Location: Columbia
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Top 10 Museums in Columbia, South Carolina (SC)
Columbia is South Carolina's capital and home to the University of South Carolina. Along Columbia's wide avenues are historic sites ranging from an antebellum mansion to the former home of a slave who bought her freedom, plus museums, galleries, music venues, theaters and shops. Columbia's three rivers, lake, canal, national park and several city parks offer opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Among the kid-pleasing destinations are a zoo and the largest children's museum in the south.
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1. Portfolio Art Gallery
2. South Carolina Military Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By RSHNSKS - Clermont, United States
Was very impressed with this small museum which is ran by vets and offered FREE for all who would like to attend. Lots of interesting artifacts and history. We were greeted upon entering and made to feel very welcome. I highly recommend if you are into history. They even have helicopters and several other pieces of military equipment on display that have been restored. We were lucky and had a vet who joined us towards the end of the tour and gave us a lot of interesting information regarding the place and some of the artifacts. Kudos to everyone who had a hand in getting this together and keeping it open.
3. South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame
4. City Art Gallery
5. Village Artists
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
6. South Carolina State Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 627 reviews
The South Carolina State Museum is a state-of-the-art facility featuring four floors of permanent and changing exhibits, a digital dome planetarium, 4D interactive theater and an observatory. The State Museum, the largest and most comprehensive museum in the state, is located along the banks of the Congaree River in downtown Columbia, South Carolina.
Reviewed By Mercedesrollingon - Greenville, United States
I accompanied my daughters 4th grade class to the museum for a half day trip and they had a wonderful time! They visited all four floors, they were able to eat lunch as a group in the snack area just inside the entrance and there was ample parking. Be ready to walk but there elevators for each floor and the building is ADA friendly. Enjoy!!
7. Columbia Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 268 reviews
Reviewed By TarHeelLady
My sister and I were delighted to get to see this excellent exhibit of Van Gogh and his Influences at a museum in easy driving distance from our home. There were several beautiful Van Gogh works and a number of works by artists that influenced him. Everything was well presented and I would highly recommend it. There are not many days left to see it, but if you can, you won't regret it!
8. South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Founded in 1896, the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is the oldest history museum in the state. The museum focuses on South Carolina’s military history from the Revolutionary War to the present.
Reviewed By robertjY462AI
Outstanding displays are 1st rate. The artifacts and flags are well conserved. Staff is very helpful and knowledgeable. Be sure to visit this museum when visiting Columbia. You will be glad you did.
9. Fort Jackson Museum (not open to All public)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By virginiatravelers3 - Charlotte, United States
Thoroughly enjoyed our tour guided by four soldiers who were one week from graduating. We had a group of three families, with 11 school-aged kids. The museum is very detailed, showing the content of the three phases of basic combat training. There is plenty to see and touch. Our guides were so patient with our questions, and they clearly cared very much about giving the kids an accurate understanding of their training experience. What a memorable day for the kids! We were all so impressed with the poise and commitment of these young soldiers. They will surely be valuable additions to our military, and we are grateful for their service. To respond to the other reviewers who stated that the base is not open to the public... You need to call the public affairs office ahead of time to arrange to be escorted. This is proper security procedure, and the staff was extremely helpful. There are certain days (family days, graduation days) when the base is just too busy to accept extra visitors. Calling ahead will overcome all of those concerns.
10. EdVenture Children's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 396 reviews
EdVenture Children's Museum in Columbia, SC is ready to take you on an interactive journey that will open doors to new ways of exploring your world. From romping through the amazing anatomy of EDDIE(R), the world's largest child, to firefighting on a full-size fire truck or discovering the mysteries of DNA, EdVenture is the perfect destination for curious minds and the ultimate launch pad for sparking imaginations! Behind EdVenture's doors, are nine world-class exhibit galleries, a library, learning laboratories, resource centers and other visitor amenities. Two additional outdoor gallery spaces are located just outside the museum's front doors. Within the total 92,000 square feet that is EdVenture Children's Museum, there are more than 350 individual hands-on experiences!
Reviewed By cynthiad899 - Irmo, United States
Edventure was a great place to take our 18month old granddaughter to on a very hot day in SC. She had room to run and be safe and lots of interesting objects to engage and intersect with while learning at the same time. Highly recommend a visit. It’s a bit pricey but was with the several hours we spent there.
