McWane Science Center, Central Alabama Travel Guide

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

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McWane Science Center

The McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama, is a leading hands-on science museum and research archive. Housed in the historic Loveman's department store, it features interactive exhibits, an aquarium, and an IMAX Dome Theater, offering a dynamic learning experience for all ages.

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 on weekday mornings for a less crowded experience.
Check the daily schedule for science shows and demonstrations.
Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved.
Consider purchasing a combo ticket for access to both the Adventure Halls and an IMAX movie.
Street parking is free on weekends and holidays.

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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.

Vulcan Park and Museum

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Birmingham Zoo

Lover's Leap

Majestic Caverns

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. Turn right onto 2nd Avenue North. McWane Science Center will be on your left, at the corner of 19th Street North and 2nd Avenue North. Walking time is approximately 5-10 minutes. No cost.
Public Transport

Several bus routes serve the downtown area near McWane Science Center [10]. Check the local Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (BJCTA) schedule for the most convenient route from your location. From the Central Station, ride bus route 22 or 28 and get off at 20th Street and 3rd Ave North, then walk one block north. A single ride fare is $1.25.
Driving

From I-65 North, take exit 260-B for 3rd Avenue North. Follow 3rd Avenue North to 19th Street North and turn right. McWane Science Center will be on the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 19th Street North. Parking is available in the McWane Science Center parking deck on 2nd Avenue North for $5 between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm [5]. Street parking is also available, free on weekends, but with a 2-hour limit on weekdays, costing $0.25/hour [5, 8].

Discover more about McWane Science Center

McWane Science Center, located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, is a premier destination for interactive science education and fun [10, 18]. This state-of-the-art center, housed in the refurbished Loveman's department store, spans four floors filled with hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity and make science come alive [11, 18].The center features a variety of exhibits, including the World of Water aquarium, home to over 50 species of marine and freshwater aquatic life, where visitors can even touch small sharks and rays [4, 18]. The Alabama Collections Center showcases a vast collection of fossils, minerals, and Native American artifacts [18]. Younger children will enjoy Itty Bitty Magic City, a play area designed with smaller versions of city buildings to help them learn and connect with their parents [4, 17, 18]. ScienceQuest offers interactive exhibits demonstrating various scientific principles [4]. Don't miss the John W. Woods IMAX Dome Theater for an immersive cinematic experience [4].McWane also hosts special and traveling exhibits, ensuring there's always something new to discover [6, 16]. Educational programs, summer camps, and workshops provide additional learning opportunities for all ages [10]. The center is committed to accessibility, offering accommodations for visitors with physical and sensory challenges [2, 14]. With so much to see and do, McWane Science Center offers a full day of exploration and discovery for the whole family [11, 17].