Strategically centered within downtown Columbia, the current South Carolina State House is the result of construction which lasted half a century-spanning from 1855 to 1907. Built primarily out of blue granite, South Carolina’s official state stone, the State House is completely fireproof allowing it to safely store many important state documents and house two of our three branches of state government.

Both the executive and legislative branches meet in the lower and upper State House lobbies, respectively. The building contains several unique architectural features that can be observed from both the exterior and interior, including a false dome centered within the main lobby and an outer dome made of copper centered to the outside of the building. Between the years of 1995 and 1998 an extensive renovation took place and it was during this time that the State House became reinforced with seismic isolators to protect the historic building from earthquakes. Many other functional and cosmetic changes took place during this time as well, in order for the State House to match as closely as possible the original architectural plans.

We invite you to walk the 100 year-old floors of this building where you will be captivated by the stories of the past and will be able to witness history in the making for years to come. Watch the tour video here and learn more!

Mission

The Columbia Museum of Art sparks powerful connections through art from around the corner and around the world in an environment that is welcoming to all.

Experience Promises

Inspiring

We promise to be inspiring. We are a place for you to learn about each other and yourselves through the art of the world. We provide a variety of experiences designed to move you to connect, contemplate, and create.

Welcoming

We promise to be welcoming. We strive to be warm, inviting, inclusive, and accessible. You belong here, and we promise to treat you that way.

Community-Centered

We promise to be community-centered. We are rooted in and reflective of our own diverse communities. We see ourselves as champions of a thriving Midlands.

Playful

We promise to be playful. We believe that art is an adventure, and we approach everything we do with a sense of open-minded exploration.

Vibrant

We promise to be vibrant. We provide dynamic experiences that engage the mind, enrich the spirit, and fuel artistic energy. Your art museum is bright in spaces, ideas, and possibilities.

A visit to the University of South Carolina isn't complete without a glimpse of the historic Horseshoe. The U-shaped original campus — once called South Carolina College — has seen more than two centuries of history unfold, earning it a position on the National Register of Historic Places. It's also the place where the university took the necessary step of acknowledging that the picturesque grounds and the daily life inside its walls relied upon enslaved workers.

Buildings and Structures

From the time the university was established in 1801, only 12 buildings have helped create the well-known U-shaped layout of the Horseshoe. Today, many more buildings reside within the brick Horseshoe Wall that surrounds the grounds of the original Old Campus. For a detailed history, check out On the Horseshoe: A Guide to the Historic Campus of the University of South Carolina.

Welcome to Columbia’s original town square. Soda City Market is a producer-only market — vendors must make or grow their own products (including flowers and out of season/exotic fruits and vegetables). Antique and vintage items must be slowly and sustainably curated. Everything sold at our market is unique, hand crafted, and produced in the Southeast. The market fields an average of 200 vendors per week, and over 400 unique vendors throughout the year! Soda City Market is Columbia’s weekly Main Street event inspired by traditional European street markets.

We are open every Saturday morning 9 a.m. –1 p.m., year-round, rain or shine!

Find everything you need to nourish your brain, body, and belly—and help establish Columbia as the real southern hotspot for locals and visitors alike. Immerse yourself with local talent through an eccentric variety of buskers, entertainers, and live performances. Soda City Market is a microcosm of Columbia, a melting pot of cultures, and an inviting community experience worth making a part of your regular weekend routine.

We are located on the 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, and 1700 blocks of Main Street!

Riverfront Park opened in 1983 for recreational usage of the land where the original waterworks for the City of Columbia was situated. This was also the site of the world’s first electrically operated textile mill, and the hydroelectric plant, the oldest one in the state, is still operating. 140 acres make up Riverfront Park.

The park, which separates the Historic Columbia Canal and the Congaree River, is approximately 167 acres and is just west of Huger Street. A popular jogging/walking trail runs two and one half miles along the linear park and offers wonderful views of the river. There is also a beautiful brick amphitheater as well as a self-guided walkway by the old parts of the water plant. The park has the capability of hosting smaller concerts.

Riverfront Park also includes an outdoor gym which features seven pieces of equipment including a Lat pull down and vertical press, a rower, a 2-person wheelchair accessible chest press, a 4-person leg press, an elliptical cross trainer, 4-person pendulum and 3-person static combo.

In 2015, the South Carolina Memorial Park Commission unveiled a bronze War Dogs Monument at Memorial Park. The monument is a representation of a Vietnam infantryman and his loyal canine companion. The kneeling solider is about seven feet tall and weighs 1,400 pounds. The statue of the dog is four feet tall and weighs 300 pounds.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of the nation's most beautiful and inspiring botanical gardens. The lush 170-acre site features dynamic natural habitat exhibits, scenic river views, spectacular valley overlooks and significant historic landmarks.

