McWane Science Center, Cahaba River Travel Guide

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Explore interactive science exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater at Birmingham's leading science museum. A great family adventure!

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McWane Science Center

The McWane Science Center in downtown Birmingham is a leading science museum featuring interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater. Housed in the historic Loveman's department store building, McWane offers a fun and educational experience for all ages, with a focus on STEM learning and Alabama's natural history [6, 11].

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.

Visit during off-peak hours, such as weekdays or Sunday afternoons, to avoid crowds [10].
Check the daily schedule for show and demonstration times to maximize your visit [10].
Purchase tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee entry, especially during holidays and school breaks [10].
Consider a membership for free parking, discounts, and access to exclusive events if you plan to visit multiple times [2, 10].
Take advantage of sensory bags and quiet spaces for visitors with sensory sensitivities [10, 25].

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Historic Cahaba Pumping Station

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Birmingham Zoo

Oak Mountain State Park

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Explore McWane Science Center on the Map

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

Getting There

Public Transport

McWane Science Center is accessible via several MAX Transit bus routes [10, 20]. Routes 1, 3, 6, 14, 22, 45, 90, 100, and 280 have stops within a few blocks of the museum [10]. From Central Station, walk north on 20th Street North, then turn right onto 1st Avenue North; the museum will be a short walk on your left [10]. A single ride fare is $1.25 [10].
Driving

McWane Science Center is located at 200 19th Street North in downtown Birmingham [10]. From I-65, take exit 260B and follow 3rd Avenue North to 19th Street North, then turn right [10]. The museum will be on the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 19th Street North [10]. The McWane Science Center parking deck is located on 2nd Avenue North [10]. Parking in the deck costs $5 for non-members [2, 4]. Street parking is also available, metered at $0.25/hour with a 2-hour limit on weekdays, and free on weekends and holidays [10, 7].
Taxi/Ride-Share

Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft provide convenient access to McWane Science Center [10]. From most downtown locations, a ride will cost approximately $8-$12, depending on demand and distance [10].

Discover more about McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center is a dynamic, hands-on museum located in the heart of Birmingham, Alabama [10]. It's more than just a museum; it's a place where learning, exploration, and community engagement come together [10]. The center aims to spark wonder and curiosity through innovative programming, engaging exhibits, and a commitment to STEM education [15].McWane Science Center is the result of a merger between the Red Mountain Museum and Discovery Place Museum [15]. It opened its doors on July 11, 1998, in the historic Loveman's department store building [6, 11]. Today, it features four floors of interactive exhibits, a state-of-the-art aquarium, and a 250-seat IMAX Dome Theater [6, 5].Key highlights include the World of Water exhibit, home to over 50 species of marine and freshwater aquatic life, including a touch tank with sharks and rays [6, 14]. The Alabama Collections Center houses over 500,000 items related to the state's natural history, including fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts [6, 9]. For younger children, Itty Bitty Magic City offers a sensory-rich play area with a diner, train tables, and a grocery store [6, 14, 27]. ScienceQuest features interactive exhibits demonstrating various scientific principles [2, 14]. The IMAX Dome Theater provides an immersive cinematic experience [14, 25].McWane also hosts traveling exhibits and special events throughout the year [8, 17]. The Magic of Model Trains is a popular holiday tradition [8]. McWane Science Center is dedicated to making science accessible and enjoyable for everyone, offering sensory bags, quiet spaces, and a social story to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities [10, 25].