SC State Museum Kicks off $23 Million Renovation

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – South Carolina’s State Museum in Columbia is kicking off a $23 million expansion and renovation project that brings a new observatory, planetarium and theater to the site. Museum Education Director Tom Falvey said Wednesday the effort will enhance studies in science, history, art and natural history. The project should be completed in the summer of 2013. Additions include a new observatory, a 55-foot dome planetarium and three-dimensional film theater enhanced by blasts of air, water spray and seat vibrations. The project adds 22,600 square feet to the historic Columbia Mill building, while 47,500 feet of the original site is to be renovated. A new front entrance and lobby, larger museum store and enhanced food facilities are included. Every year, more than 70,000 school children visit the museum free of charge.