McWane Science Center: Birmingham's World of Wonder
Explore interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater at Birmingham's premier science destination.
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].
Local tips
- 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].
A brief summary to McWane Science Center
- 200 19th St N, Birmingham, Fountain Heights, Alabama, 35203, US
- +1205-714-8300
Getting There
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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].
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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].
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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].
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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].
