Basic Combat Museum tells the story of how training in the U.S. Army has developed since 1917 when Fort Jackson first opened. Visitors can follow the evolution of army training from WWI to the present day.
Mike Gibson preserves Pearl Fryar’s topiary art at the SC State Museum.
Photo via Mike Gibson
State
SC Law Enforcement Hall of Fame, 5400 Broad River Rd. | Free
The SC Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame was established to honor SC law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. The Hall of Fame also honors all officers with interpretive exhibits and the museum collection about day-to-day life in law enforcement.
SC State Museum, 301 Gervais St. | $13
The State Museum is the one-stop for all museum needs. There are rotating exhibits, a planetarium, programming for children, and 4-D movies. The museum provides educational environments that entertain, inspire imagination and creativity, and enrich the lives of visitors.
What to bring
Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel at historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:
- Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak-proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
- Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
- Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
- These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
- Use the thick lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.
