The center is built inside the former Loveman's Department Store, which was once the largest department store in Birmingham.
The Appalachianosaurus montgomeriensis, a genus of tyrannosauroid dinosaur, is a featured exhibit highlighting fossils discovered in Alabama.
The IMAX Dome theater uses a 5-story screen and a digital projection system to provide an immersive viewing experience.
The building features a dedicated 'World of Water' exhibit that showcases Alabama's unique aquatic biodiversity, including rare species.
The museum operates a specialized Challenger Learning Center that mimics NASA mission control and spacecraft environments for educational simulations.
McWane Science Center is a four-story interactive museum located in downtown Birmingham, Alabama, that combines hands-on science exhibits with an IMAX Dome theater. The facility is housed in the historic Loveman’s department store building, which underwent extensive renovation to accommodate the museum's infrastructure. It features the Challenger Learning Center, which provides space mission simulation programs for students and visitors. The museum’s collection includes the 'Alabama Dinosaurs' exhibit, highlighting local fossil discoveries, including the Appalachianosaurus. Visitors can explore various science disciplines, including biology, physics, and geology, through permanent and rotating galleries. The center is designed specifically for informal STEM education for all ages. It maintains an aquarium featuring both saltwater and freshwater species native to Alabama.
The main lobby area with its suspended prehistoric whale skeleton.
Check the daily IMAX show schedule upon arrival, as popular films may sell out early.
Plan to spend extra time in the 'World of Water' aquarium level, as it is often less crowded than the main interactive floors.
Utilize the designated quiet zones if visiting with children who are sensitive to the high-energy environment of the interactive galleries.
Do not overlook the upper levels, as many visitors focus entirely on the ground floor; the higher levels house more specialized science exhibits.
Closed on certain Mondays; verify the calendar for specific holiday closures.
Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safe participation in interactive climbing exhibits.
