Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park
Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park: A Tribute to a Motown Legend
McWane Science Center: Birmingham's Hub for Hands-On Science
Explore interactive science exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater at Birmingham's leading 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].
Plan your visit
A brief summary to McWane Science Center
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
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
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near McWane Science Center
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].
Local tips
✓
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].
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].
A brief summary to McWane Science Center
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Cahaba Valley
Explore Cahaba Valley in Alabama, a nature lover's paradise with its lush forests, clear rivers, rare blooms, and rich history. Perfect for hiking, kayaking, and historical exploration.
Tell me more about Cahaba Valley