The McWane Science Center (formerly known as the McWane Center) is a science museum and research archive located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, United States. The state-of-the-art science center, aquarium, and 280-seat IMAX Dome Theater is housed in the historic and refurbished Loveman's department store building. It opened to the public on July 11, 1998.
On the lower level, the World of Water exhibit showcases more than 50 species of marine and freshwater aquatic life. There is a touch tank with different species of small sharks and rays. There are also shark teeth that can be observed under a microscope and different displays about water pollution.
Monday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 12:00 – 6:00 PM |
Crystal Gaither | Feb 3, 2018
We had a great time!! Our 2 year old had a blast playing and learning at Itty Bitty Magic City. They have that area secured, so little ones can run and play freely and you don't have to be worried. The workers we very observant and helpful. It's also great for anyone needing handicap accessibility, with elevators and lots if resting spots. Wheelchairs are available also at no charge. There's something for everyone of any age. We can't wait to go back!!
Meghan Moore | Jan 12, 2018
What a wonderful learning environment! We had a lot of fun. My son loves science especially dinosaurs and they had a while floor about dinosaurs. They were many interactive things to do. Make sure you plan to spend most of your day here if you love science like my son does. He refused to be rushed through the center. The staff was amazing too. They went above and beyond to help my 95 year old grandmother as well as give us information before we arrived and even got us in touch with their amazing scientist which can open doors for my son in the future when he's a little older. We will be returning.
David Greene | Mar 2, 2018
The McWane Science Center is a great place to take children. My son is 5-1/2 and he played all day there. There are very many things to do for young and older kids. There are three stories in the building. The day we were there, craneworks had heavy equipment and a fire truck outside the building for all of the kids to play on and look at. Highly recommend this place.
A A | Jan 15, 2018
We had a really nice time at the McWane Science Center. We went on a Sunday after noon with the whole family (mom, dad, and two daughters 11 and 16). We all enjoyed the interactive exhibits and had fun exploring and learning together. We spent about 2 hours inside before visit the gift shop and making our exit. Probably not something to do too often but if you’re looking for a family friendly activity and have never visited would be worth checking it out!
Lindsay Lyles | Feb 25, 2018
There's something for all ages at McWane. The Itty Bitty Magic City is a huge hit for the 5 and under crowd without all kids of pretend play (fire station, grocery store, cafe, etc). Lots of hands on experience throughout the entire museum, even a mini aquarium with a sting ray/shark touch tank. The whole family loves it.
Jessica Saylor | May 10, 2018
My family has been going to McWane for about 3 years and since my child was a baby and we love it. It's such a great place to take your kids to play and learn all kinds of things from blowing bubbles to petting sharks! My child always had a great time and we look forward to going back. Since our child is still under the age of 5 we love taking her to Itty Bitty Magic City where kids get to be kids and learn and play with so many different things like being a chef or firefighter, but she really loves the water area the best. It's a great place and we're so glad Birmingham has it.
Lily Elmore | Mar 29, 2018
An excellent interactive science museum for all ages. Engaging activities for all skill levels, educational staff and wonderful exhibits. When I visited, kids as young as five were getting to participate in a cow eye dissection! What an awesome experience for young, curious folks! Older kids will also enjoy activities regarding physics, biology, zoology, meteorology, and so much more. It's an incredible museum that is perfect for families in or visiting Birmingham. Be prepared to stay for hours- it's that much fun!
Mrs. Laqnda Hammonds | May 2, 2018
Spring break was my first time attending here. We spent the entire day here and returned the following day. They do accept military discount which helped. My 5 year daughter loves this place. There's a lot to do here for children. There are 3 floors od fun. My daughter especially loves the kitchen area. I would definitely recommend this place to parents.
Natalia Go | Mar 26, 2018
This isn’t worth the entrance ticket that we paid. It was very small and the exhibits were not impressive at all. Science centers should actually be free especially if there’s nothing very special inside. I’ve been to the California science center. It was free and beautiful and well-curated. Well, I guess that just shows how a progressive state values education so much more than conservative states like Alabama. Poor students have to pay to see a science center when it should be made accessible to them by their government. Good job California! Alabama can do so much better.
Jessica Richardson | Apr 17, 2018
Great place for kids. Have been a few times and the kids always have the best time. Lots of different activities and hands on things to do. Love the itty bitty magic city, kids can roam and play and explore all sorts. Love the animals and information to learn about them. Great place to have fun and learn and expand little minds!
Cera Ridley | May 29, 2018
My girls (ages 3 and 5) loved our visit to the science center! McWane Science Center has so many activities for everyone to enjoy. The activities are engaging, educational, and fun. There are three levels of fun. After going through each center, we were all thoroughly tired...but in a good way. This is a perfect way to spend some time with family doing indoor activities based on science. We will definitely visit the McWane Science center again.
Steven Moore | May 30, 2018
This is a really interesting, and interactive experience. My kids have loved this place since it opened. Membership is the best deal, easily pays for itself in two visits. With membership you can visit other museums in other states also. Very nice benefit. Membership also gets you free parking, normally $5.00.
Nick C. | Jun 21, 2018
I brought my 4 year old and 2 year old there. They loved it, due to time constraints, were only spent two hours there, and we didn't quite see or play with everything we wanted to. I think three hours would be a reasonable amount of time to explore (assuming your kids are about as young and curious as mine). Most everything is 'hands-on', and I myself enjoyed the experience.
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