McWane Science Center, Cahaba Valley Travel Guide

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

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McWane Science Center

The McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading science museum featuring interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater [10]. Housed in a renovated historic department store, McWane offers four floors of engaging experiences for all ages, from dinosaurs to marine life [4, 18].

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.

Check the daily schedule online for science demonstrations and show times in the Rushton Theater [2].
Consider purchasing a membership for free admission, free parking, and discounts [2, 19].
Visit during off-peak hours (weekdays or Sunday afternoons) for a less crowded experience [5].
Take advantage of the sensory bags available at the ticketing desk if you have sensory sensitivities [14, 18].

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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 two blocks [14]. Turn right onto 1st Avenue North and walk one block west to 19th Street North. McWane Science Center will be on your left, at the corner of 19th Street North and 2nd Avenue North [14]. Allow 5-10 minutes.
Public Transport

Several bus lines operated by the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) stop near McWane Science Center [14, 5]. 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) [14]. A single ride fare is $1.25 [14].
Driving

If driving, approach McWane Science Center from I-65 or I-59/20 [14]. From I-65 North or South, take exit 260-B [14]. From I-59/20, take exit 125-B [14]. Follow signs to downtown and then to the Science Center, located at the corner of 19th Street North and 2nd Avenue North [14]. McWane Science Center has a parking deck on 2nd Avenue North [2, 6, 8]. Parking costs $5.00 for non-members [2, 6]. Street parking is also available, with free parking on weekends [6, 8, 14].

Discover more about McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center, located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, is a premier destination for science enthusiasts of all ages [5, 10]. This state-of-the-art center boasts four floors of interactive exhibits, a captivating aquarium, and a 250-seat IMAX Dome Theater [4, 10].Inside, visitors can explore a diverse range of exhibits. The Alabama Collections Center displays over 500,000 items, including fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts [10]. The World of Water exhibit showcases over 50 aquatic species, complete with a touch tank featuring sharks and rays [10, 12]. Younger children will enjoy Itty Bitty Magic City, a play area with model buildings designed for learning and imaginative play [10, 16]. ScienceQuest offers hands-on experiences with exhibits demonstrating various scientific principles [2, 12]. The IMAX Dome Theater provides an immersive cinematic experience with a five-story dome screen and surround sound [4, 12]. Special exhibits are also featured throughout the year [9, 22].McWane Science Center is committed to accessibility, offering sensory bags, quiet spaces, and a sensory room to accommodate visitors with sensory sensitivities [18, 14]. With its engaging exhibits and diverse attractions, McWane Science Center offers a memorable and educational experience for the whole family [2, 15].