The Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia, South Carolina, is unveiling newly reconfigured collection galleries to cap its 75th anniversary and culminate a yearlong renovation. The museum will reopen its collection galleries following a gala on January 16, presenting a newly conceived display across 20 galleries. The reinstalled galleries draw from the museum’s American, Asian, European, and modern and contemporary holdings, including Italian Renaissance works from the Kress Collection, an Asian gallery anchored by Chinese art from the Tang dynasty, and thematic galleries focused on landscape, still life, and art and architecture. The renovation, which began in January 2025, included new lighting and ceilings, reinforced walls, and conservation work on pieces by Sam Gilliam, Teiji Takai, and Benjamin Wilson.
This matters because the reopening marks a significant milestone for a regional museum that serves as the cultural heartbeat of South Carolina, demonstrating how mid-sized institutions can refresh their permanent collections to engage local communities and attract visitors. The reimagined galleries highlight works by artists with ties to South Carolina, such as Jasper Johns and Winston Wingo, and feature recent acquisitions and long-term loans, underscoring the museum's commitment to expanding its collection and offering new perspectives. The renovation and reinstallation reflect broader trends in the art world where museums invest in infrastructure and curatorial innovation to remain relevant and accessible.