The Museum is a great place for group trips and is fully accessible. Make your reservation early! We ask that all groups of 10 or more schedule their visit through the Museum's Group Tour Manager, even if not requesting a guided tour, to assure the best visit possible. The Group Tour Manager can advise you on the best days and times to avoid peak hours. Please contact Becky Wych at 803.343.2163 or Becky@columbiamuseum.org.

How to Schedule a Group Visit

Adult Groups

Self-Directed Tour

Schedule a date to view the Museum's galleries at your own pace. Informative text panels in the newly reinstalled galleries and Audio Tours will enhance your experience.

Docent Led Tour

Interested in an in-depth tour of the Museum's Collection or traveling exhibition? Schedule a docent led tour for your group. Guided tours are led by the Museum's dedicated Volunteer Educator Corp and are a great way to obtain a better understanding of the Museum's exhibitions.

  • $8 per person
  • Minimum of 10 individuals
  • $80 non-refundable reservation deposit fee
  • Book at least 2 weeks prior to your visit

Art du Jour Tour & Lunch

This special opportunity allows groups to enjoy an elegant lunch in the Museum’s garden themed Orientation Gallery, designed and painted by trompe l’oeil artist Christian Thee. Lunch is followed by a private guided tour of special exhibitions or permanent collection galleries of your choosing. This program can accommodate up to 30 individuals.  *Please note, this special program requires at least 3 week’s booking notice.

Groups can choose from two delicious lunch options:
  • Box Lunch Special includes two wraps, salad, dessert, and beverage.
  • ($20 per person)
  • Buffett Lunch Special includes entrée, two sides, dessert, and beverage.
  • ($30 per person)
  • *Price includes group admission.

College Instructors

Instructors interested in a specific exhibition or area of the Museum's collection should contact the Group Tour Manager at least two weeks in advance and inform about any special objectives your group might have. The more we know, the better your group's experience will be! Programs described for high school students can also be adapted for college students.

Home School Parents and Leaders of Multi-age Groups

The Museum is an excellent resource for home-schooled students. You may either choose to schedule a tour program or you can register for the One Room School House, a program developed especially for home-schooled children. Communicate any special needs or requests well in advance and we will make every effort to work with you in providing the most effective program for your group. We recommend that children are grouped by age and grade level whenever possible. If you are planning a self-directed visit, we recommend that group leaders visit the Museum prior to the group visit.

K-12 School Groups

The Museum's education programs are recognized for their curriculum-based approach. The Museum is a resource where people of all ages and backgrounds can come for enrichment, inspiration and learning. Interactive gallery tours based on the Museum's art collection or temporary exhibitions can be combined with hands-on creative projects in the studios. Each visit brings your students new discovery and we look forward to seeing you and your students! All school groups, including self-guided groups, must have a reservation. School Group Tour pricing is only available during the week (Wednesday through Friday).

  • $3 per person
  • Required number of chaperones free (one adult per 10 students) $3 extra per chaperone
  • Minimum of 10 students
  • $35 on-refundable reservation deposit fee
  • Book at least 2 weeks prior to your visit

Boyd Plaza, in front of the Museum, is a lovely spot for enjoying bag lunches on sunny days. Finlay Park, located within one block of the Museum, is also a great location. Your pre-visit packet will include a listing of nearby casual dining restaurants.


 
 
 
 
PO Box 2068 Columbia, SC 29202 | 1515 Main Street | 803.799.2810