Last update 12/20/2011

It's been said every convenience brings its own inconveniences along with it. While the University of South Carolina's McKissick Museum undergoes major upgrades and renovations, portions of the facility will be periodically closed to visitors for approximately six months. The third floor natural science gallery will remain open during the majority of the renovations, only closing in late January.

From mid- December through May 2012, the University will upgrade McKissick Museum's heating and air conditioning systems in an effort to provide better climate controls for visitors and a more stable environment for collections. Additionally, the museum's windows are being refurbished, providing a better environmental envelope for the building. During the renovations, the second floor galleries will be off limits to the public. However, to continue delivering on its educational and outreach mission and strategic goals, the Museum will host several off-site exhibits and programs.

Holiday travelers can view the Meet USC at McKissick exhibit through May 4 at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The exhibit will introduce airport guests to the Museum's many collections and its mission, which is to bring awareness and foster an appreciation of the diversity of the American south's culture, geography and enduring folkways and traditions.

In particular, Meet USC at McKissick will highlight the Jean Laney Folk Heritage Awards, created to recognize lifetime achievement in the traditional folk arts of South Carolina. The annual award emphasizes individuals or groups whose work displays authenticity, significance and excellence in folk art.

In the spring, McKissick Museum will host a Curator's Choice lecture series in the Graniteville Room at Thomas Cooper Library. Each month, one of the museum's curators will speak about a current research project. Objects will be pulled from the permanent collection for an informal show and tell. All three lectures will begin at 12 noon. Lecture dates are:

• February 16: Jill Koverman, Chief Curator of Collections and Research
• March 15: Saddler Taylor, Chief Curator of Folklife and Fieldwork
• April 19: Dr. Lana Burgess, Faculty Curator and Director, Museum Management Program

For questions regarding the Museum's renovations, please contact Ja-Nae Epps at 803-777-7251.