Dino or whale? Basilosaurus takes over Birmingham—why you need to see this exhibit now

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Birmingham, this one’s big! A 40-foot-long Basilosaurus—a mega prehistoric whale—now hangs in the lobby of McWane Science Center. This new skeleton isn’t just massive, its story is tied to Alabama’s ancient oceans, the rise of Birmingham and our state’s scientific history.

We chatted with Jun Ebersole, McWane’s Director of Collections, to find out what makes this giant whale so fascinating and why you have to see it up close. Here’s what we discovered.

What to expect at McWane’s new Basilosaurus exhibit

McWane is known for hands-on exhibits that spark curiosity for all ages, from dinosaur bones to shark teeth found right here in Alabama. Now, the museum has a new star: a full-scale Basilosaurus skeleton.

The reconstruction is based on a nearly complete specimen collected in 1981 in Washington County by the former Red Mountain Museum, now part of McWane.

Reconstructing an extinct animal is no easy task. Ebersole told us how it works:

• Fossils are carefully excavated, transported + prepared with specialized tools.
• Fragile bones are molded in fiberglass before being mounted for display.

Here’s what you’ll see at the exhibit:

• A massive Basilosaurus replica hanging overhead
• Real bones displayed in a 12-foot case
• The full story of Alabama’s prehistoric giant, packed with fun facts
• A behind-the-scenes look at fossil preparation in the Collections Lab

“My hope is visitors leave amazed that giant animals like the Basilosaurus once swam in the ancient oceans of Alabama. With its massive size, real fossils and Birmingham roots, this isn’t just a prehistoric display—it’s a journey through our state’s ancient oceans.”

Jun Ebersole, Director of Collections, McWane Science Center

4 cool things to know about the Basilosaurus

1. Basilosaurus cetoides is Alabama’s official state fossil

Cool, right? Alabama is the second-best place in the world to find Basilosaurus bones, which is why it was named the state fossil in 1984, according to Ebersole.

These whales lived 30-40 million years ago in Alabama’s ancient oceans, and most fossils come from the southern and western parts of the state.

Another fascinating fact: Early discoveries were so impressive that showman Albert Koch created a 119-foot “sea monster” for traveling exhibits.

“Even though scientists knew it was a hoax, people loved it. Alabama was at the center of that global fascination.”

Jun Ebersole, Director of Collections, McWane Science Center

2. It’s not your average “-saurus”

Tyranosaurus. Rapetosaurus. Basilosaurus. It sounds like a dinosaur, but it’s actually a whale! 

“When the first bones were discovered in 1828, scientists thought they belonged to a giant reptile. That’s why it was named Basilosaurus, which means ‘king lizard.’

Later, researchers realized it was a toothed whale living 30 million years after the dinosaurs went extinct.”

Jun Ebersole, Director of Collections, McWane Science Center

3. Some Basilosaurus bones are enormous

Ever wondered what it’s like to be tiny? You’ll feel like Polly Pocket beneath a full Basilosaurus skeleton. The whale is gigantic! The largest vertebrae are about the size of two stacked basketballs, and the skull rivals a small refrigerator.

Ebersole told us the full whale could reach to 62 feet long, making it one of the largest predators in Alabama’s ancient oceans.

4. A whale put Birmingham on the map

Would you believe a prehistoric whale helped shape Birmingham? It’s true. In 1845, British geologist Charles Lyell studied rocks and Basilosaurus fossils in what’s no Jones Valley. While exploring, he noticed iron ore, coal and limestone all in one place.

“This lucky mix kicked off the Alabama Geological Survey, launched the iron industry and eventually led to Birmingham being founded in 1871.”

Jun Ebersole, Director of Collections, McWane Science Center

Visit McWane Science Center’s Basilosaurus exhibit

• When: Tuesday-Friday 9AM-5PM | Saturday 10AM-5PM | Sunday 12PM-5PM
• Where: McWane Science Center—Lobby
• Cost: Free to public
• Tickets

For more exhibits and fun at McWane Science Center, plan your visit now.

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