McWane Science Center, Appalachian Mountains Travel Guide

4.7 (4738)

Explore interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater at Birmingham's premier science destination.

The McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama, is a hands-on museum and IMAX Dome Theater that brings science to life for all ages [3, 15]. With four floors of interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and a variety of science demonstrations, McWane offers a unique and engaging learning experience [3].

A brief summary to McWane Science Center

200 19th St N, Birmingham, Fountain Heights, Alabama, 35203, US
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Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 10 am-5 pm
Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring McWane Science Center.

Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines, especially during peak hours and holidays [19].
Visit on weekday mornings for a less crowded experience [16].
Check the daily schedule for science demonstrations and IMAX Dome Theater showtimes [10, 5].
Take advantage of sensory bags available at the ticketing desk for visitors with sensory sensitivities [6].

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Explore McWane Science Center on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near McWane Science Center, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Birmingham Museum of Art, walk south on 20th Street North for approximately two blocks [6]. Turn right onto 1st Avenue North and walk one block west to 19th Street North [6]. McWane Science Center is at the corner of 19th Street North and 2nd Avenue North [6]. Allow 5-10 minutes [6].
Public Transport

Several bus lines operated by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) stop near McWane Science Center [6, 19]. The closest stops are 2nd Ave & 19th St (1 min walk), 1st Ave N And 19th St N (2 min walk), and 2nd Ave N And 18th St N (3 min walk) [6]. Check the BJCTA website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and route information [6]. A single ride fare is $1.25 [6].
Driving

McWane Science Center is located at the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 19th Street [20]. If driving, approach McWane Science Center from I-65 or I-59/20 [6]. From I-65 North or South, take exit 260-B [6, 20]. From I-59/20, take exit 125-B [6, 20]. Follow signs to downtown and then to the Science Center [6]. McWane Science Center has a parking deck on 2nd Avenue North [6]. Parking costs $5.00 from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM and $8.00 from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM [6]. Street parking is also available, with a 2-hour limit on weekdays and free parking on weekends [6, 8]. Metered street parking costs $0.25/hour [6].
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Birmingham [6]. Request a ride to 200 19th Street North, Birmingham, AL 35203 [6]. A short ride from downtown hotels or attractions will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on distance and demand [6].

Discover more about McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center is a premier science museum and research archive located in downtown Birmingham [17, 16]. Housed in the historic, refurbished Loveman's department store, McWane has welcomed millions of visitors since opening in 1998 [3, 17]. The center features a state-of-the-art hands-on science center, a unique aquarium, and a five-story IMAX Dome Theater [3, 17].Explore four floors of interactive exhibits that celebrate science and wonder [3, 14]. See an amazing collection of dinosaurs, innovative environmental showcases, imaginative early childhood playgrounds, and an awe-inspiring aquarium [3, 17]. The World of Water exhibit on the lower level showcases over 50 species of marine and freshwater aquatic life, including a touch tank with sharks and rays [17, 10]. The Alabama Collections Center is home to over 500,000 items, including fossils and Native American artifacts [17]. Smaller children will enjoy the Itty Bitty Magic City exhibit [17, 5, 10].McWane Science Center offers a dynamic learning environment where curiosity meets discovery [16]. The center's philosophy revolves around hands-on learning, encouraging visitors to touch, experiment, and explore [16].