South Carolina State Museum

Opened in 1988, South Carolina State Museum is housed in a historic building from the late 19th Century and is nestled by the riverside. Spread across four distinct levels, this state-of-the-art repository is considered to be not only the biggest but also most extensive in the state. There are many reasons why it is a must visit when in town. Get a glimpse of the galaxies and beyond at the South Carolina Planetarium, the region's largest planetarium or the 4-D theater for a unique experience. Look out in the sky at the Boeing Observatory and the see the planets and stars near the earth. If you are into astronomy, then the vintage instruments that showcases telescopes from the 18th Century will intrigue you. Get to know South Carolina's natural history through fossils, displays and the giant shark exhibit. Have fun at the interactive science and technology zone. Get to know the states vast cultural history or local art. Don't miss the Cotton Mill Exchange to buy souvenirs or gifts that are one-of-a-kind.