Main Attractions

The Birmingham Metro area offers a broad range of attractions worth getting out of your hotel room.

Interactive exhibits at McWane Science Center spark the curiosity of children and children-at-heart.

MCWANE SCIENCE CENTER

In 1998, a stimulating and interactive science museum opened its doors in the heart of downtown Birmingham. McWane Science Center is housed in the historic and refurbished Loveman’s department store building in Birmingham’s revitalization district. McWane Science Center has welcomed millions of visitors—from ages 1 to 100—year-round to see, to hear, to touch and to experience the wonder of science in one of the South’s most unique venues.

Four floors of interactive exhibits celebrate science and wonder—you can play tunes with your feet on the giant piano, learn about gravity with a daring ride on the High Cycle or pet the sharks and stingrays in the Shark & Ray Touch Tank—there is a new discovery around every corner.

The adventure intensifies in the IMAX® Dome Theater, where wideeyed visitors experience the sights and sounds of breathtaking films on a 5-story-tall screen surrounded by 3 tons of high-intensity speakers. McWane’s IMAX® Dome Theatre shows features covering a variety of topics ranging from great white sharks to Super Power Dogs, as well as special event Hollywood hits.

McWane Science Center can also be a wonderful backdrop for a group of 10500+, day or night. McWane Science Center offers unique but functional event spaces perfect for your business luncheon, meeting, employee appreciation day, wedding reception or even an overnight adventure.

For 21 years, McWane Science Center has stayed true to its mission—to spark wonder and curiosity about our world through hands-on science. As a cornerstone of the downtown community, McWane opens its doors to young and old alike for laughter, learning and an experience like no other.

205.714.8300 200 19th Street North

Birmingham, AL mcwane.org mcwane-science-center mcwane Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Weekdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

See their mobile profile at EXCURSIONSGO.com

VULCAN® PARK AND MUSEUM

Atrip to Vulcan Park and Museum is a must for every visitor to the Birmingham region—in fact, it’s the best place to get started. In addition to seeing the iconic colossal statue, visitors gain an understanding of the region’s history and culture, and can learn more about other cultural, recreational and entertainment offerings at an onsite Visitor Information Center managed by the Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Vulcan is the world’s largest cast iron statue and is considered one of the most memorable works of civic art in the United States. Created by Italian artist Giuseppe Moretti, Vulcan was cast from local iron to represent the state of Alabama at the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. Vulcan has overlooked Alabama’s largest city from atop Red Mountain since a 1930s WPA project created his permanent home and namesake park.

After decades of exposure to the elements, by the 90s, the 50-ton statue was in desperate need of repair. Recognizing Vulcan’s importance to the region’s history and persona, community leaders formed Vulcan Park Foundation, a nonprofit organization which oversaw a $16 million project that returned the statue to his 1904 grandeur. The meticulous restoration of Vulcan and his 124’ sandstone pedestal, completed in 2004, received numerous awards including the highest honor awarded by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Embracing the personality of the community Vulcan symbolizes, the park grounds and museum offer a dynamic edu-taining experience. Alabama’s rich industrial history, the diverse cultures that settled and built the community, and the story of Vulcan are recounted in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Vulcan’s park grounds and observation tower offer breathtaking views of downtown and the surrounding areas— a great introduction to Birmingham, day or night.

Visit Vulcan and learn the fascinating history that has made him the iconic symbol of our city and why he has stood for Birmingham for more than a century and counting.

for Birmingham

1701 Valley View Drive Birmingham, AL 35209 visitvulcan.com

@visitvulcan

Museum and The Anvil Hours: Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Observation Tower Hours: Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. See their mobile profile at EXCURSIONSGO.com