south carolina military museum

firebear1961

This a a very nice museum, a lot of neat stuff from out history, they had a lot of weapons in a display case, everything from the civil war to now. They also had some small vehicles in there collection that I had not seen before.

soonerboyc81

This museum is certainly a must see if you like military museums and the best thing is that it is free! Excellent layout that takes you through the different military campaigns that SC has been involved in and has a very impressive collection of artifacts from weapons to vehicles. Can easily spend 2 hours here! Right across the street from Williams-Brice Stadium and only a few minutes from downtown.

storyhill

Did I mention it's free? Everything is presented very and they have the uniforms for all of the different time periods along with their weaons and details on how SC was involved in the different periods. I was very impressed with everything. To top it off there is a large room full of vehicles used in war at the end. They are all in very good shape.

asorig

For military history buffs, or descendants of those who have served, this is definitely worthwhile. Extensive collection (not just US artifacts): swords, rifles, uniforms, & vehicles (inside & out front).A good museum for kids to train in museum-appropriate behavior. They marked what you can/not touch very well. You could spend 1-2 hours here easily if you like to read about what you are looking at. Wheelchair friendly; seating available throughout. Friendly volunteers. Bathrooms are about halfway through the museum. They are very close to the Gamecock Stadium, behind the Columbia Armory. Free; donations appreciated. Parking is free (ignore the numbers on parking spaces, you can park anywhere in the museum area).

Citallwic

This is a fine little museum, appropriately well done for a state with such a proud military history. It’s amazing that this kind of quality could be achieved on such a shoestring budget! I suspect that most visitors don’t know that this facility has to rely on donations and volunteer help just to keep the doors open. I recently stopped by on a weekday afternoon and spent a leisurely hour examining the displays and exhibits, including the crew-operated equipment and weapons outside the building. It was fascinating, educational, and inspirational – an hour very well spent. See this museum for yourself when you get the chance, and take your youngsters with you. You won’t be disappointed.

paulr675

great place to visit. great displays from the Melvin Purvis display to Marsh "Carbine "Williams guns on the display. Exhibits on the people from South Carolina who were awarded the Medal Of Honor. Packed with all types of weapons and equipment. staff is very helpful in answering any questions. the museum is administered by the Office of the South Carolina National Guard. located on bluff rd behind Headquarters Armory across from Williams Brice Stadium home of the Gamecocks of Univ. of SC. Next door is the Cassion Platoon which supplies a Horse Cassion for military burial services for fallen serviceman.

530miken

Great displays that take you from pre-revoluntionary war to current day. Enjoyed how they linked South Carolina to it's place in history during these events.

275THOMASB

This museum has a vast array of indoor and outdoor artifacts, ranging form the revolutionary to current war time' periods. It takes more than a day to view all displays (and many items donated to the museum are still in storage - thousands - according to the curators - far too many to bring out - maybe this would be possible if the exhibit is allowed to expand in the future). Let's hope so. I truly am in awe of such history unfolding before my eyes - will definitely return. Helpful & friendly staff are on hand to answer questions and give explanations during the visit. This is a place to add to your Bucket List.

Nick1946

A little off the beaten path and a little hard to find, it is worth a visit if you are a military history buff. The museum is well-maintained and laid out. Some interesting items are on display, and are clearly labeled. Not sure why we have so many separate museums in Columbia, but I guess this one keeps the military suff from being stored in the back room.

JOTSmidlands

This museum is not easy to find but it is worth the search. It is free and covers a lot of material. There are weapons, vehicles, artillery. Not a large museum but well laid out with good graphics.

juno_usa

It is a great place to visit, not only for military funs, but "average" people as well. Small, but interesting exhibition with photos, military vehicles, clothes, lots of guns, etc. The staff was friendly, and the whole thing was free of charge!

xenaht2000

my husb really enjoyed the exhibit on Carbine Williams, the guy you designed the M1 carbine. I liked seeing how the SC ANG contributed to all the war efforts, including OIF and OEF. they have a video that plays continuously highlighting how the 169th helped out in the war effot...a great FREE museum!

TomG617

From the outside you wouldn't think this place would be anything special. Its hidden in a brick building behind a National Guard Armory on Bluff Road. There are a few displays outside but the inside is amazing. You never would think they could have that much stuff packed in that building. That being said, its well organized and very very interesting to read/look at. This place is a cheap must visit if you like military history.