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
A Woman's Right
through December 5th, 2020, North Gallery
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, this exhibit explores
how women fought for their rights on this campus, including the right to enroll, to
live on campus, to participate in sports, and to have control over their bodies and
their lives. Utilizing original research from Guest Curator, Dr. Jennifer Gunter,
Director of the South Carolina Collaborative on Race and Reconciliation, this exhibit
will uncover the challenges and triumphs of women at UofSC.
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.
Not Your Average Joe: Mr. Knozit and the Peabody Award
through June 6th, 2020, 3rd Floor Lobby
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!
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
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.
