educational_programs

SC State Museum Tours and Group Services

Plan Your Visit

Start your Columbia tour with a visit to the South Carolina State Museum. The museum is the fundamental introduction to South Carolina history, art, technology and culture. Groups of 10 or more can tour any ongoing or special exhibition. You'll find our staff welcoming, our exhibitions appealing and our historical building charming.  

To make a reservation, please call (803) 898-4999 Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or email groupvisits@scmuseum.org. Our reservationists will assist you in planning the best visit to fit your groups’ needs.

A four-week notice is greatly appreciated.

Advisory:

The South Carolina State Museum encourages groups to take preventive measures to control the spread of the flu.  As a precaution, we advise any guest(s) with flu-like symptoms to stay home and seek the care of a medical professional.  For tips on staying healthy, visit
 
 
 


Cost

  • SC School Groups: Students, teachers and bus drivers (public, private and home schools): Free with reservations. Chaperones are $6 each.
  • Out-of-state School Groups: (ages 3-12) $4 each; (ages 13+) $6 each
  • Virtual/Charter School Groups:  Students Free, Parents/Learning Coaches $6 each
  • Senior Groups: (ages 62+) $5 each
  • Organized Groups: (ages 3-12) $4; (ages 13+) $6; (ages 62+) $5

    *Special exhibit have an additional cost.  Call for more information.

    * Home School and Virtual School groups must have their association cards or copy of student identification letter to receive the SC School group rate.

    *Organized groups wishing to have a guided tour will be charged $15.

    * SC School group rate is offered Tuesday –Friday only.

    School Groups

    All programs have been developed to meet the S.C. State Department of Education’s curriculum standards. *There is no program charge for South Carolina students. Please check Lessons At A Glance to find out program offerings.  

     Chaperones

    • All groups must have at least ONE ADULT PER 10 STUDENTS to ensure safety. However, one chaperone for every five students is strongly recommended.
    • Chaperones must be 18 years of age or older.
    • Chaperones are $6 each. Teachers are counted as chaperones.
    • Chaperones are responsible to remain with students at all times.

    Plan Ahead

    • Make your reservations early. You will have a better chance of getting the date and time you desire. You will receive a confirmation prior to your visit.
    • Read and familiarize yourself with the confirmation packet. It will include lunch order form, Group visit policy, and checklist.
    • Call as soon as possible if you need to cancel, reschedule, or request special accommodations.
    • Arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled program or tour. If you are running late, we can arrange the best options possible for you if we know in advance.
    • Schedule lunch in advance. Ask if a lunch space is available for your specific time. We  only allow bag lunches, no outside vendors. If ordering a box lunch, place orders 4 working days prior to visit.
    • Wear unified identification (name tags, school colors, or matching t-shirts). It is a safety precaution that helps us distinguish who is together. Name tags provided by the museum will be a $7 charge. 

    Things to Know Before Arrival

    • Self-Guided Tours are available Tuesday through Thursday from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fridays from 9:30a.m.- 4:00p.m.
    • Instructor Led Programs and Guided Tours are offered Tuesday through Thursday at 9:30- a.m., 10:30 a.m.,12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. (Four-week notice requested)
    • Be prepared to divide your group for programs and tours with assigned chaperones, in order to provide the highest quality educational experience.
    • Have one designated group leader to be responsible for collecting money, making payments, and signing in at the Group Visits Desk. The group leader must have an accurate head count of people attending for pricing.

    Box Lunches

    • Pre-order box lunches for elementary students ($5 each) or hearty lunches for middle and high school students ($7 each).  Each lunch consists of a sandwich, chips, cookie, and a drink.
    • Box lunch orders must be received no less than 4 working days prior to your visit.
    • As a courtesy, we provide a space to eat with advance notice. Your group will be responsible for cleaning that area. 

    Parking

    • The S.C. State Museum has ample parking on site for buses.  Buses and Motorcoaches may unload at the front door of the museum and pull around to the designated bus parking lot.

    On Arrival

    • The group leader will sign in at the Group Visits Desk with confirmation, payment, and total count (including students and chaperones).
    • Buses will be greeted by someone in Group Visits to go over museum rules.
    • Group will be instructed to unload bus into lines and lead scheduled location.

    Cotton Mill Exchange

    •  Don’t have time to visit our gift shop? Pre-order gift bags for your students from the Cotton Mill Exchange. Contact (803) 898-4967 at 4 days prior to your visit.