The collection includes a rare set of Chihuly glass works, specifically the 'Autumn Persian Ceiling'.
The museum holds one of the most significant collections of Renaissance and Baroque art in the Southeastern United States.
The building was designed by the architectural firm Cooper Carry to act as an urban anchor for Columbia's downtown revitalization.
It houses a notable collection of 20th-century Asian art, including woodblock prints.
The museum serves as the custodian of the Kress Collection, a major donation of European masterworks.
It features a dedicated interactive gallery specifically designed for early childhood engagement with artistic concepts.
The Columbia Museum of Art is a mid-sized encyclopedic institution located in the heart of South Carolina's capital. Its permanent collection features over 7,000 objects ranging from ancient Mediterranean antiquities to contemporary multimedia installations. A notable highlight is the collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings, including significant works by Botticelli and Canaletto. The museum building occupies a prominent space on Main Street, integrating modern architecture with traditional exhibition galleries. It serves as a regional hub for rotating international exhibitions and local artist features. The facility includes a dedicated studio space for community art education and public programming. Visitors can access a diverse range of American decorative arts and South Carolina-specific historical pieces. The museum underwent a major renovation in 2002 to consolidate its presence within the downtown district.
The dramatic, light-filled grand atrium near the main entrance.
Check the online exhibition calendar before visiting to see if specific temporary galleries are closed for installation changes.
Visit the museum store for unique items curated from regional artisans.
Utilize the free public Wi-Fi available throughout the building to access digital gallery guides.
Do not rush through the Renaissance galleries to reach the contemporary exhibits, as the historical curation is the museum's primary academic strength.
Closed on Mondays.
No flash photography in restricted galleries; food and drinks are strictly prohibited in exhibition areas.
