Clemson University’s Bob Campbell Geology Museum, located in the South Carolina Botanical Gardens, has been temporarily closed due to severe damage caused by winter weather.

Several exhibits, including a casting of a full Dimetrodon and several other fossils, were harmed as a result of the recent winter weather. 

According to Dr. Adam Smith, curator of the museum, on Jan. 2 around 2 p.m., a sprinkler pipe froze and later burst, causing extensive damage. 

“A sprinkler pipe in our attic froze and burst, releasing hundreds of gallons of water, which came through the

ceiling, along with sheetrock, insulation and track lighting,” Smith said. “Debris fell on several exhibits, destroying them.”

Repairs are currently being done to the museum and the displays. Smith said that updates about the repairs can be found on the museum’s Facebook page. 

“[The museum is set to open in] an estimated two months, so hopefully mid-March,” Smith said. 

The immense amount of debris that fell destroyed several of the exhibits, resulting in tens of thousands of dollars in damage, according to Smith. 

Those interested in helping with museum repairs can make contributions to GEMS: Geology Museum online at https://cualumni.clemson.edu/give/scbg.