McKissick Museum
Discover Southern culture, natural history, and USC heritage at this free, multi-floor museum on campus.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy a peaceful visit.
McKissick Museum
Best Time
Beat the crowds, enjoy a peaceful visit.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Southern culture, natural history, and USC heritage at this free, multi-floor museum on campus.
"A great free museum with interesting artifacts, perfect for a cool escape on a hot day."
🎯 Ask for Directions!
Museum layout can be tricky. Ask staff for the best starting point to avoid confusion.
❄️ Beat the Heat
A perfect cool-down spot on hot South Carolina days. Enjoy the AC!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Folk Art & Quilts
Second Floor
Explore vibrant quilts and diverse folk art, showcasing rich cultural traditions. A must-see for art lovers!
Natural History Gallery
Third Floor
Discover fossils, minerals, and taxidermied animals, offering a glimpse into the region's natural wonders.

Toys & Games Exhibit
Second Floor
Relive nostalgic memories with a charming collection of vintage toys and games from bygone eras.

University of South Carolina History
Main Floor
See artifacts and learn about the history of USC, including the ceremonial mace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Museum Layout
Free Admission & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask for Directions!
Museum layout can be tricky. Ask staff for the best starting point to avoid confusion.
❄️ Beat the Heat
A perfect cool-down spot on hot South Carolina days. Enjoy the AC!
✨ Check Current Exhibits
Exhibits change! See what's new, like crochet art or natural history displays.
🚶♀️ Explore The Horseshoe
Combine your museum visit with a stroll around the historic USC campus.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for Directions!
Museum layout can be tricky. Ask staff for the best starting point to avoid confusion.
❄️ Beat the Heat
A perfect cool-down spot on hot South Carolina days. Enjoy the AC!
✨ Check Current Exhibits
Exhibits change! See what's new, like crochet art or natural history displays.
🚶♀️ Explore The Horseshoe
Combine your museum visit with a stroll around the historic USC campus.
🆓 It's Free!
Enjoy a rich cultural experience without spending a dime.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the McKissick Museum to be a charming, free cultural stop on the USC campus, offering diverse exhibits from natural history to folk art. While its layout can be a bit confusing, the engaging displays and friendly staff make it a worthwhile visit, especially as a cool escape from the heat.
"It‘s not huge, so it can be a short visit, but worth a stop when you have free time. It has some exhibits for natural history and the history of USC. Free, interesting, and never crowded. Check it out when you have some time!"
Kyra
"3 floor museum with interesting artifacts. No charge to enter. Nice cool place to explore and escape the heat on a hot summer day. Just head down bull street and it will take you right to the McKissick Museum. You cant miss it."
Sam Hunte
"It's a great collection and nice that it's free. It was a little confusing to find at first. I parked at the corner of Bull and Pendleton. There is a small parking lot there but I thought it might be for student visitors but I bet it would have been fine to park there. But there was plenty of room on the street as well. I could/should have entered on the lowest level on that side but I walked around and in the front door. I asked the girl at the desk where to see the museum and she said to go down one floor - it's scattered on four floors but start downstairs. So I went downstairs and the girl there said to go to the second floor, which is where I got confused. Why didn't the first girl tell me to go upstairs instead of down? It turns out, the bottom floor is officially the check-in desk for the museum, the main floor is the student visitor center. But the museum is mostly on the second floor, with some on the third and a little more on the main floor.
After I finally ended up in the right place, one side of the second floor is a display for play, all about toys and games (and some were very nostalgic for me!) and the other side was about folk art with a large gallery of quilts. Up one floor is a natural history gallery, a chain of rooms with some of the oldest items in the collection, fossils and animals, cases of minerals, etc. Then back down on the main floor is a display room with assorted bits of the collection and the school mace. (Further down that hall is the visitor area - a mocked up dorm room and orientation rooms.) Then I went back downstairs to exit out the bottom door closest to my car.
I think that only parts of a larger collection are on view but I could be wrong. It's not amazing, but it's great for a free museum, and walking around the historic horseshoe/campus is really nice."
