Space Week returns to the State Museum with free kids general admission

Space Week returns to the South Carolina State Museum from July 18 through July 26. This special week-long event includes space themed shows, exhibits and programs while offering free general admission for children ages 3 – 12. Guests can explore the museum’s Apollo 50: Journey to the Moon exhibit and the updated third floor space gallery featuring displays on South Carolina astronauts, meteorites and more.

Exciting shows in the museum’s 55 ft digital dome BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina Planetarium and the Rev. Dr. Solomon Jackson, Jr. 4-D Theater will also be available. Black Holes is an immersive planetarium experience that takes viewers on a journey to discover the mysteries behind these amazing cosmic phenomena. The Martian 4-D returns to the museum’s 4-D Theater and features interactive seat vibrations and more as guests follow the story of astronaut Mark Watney (Matt Damon) as he uses his wit and ingenuity to face being stranded on Mars.

Featured Space Week content includes:

This exhibition charts the history of NASA’s Apollo space program and South Carolina’s role in the lunar exploration. Guests will embark on a journey through the years of the Apollo program, learning about Apollo 16 astronaut and South Carolina native, Charles Duke along with other notable South Carolinians who contributed to the program. Guests will be able to see a made to scale Apollo Lunar Rover, examine a collection of Charles Duke Apollo era artifacts and more.

Fri., July 24

Shows at 6:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11 p.m.

This popular summer event returns with reduced capacities in place and face coverings required. Guests can enjoy lasers and CGI visuals choreographed to the music of legendary bands, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, inside the museum’s 55ft digital dome Planetarium. Cash bar includes craft beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages. Tickets are $10 for general public ($8 museum members) for one show and $15 for general public ($12 museum members) for two shows.

Sat., July 25 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Join the museum for a special day focused on our world and the universe beyond through a variety of fun science demonstrations including appearances (real and virtual!) by NASA Solar System Ambassadors, a take home space activity, educator-led tours of museum exhibits, Starstruck trivia, and more. Guests can also explore the newly renovated space and science gallery and visit the Boeing Observatory for solar viewing (weather permitting). Astronomy Day is free with museum general admission or membership.

The State Museum will have health and safety precautions in place, including managing capacities in the museum’s galleries, planetarium and 4-D theater to facilitate social distancing as well as frequent cleaning throughout the building and between shows. Per City of Columbia Emergency Ordinance, face coverings will be required for guests aged 10 and above.

Space Week daily activities are covered by museum membership or general admission which is $8.95 for adults, $7.95 for Seniors and will be free for children aged 12 and under during Space Week. Planetarium experiences, 4-D shows, blockbuster exhibit admission and Friday Night Laser Lights are an additional charge. The museum is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday and is closed on Monday. Due to the museum’s need to manage guest capacity, online advance ticket purchase is recommended at scmuseum.org.