5 reasons this Birmingham gem should be on everyone’s summer bucket list

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Think McWane Science Center is just for kids? No way! Located in the heart of Birmingham, this unique museum offers something for everyone, from remarkable dinosaur fossils discovered by local paleontologists to hands-on building adventures and thrilling feature films in IMAX. 

Read on for more reasons McWane is a must-visit for all.

1. McWane features one of the largest displays of eastern U.S. dinosaurs in the world

If you go behind the scenes at McWane, you’ll find many scientists, from paleontologists and aquarists to biologists and chemists. Most of the science and research at McWane focuses on the paleontology collections, which attract scientists from around the world.

Thanks to the efforts of Jun Ebersole, Director of Collections at McWane, several significant discoveries have been made, including dinosaur species such as Eotrachodon orientalis in 2016 and non-dinosaur species like the Bear Bryant Shark (Cretalamnabryanti) in 2018.

“In the dinosaur gallery, we have the largest display of eastern U.S. dinosaurs in the world. It includes both named dinosaurs and those that we know are here, but have yet to be named.”

Jun Ebersole, Director of Collections, McWane Science Center

You can find out more about McWane’s collections here.

2. McWane’s aquarium features approximately 80 species

If you’re wondering if Birmingham is ever going to get an aquarium, the wait is over. You may not know it, but you can find one downtown at McWane’s World of Water exhibit. 

Located on the museum’s lower level, it’s filled with around 80 different species with approximately 380 animals total. Some include fish, turtles, sharks and sting rays, plus a Green Moray Eel named Moe.

Fun fact: McWane makes its own saltwater—2,000 gallons each week!

3. McWane is home to the only IMAX Dome with Laser in Alabama

McWane’s IMAX Dome Theatre offers it all, whether you’re interested in watching a children’s movie, an action-packed thriller or a fascinating documentary.

What’s especially cool about the theatre is that it’s the only MAX with Laser system in Alabama and is also the largest in the Southeast with a 5-story, 79-foot diameter dome screen.

See what’s playing this summer.

DYK? McWane’s IMAX Theater has its very own Instagram page offering a sneak peek into what’s playing, official trailers, ticket info and more. Follow it now.

4. McWane’s most popular exhibits have been around since it opened

McWane has tons of exhibits, with many of its most loved having been around since McWane opened in 1998.

Check out which exhibits are the most popular to date:

• Bed of Nails
• High Cycle
• Vulcan Dream Machine

COMING UP: You Build It, one of McWane’s most popular annual exhibits, will return for another epic summer of building excitement. It opens June 13 and runs through November 2025.

Here’s what to expect when you visit:

• KEVA Planks—construct a tower, castle or other amazing creation
• LEGO Bricks—build a racecar + watch it soar down an eight-foot ramp with flyover!
• Rigamajigs—get jiggy with it by designing a large-scale structure that rolls + more

You can find You Build It on the third floor of McWane’s Adventure Halls. 

5. McWane runs on volunteers of all ages

DYK McWane is one of Birmingham’s many nonprofits? At its heart is its incredible volunteers who keep the museum’s programs and events running smoothly. 

In 2024, McWane had:

• 213 teen volunteers
• 35 adult volunteers
• 19 teen leaders
• 14 volunteer groups

Find out how you can become a volunteer.

Plan your visit to McWane Science Center

• Address: 200 19th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Hours: 
  • Wednesday-Friday 9AM-5PM
  • Saturday 10AM-5PM
  • Sunday 12PM-5PM
• Cost: 
  • Adventure Halls: $14+
  • Combo Tickets (includes Adventure Halls + 1 IMAX Dome documentary film): $17+
  • IMAX Dome Tickets: $9+
  • Kids ages 2 and under: free admission
• Tickets

There’s always something exciting happening at McWane Science Center! Stay in the know by visiting their website and following them on Facebook + Instagram.