Sara Beth Wade
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The McKissick Museum is located on the University of South Carolina campus in Columbia, SC. It's situated at the northeast end of The Horseshoe. You can find it by heading down Bull Street.
Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots. Some lots may be designated for students, but street parking is often plentiful.
While specific public transport routes aren't detailed in the provided content, the museum is centrally located on the USC campus, which is often served by local bus routes. It's best to check local Columbia transit schedules.
The museum has multiple entry points and is spread across floors. It can be a bit confusing to find initially. Asking staff for guidance is recommended, as the main visitor center is on the first floor, but exhibits are primarily on the second and third.
Yes, the McKissick Museum is affiliated with the University of South Carolina (USC) and is located on its historic campus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the McKissick Museum is completely free! It's a great way to experience local culture and history without any cost.
The museum is typically open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for any last-minute changes.
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can typically walk in during their operating hours.
Yes, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, such as crochet art, folk art, and natural history displays. It's worth checking their schedule for current events.
While some social media posts mention Saturdays, the typical operating hours listed are Monday-Friday. It's best to confirm weekend hours directly with the museum.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Since it's not a huge museum, a visit can be relatively short, often taking an hour or two depending on your interest in the exhibits.
You'll find a variety of exhibits, including natural history (fossils, minerals), folk art (quilts), toys and games, and items related to the history of the University of South Carolina.
Yes, the exhibits on toys, games, and natural history can be engaging for children. It's a great way to introduce them to museums in a relaxed, free environment.
Photography policies can vary by exhibit. Generally, personal photography without flash is often permitted, but it's best to check for any signage or ask museum staff.
The museum is generally not crowded, making it a peaceful place to explore.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The McKissick Museum itself does not appear to have a cafe or dining facilities. However, being on the USC campus, there are likely dining options available nearby.
Typically, food and drinks are not allowed inside museum galleries to protect the exhibits. It's best to consume them outside before or after your visit.
The museum is located on the University of South Carolina campus, which offers various dining halls and cafes. Additionally, the surrounding downtown Columbia area has numerous restaurants and eateries to choose from.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated for all exhibits, personal photography without flash is generally permitted in many museum spaces. Always look for signage or ask a staff member if you're unsure.
The folk art and quilt exhibits often provide visually rich opportunities. The natural history displays with taxidermy and minerals can also be striking.
Generally, personal use photography is fine. However, professional photography or videography for commercial purposes would likely require special permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Ask museum staff for the best route to the most kid-friendly exhibits to maximize your visit. Combining the museum with a walk around the historic Horseshoe on campus adds another layer of exploration for the whole family.
💰 Budget Travelers
Pair your free museum visit with exploring the historic University of South Carolina campus surrounding it. You can easily spend a few hours enjoying enriching experiences without impacting your travel budget.
🎓 University of South Carolina Students & Staff
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the McKissick Museum's Diverse Collections
One of the most engaging aspects for many visitors is the toys and games exhibit, which evokes nostalgia with its collection of vintage playthings. These varied collections ensure there's something to pique the interest of almost everyone, making it a dynamic and engaging museum experience. The museum often highlights specific exhibitions, such as those featuring crochet art or the works of naturalists like Mark Catesby, adding a fresh perspective to its permanent offerings.
It's important to note that the museum's layout can be a bit spread out across multiple floors, with the main exhibits often found on the second and third levels. While the first floor houses the visitor center, the core of the museum's displays are located above. This multi-floor arrangement means visitors might need to ask for directions to navigate effectively and ensure they see all the highlights.
A Free Cultural Gem on USC Campus
Many visitors appreciate the museum for its manageable size, which allows for a thorough exploration without feeling overwhelming. This makes it perfect for a quick visit during a lunch break or as a pleasant way to spend an hour or two. The cool, air-conditioned environment also makes it a welcome respite from the often-hot South Carolina weather, providing a comfortable space to learn and explore.
While the museum may not be as vast as larger institutions, its curated collections offer interesting artifacts and insights into regional history, culture, and natural science. The friendly staff, often comprised of students and volunteers, add a personal touch to the visitor experience, readily sharing information and making guests feel welcome.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit