The CMA’s galleries are temporarily closed — here’s why
Presented by Columbia Museum of Art
We went on a hard hat tour led by CMA Executive Director Della Watkins for a behind-the-scenes look at the current renovation. | Photo by COLAtoday
In case you missed it, the Columbia Museum of Art recently closed its galleries for a major renovation. Today, we’re excited to shed a little light on the work being done, what museum visitors can expect when it’s finished, and how you can enjoy the museum in the meantime.
What’s happening?
The lighting in the CMA’s galleries was originally installed in 1998 (read: the year the museum made the move to Main Street), and technology has come a long way since then.
LED lighting generates less heat, reducing strain on artwork.
Newer LEDs emit less UV radiation, preserving artwork longer.
Modern lights allow for precise color temperature adjustments.
How can I enjoy the museum while galleries are closed?
The new galleries will reopen in phases starting in May, but there are plenty of ways to immerse yourself in culture and community before then. The CMA will continue to offer rentals, programs, and events, like:
Interested in a behind-the-scenes look into the renovation process? Sign up for a hard hat tour led by Executive Director Della Watkins.
What can museum visitors look forward to?
The first-floor exhibition galleries will reopen Saturday, May 24 with two exhibitions: “Sam Gilliam: Printmaker” and “Let’s Have a Talk: Black Artists from the CMA Collection.”
Bonus: This kicks off another free summer at the CMA. (We’re also eagerly marking our calendars for the Keith Haring exhibition this fall, opening September 27.)
The collection galleries on the second floor will reopen in early 2026, featuring art on view for the first time alongside visitor favorites in a completely revamped setting.
Why now?
This project isn’t just about reimagining the galleries — it’s about shaping the museum’s next chapter while maintaining its historic foundation. And it’s all coinciding with the CMA’s 75th anniversary year.
Stay tuned for more ways to celebrate this milestone this summer and fall. We’ll see you out there.
Parker Quartet Spring Concert | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | USC School of Music Recital Hall | $20 | USC School of Music’s current Quartet-in-Residence performs pieces by Zemlinsky, Thomas Adès, and Brahms.
“She Loves Me” | Thursday, March 27-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Town Theatre | $25 | A charming musical romance where anonymous letters lead to love.
Friday, March 28
Music in the Garden: Ryan Pellatt | 6-9 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost | Free | Relax among the plants with live music from The Third Floor frontman.
Gamecock Baseball vs. Tennessee | Friday, March 28-Sunday, March 30 | 7 p.m. | Founders Park | $20+ | Root for the home team as they face the No. 1 team in the country.
“Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue” | 7 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | $36+ | Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia are back and taking on their next adventure live on the Columbia stage.
Saturday, March 29
Shovels & Rope | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $37 | The Charleston-based folk duo headline the intimate evening joined by Langhorne Slim.
Thursday, April 3
Beats on Main at Hanabi and Sushi | 6-10 p.m. | Hanabi Hibachi and Sushi, 1624 Main Street (Back Patio), Columbia | Free | Experience a vibrant outdoor hibachi experience with two mobile bars, a stylish outdoor lounge setting, and mouthwatering hibachi to-go — plus live DJ sets.*
3 reasons why the Midlands has an edge in South Carolina
Presented by Midlands Business Leadership Group
The Midlands is growing with more job opportunities, family-friendly spaces, and a great work-life balance. | Photos by Forrest Clonts + CHQ Productions
Columbia is growing, and the latest Elevate Midlands report highlights just how much progress we’ve made. Here are three reasons why the Midlands is quickly becoming an even more ideal spot to live, work, and play:
From new developments along the Riverwalk to a booming food scene and countless cultural events, Columbia offers families a great work-life balance. Plus, ongoing improvements like pedestrian-friendly spaces make it an ideal place for those seeking a stable community.
📊 Startup-friendly
The Midlands is a hub for business growth, with key investments in industries like automotive, healthcare, and manufacturing. Programs like Made with Cola Love support local entrepreneurs, creating a thriving economy where businesses can succeed.
Curious to learn more? Dive into the full 2025 report.
