Florence Museum Parks in Park
Published Apr 17, 2008
This Greek marble sculpture from the 4th century B.C. is among the objects on display at the Florence Museum of Art, Science and History in Timrod Park.
In New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art resides in Central Park. In the Pee Dee region of South Carolina, the Florence Museum of Art, Science and History graces Timrod Park.
Housed in a 5,000-square-foot, art-moderne structure, the Florence museum is a collection of objects from around the world – a collection that has been growing since the museum was founded in 1924.
“We have an Asian collection with something from every Chinese dynasty, an incredible Pueblo pottery collection, and an African and oceanic collection,” says Andrew Stout, executive director. “We also have a Florence and South Carolina history hall and three rotating galleries that change every other month.”
Children and adults can take classes at the museum in areas such as the American Civil War, pottery, watercolors, drawing, basket weaving and sculpting. In addition, the museum hosts a free educational family event the second Saturday of each month.
In June 2007, South Carolina’s legislature appropriated $4 million for construction of a new building to house the museum’s growing collection. Before being able to access the funding, however, museum officials and patrons must raise an additional $7.8 million.
“We’re in the preliminary stages of fundraising now,” Stout says. “Our current facility is a 1936 structure that was meant to be a home, not a museum. Because of that, we have space limitations, and we aren’t able to exhibit large portions of our collection.”
Until the new facility can be built, the Florence Museum of Art, Science and History will continue to bring cultural awareness to area residents from its location at Timrod Park.
“The museum celebrates the diverse cultures around the world,” Stout says. “You can come into the museum and travel the world. We have great authentic objects that you’d be hard-pressed to find at other institutions.”
Story by Jessica Mozo
Photo by Brian McCord
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