For more than 40 years, Riverbanks has provided individuals, families and groups with a common place to connect with and learn about the world's wildlife and wild places. Today Riverbanks is one of the largest mid-sized zoos in the United States and South Carolina’s leading destination attraction, boasting a national reputation as one of America’s best zoos and drawing one million visitors annually.

Twice awarded the Governor's Cup for South Carolina's Most Outstanding Tourist Attraction, Riverbanks is the premier family choice for education and recreation in the Southeast.

Along the banks of the Congaree River, in the heart of SC, the South Carolina State Museum houses treasures from near and far, with something new to discover around every corner of the state-of-the-art facility. Boasting the largest and most comprehensive museum in the state, and the largest in the Southeast, the SCSM experience is one that will ignite your curiosity and leave you inspired.

The museum houses four floors of permanent and changing exhibits. The influx of one-of-a-kind, new exhibits coming through the State Museum makes each visit unique and special. Not to mention, the facility houses four museums in one – art, history, natural history, and science and technology – the perfect stop for the knowledge-seeker who can’t decide which subject fascinates them more. There’s no need to choose; it’s all there for you to explore.

For an out-of-this-world experience, take to the stars at the museum’s 55-foot planetarium, one of the largest digital dome planetariums in the Southeast. Become completely immersed as you watch an astronomy or laser light show with multi-media images and sounds.

Continue your exploration through space at the Boeing Observatory, which is home to the historic 1926 Alvan Clark telescope. No spaceship required for this journey. The refracting telescope will have you floating among the stars and planets, with the luxury of gravity and plenty of oxygen.

Why just watch a film, when you can feel like you’re actually in it? Catch an exhilarating show at the museum’s 4D theater and see the film come to life before your eyes. The only permanent theater of its kind in the state combines 3D film with real-life sensations, like blasts of air, vibrating seats, and more, as if you’re in the middle of the action.

We know there’s so much to do at the State Museum, but explorers need to eat too, so take a break to refuel at the

Crescent Café. Savor a delicious sandwich, soup, or salad, and be sure to get your hands on some kettle-cooked fudge.

Before calling it quits for the day, don’t miss out on an opportunity to stop into.

The Cotton Mill Exchange, one of the largest museum stores in the country, with a special emphasis on SC merchandise. This store has everything, y’all. From clothes, jewelry, books, gifts for the home, and toys, you can find something for everyone. The perfect souvenirs to remember the unforgettable day you spent exploring and discovering in Columbia SC.

Hickory Tavern is the perfect place for lunch - or - dinner with your friends & family. If you're looking to celebrate the day's victories at Happy Hour then Hickory Tavern is right up your alley - literally. And look no further than Hickory Tavern if you're in the mood for an all-out party night. Be sure to check out our Sun Deck Mezzanine. Its THE place to be outside in the Vista.

Specializing in innovative seafood dishes with a Lowcountry flair, Blue Marlin also serves hand-cut steaks, fire-roasted chicken and pasta dishes. Shrimp and Grits is a customer favorite and the stone-ground grits come from right across the street at Adluh Flour. Don’t overlook the many other offerings such as Sesame Encrusted Tuna or another customer favorite, Salmon Pontchartrain.

With Angus beef burgers, over-the-top milkshakes, and an inviting, energetic atmosphere, we’re the sophisticated burger joint you’ve been looking for.

Located in downtown Columbia, Kaminsky's "most excellent" desserts are prepared fresh each day by our talented pastry chefs with selections changing daily. We encourage you to explore our selection of signature desserts housed in the case at the front door.

Relax and enjoy your most excellent selection of dessert with a beverage. In addition to our vast array of specialty coffees, we also offer a full beer, wine and liquor selection.

Our signature desserts can be ordered for any special occasion or celebration. We ask that you call our restaurants to reserve your favorite gourmet cake or pie at least 48 hours in advance

An early pioneer of dining in the Vista, Motor Supply's eclectic menu reflects a classic bistro mentality and changes every day and every night. Upbeat, cosmopolitan atmosphere and excellent food.

Especially popular for Sunday brunch.

Lunch: Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 2 pm; Dinner: Tuesday - Thursday 5 - 9 pm, Friday - Saturday 5 - 10 pm, Sunday 5 - 9 pm; Brunch: Saturday 11 am - 2 pm, Sunday 10 am - 2 pm