Our exhibitions are based on current scholarship and research, providing the university
campus and the community with engaging presentations each year. We strive to produce
exhibitions that reflect the museum’s broad, interdisciplinary approach, educating
visitors about the diversity and richness found throughout the Southeast region.
Current Exhibitions
Thank You! Love, McKissick
through December 7, 2019, North Gallery
Every so often, McKissick Museum exhibits recently acquired objects to showcase the
work that goes on in our collections department and to demonstrate our sincere appreciation
for donors and visitors. In this version, we are excited to highlight new additions
of art, silver, quilts, minerals, pottery, political memorabilia, and objects related
to UofSC history. These new acquisitions come to the museum through gifts, bequests,
transfers, or purchases. It's only through the generosity of donors that we can continue
telling the story of Southern life. Thank you! Love, McKissick.
Piece by Piece: Quilts from the Permanent Collection
through July 18th, 2020, South Gallery
“Piece by Piece” illustrates the evolution of this textile tradition over the past
one hundred and fifty years. From the early use of chintz fabrics to the widespread
popularity of solid colors, these quilts reflect traditions with roots in Europe,
Africa, and the American South. Visitors will have the opportunity to view 40+ quilts
over the course of the show, chosen from McKissick Museum’s extensive quilt collection.
Due to the fragile nature of historic textiles, individual quilts will be only be
displayed for a limited time, with three rotations occurring throughout the year.
Abstract Art from the Permanent Collection
through December 16, 2019
McKissick Museum's abstract art from the 1960s and 70s makes an appearance in our
third-floor lobby. Expect to see bold colors and geometric shapes on display. The
six artists featured here abandoned the traditional landscape and portrait painting
that permeated South Carolina's arts history. Instead each in his or her own way dismissed
figuration and embraced abstraction, choosing to produce non-objective art based on
progressive artistic styles.
Natural Curiosity: The University of South Carolina and the Evolution of Scientific
Inquiry in the Natural World
Ongoing, 3rd Floor, South Gallery
Explore your own “natural curiosity” in this exhibit that highlights the treasures
of nature, and the evolution of the field of natural history. Beginning soon after Carolina
was founded as South Carolina College, professors and students alike collected samples
of animal, vegetable, and mineral to study and grow their understanding of the world
around them. Today, visitors can still learn from these real and authentic objects
or use newly installed touchscreens to dive deeper into the collections and explore
the Historic Southern Naturalists. Where will your natural curiosity take you?
Upcoming Exhibits
In honor of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, this exhibition explores
how Carolina women fought for their rights on this campus, including the right to
enroll, to live on campus, to participate in sports, and have control over their bodies
and their lives.
As the repository for the South Carolina Broadcasters' Archive, McKissick is proud
to present an exhibition on the life and career of Joe Pinner, a pioneering television
broadcaster with WIS. Come see artifacts from his 55 year career and reminisce about
his most famous program, Mr. Knozit!
Bladesmithing, or the art of making knives, has a long history in North and South
Carolina. The artisans featured in this exhibition use a variety of materials to combine
beauty and functionality in masterful blades.
Challenge the conventional. Create the exceptional. No Limits.
