Directions & Parking
Health & Safety Notice
McWane Science Center has policies and guidelines in place to ensure the health and safety of our guests and staff.
| Monday - Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday - Friday | 9:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM — 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM — 5:00 PM |
McWane Science Center is open every Wednesday-Sunday, excluding some holidays.
We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for administration, planning, and deep cleaning.
Directions
McWane Science Center is located in the heart of downtown Birmingham, and is easily accessible from Interstates 65, 59, and 20, and Alabama State Highways 31 and 280.
- From Montgomery/ Hoover: Take I-65 North to exit 260-B. Follow 3rd Avenue North to 19th Street North. Turn right. McWane Science Center is located on the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 19th Street North.
- From Huntsville/ Gardendale: Take I-65 South to exit 260. Turn left at 4th traffic signal. Follow 3rd Avenue North to 19th Street North. Turn right, McWane Science Center is located at the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 19th Street North.
- From Chattanooga/Gadsden: Take I-59/20 South/West to exit 125-B. Turn left. Follow 22nd Street North to 2nd Avenue North. Turn right, McWane Science Center is located at the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 19th Street North.
- From Tuscaloosa/Bessemer: Take 1-59/20 North/East to exit 125-B. Follow 22nd Street North to 2nd Avenue North. Turn right, McWane Science Center is located at the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 19th Street North.
- From Auburn/Inverness: Take Hwy 31/280 to the 2nd Ave. North exit. Follow 2nd Ave. North. McWane Science Center is located at the corner of 2nd Avenue North and 19th Street North
Parking
McWane Science Center’s parking deck offers safe and convenient parking on 2nd Avenue North. The height limit for the deck is 6’8”.
Payment is required upon exiting the deck. Toll machines at the exit accept pre-purchased tokens, debit/credit, or cash in denominations of $1, $5, $10, or $20. Tokens may be purchased at the ticketing counter inside the lobby during business hours.
| Parking Deck Hours & Rates | ||
|---|---|---|
| Time of Day | Rate | Member Rate |
| 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM | $5.00 | FREE |
| 6:30 PM – 6:30 AM | CLOSED | CLOSED |
Street Parking
The city of Birmingham provides metered street parking in the vicinity of McWane Science Center with a 2-hour limit. Street parking is free on Saturdays, Sundays, and federally- or state-observed holidays.Map of available alternate parking locations near the McWane Science Center (PDF)
Bus Parking
Buses unload on 2nd Avenue North when available, or 19th Street North as overflow. Once buses are unloaded, drivers are directed to a remote lot. Remote parking shuttles are provided for drivers on an hourly schedule.