McWane Science Center offers unique but functional event spaces perfect for your business meetings and luncheons, multi-day conferences, fundraising receptions, Corporate Employee/Family Days, and more. With an experienced Special Events Team to assist with every detail and execute your event with care, McWane Science Center is a full-service venue for events designed around your unique style and goals.
City Gallery
A unique venue featuring Science on a Sphere and an immersive atmosphere perfect for receptions, donor events, and special gatherings.
- Signature digital globe centerpiece (customizable for an additional fee)
- Distinctive science-inspired setting
- Available for after-hours events
Starting at $1,200
Full Facility Rental
Create a one-of-a-kind event experience with access to multiple event spaces and exhibit environments throughout McWane Science Center.
- Multiple event spaces available
- Access to Adventure Halls
- Customizable event layouts
- Ideal for large-scale corporate events and galas
Starting at $5,500 for select after-hours rentals (daytime and full-facility buyout pricing available upon request)
Unique McWane Add-Ons
Make your event uniquely McWane:
Live Science Demonstrations
Bring science center stage with an energetic, educator-led demonstration designed to entertain and engage your guests. Explore the forces that shape motion in May the Forces Be with You, experience larger-than-life chemical reactions in Chem Possible, or discover the extremes of hot and cold in Fire and Ice. A variety of other live demonstrations are also available, allowing you to select an experience that best fits your audience and event.
Animal Encounters
Give your guests an up-close look at some of McWane’s fascinating animal ambassadors. Led by a knowledgeable animal care team member, each encounter introduces guests to select animals while exploring their adaptations, behaviors and important roles in the natural world. Participating animals and interactions are determined by the animal care team based on animal health, behavior and availability.
IMAX Experiences
Take your event to new heights with an unforgettable experience inside McWane’s five-story, 79-foot John W. Woods IMAX® Dome Theater. Add a private screening or select from available films to give your guests an immersive cinematic experience on one of the Southeast’s most impressive screens.
High Cycle Access
Give your guests the chance to experience one of McWane’s most memorable attractions. Riders pedal a specially designed bicycle high above the museum floor while a counterweight below demonstrates the science of balance and center of gravity. This thrilling, hands-on experience offers a unique perspective on physics and is sure to become a highlight of your event.
Hands-On Science Activities
Invite your guests to become part of the experiment with interactive, educator-led science activities. These engaging experiences encourage participants to create, test, explore and discover while adding a playful, hands-on element to your event. Activities can be selected based on your audience, event theme and availability.
Your Event Supports Something Bigger
McWane Science Center is a nonprofit organization, which means revenue from event rentals is reinvested directly into our mission. Your event helps support Field Trip and camp scholarships, educational programs, exhibits, and museum improvements that make science learning accessible to more children and families across Alabama. Together, we’re sparking wonder and curiosity about our world through hands-on science experiences and creating opportunities for the next generation of explorers, innovators, and problem-solvers.