Columbia City Council met Tuesday to discuss the future of the long-vacant Capital City Stadium. The city is now seeking redevelopment proposals, with options ranging from demolition to possible restoration. Refurbishing the historic baseball site remains on the table. (WLTX)
Edu
USC’s College of Nursing will launch the state’s only accredited nurse-midwifery program in fall 2025. The online master’s aims to improve maternal health, with clinical support from School of Medicine Columbia, Prisma Health Baptist, and the SC affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives. (Cola Daily)
Columbian
Richland Northeast High student Lillian Mirosavich won a $1,500 second prize in C-SPAN’s 2025 StudentCam competition for her documentary “Carolina Connections: Understanding Others.” The film airs Tuesday, April 8 on C-SPAN.
Film
The Nick will host acclaimed filmmaker Bill Morrison Saturday–Sunday, March 30–31, for screenings, talks, and a free seminar on archival storytelling. Known for transforming decayed film into art, his work will anchor the weekend.
Family
The Columbia Fireflies are offering a four for $54 deal for their Friday, April 11 home game vs. the Charleston RiverDogs. The package includes tickets, drinks, hot dogs, and the Midlands’ first-ever drone light show after the game.
Concert
The Dutch Fork Choral Society and Newberry College Singers will perform Heather Sorenson’s “Requiem” on Friday, May 2 at The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer (Newberry) and Saturday, May 3 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church (Columbia). Both concerts begin at 7 p.m. and are free with a free-will offering.
Listen
Tom Allen’s Clemson Defense is loud, aggressive, and dangerous. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Giveaway
Hawthorne Pharmacy & Medical Equipment is giving away two early entry tickets to the Grand Tasting at the Columbia Food and Wine Festival. Enter for a chance to win — the winner will be announced on Monday, April 7. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great food and wine before the crowds.*
Wellness
Looking to boost hair thickness and volume in as little as 3-6 months?† Through Hims & Hers, you can access personalized, clinically-backed treatment options without leaving home (if prescribed). Skip the office visits and insurance headaches — just effective solutions that work.*
Travel
Making summer 2025 your main character era? Perfect timing: Snag this travel credit card’s rare, limited-time welcome bonus (worth ~$1,000) to fuel your summer adventures — whether it’s island-hopping like a Love Is Blind escapee, chasing Sabrina or Kendrick on tour, or simply living your best jet-set life.*
Finance
If you’re in credit card debt, you could spend hours (or days, or weeks) mapping out how to reduce it on your own... or you could let Freedom Debt Relief step in to renegotiate with debtors and consolidate your payments. See if you qualify.*
†Based on separate individual studies of oral minoxidil and oral finasteride. Prescription products require an online consultation with a healthcare provider who will determine if a prescription is appropriate. Restrictions apply. See website for full details and important safety information.
Category
Events
🐎 Giddy up
The Carolina Cup comprises of six horse races held at the Springdale Race Course in Camden, SC. | Photo by CLTtoday
Get your derby hats and sunglasses ready. The echo of thundering hooves will soon return to Camden, SC — just a short drive from Columbia — for the 90th annual Carolina Cup.
When: Saturday, March 29
Where: Springdale Race Course, Camden SC — only a 90 min. drive from Charlotte
Important times: Gates open at 9 a.m. + races begin at 1 p.m.
The annual races mark a keystone event for horse-racing culture in the Carolinas, matched with a casual and lively atmosphere. Unlike other high-profile horse races like The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY (hey, LOUtoday), Springdale Race Course offers 1,600+ tailgate spaces, providing ample room for tents, cookouts, brunch, games, and personal photo shoots.
“We’ve got families who have been coming for generations and they have had the same tailgate space,” Toby Edwards, Carolina Cup’s executive director, shared exclusively with CLTtoday.
“We get people from every state this side of the Mississippi,” explained Edwards. “It’s a right of passage for spring in the Carolinas.”
The Buy
The Buy
A purse organizer that’s 69% off thanks to Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Say goodbye to a messy handbag with this organizer featuring 13 thoughtfully designed pockets to keep everything in its place. Read: You’ll never be endlessly digging around for your keys again.
Speaking of Camden and the Carolina Cup, it was just named to Garden and Gun’s Bucket List: 50 Things to See and Do in 2025. If you’re looking to hit the road some this year, this list is a great place to begin. As for the Spider Lilies, you don’t need to travel to Alabama — we have them right here in the Midlands.
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