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Mcwane Science Center, Basilosaurus Exhibit — Basilosaurus at McWane Science Center in Birmingham will wow you. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

Get ready for a prehistoric adventure, Alabama! The McWane Science Center in Birmingham now features a 60-foot-long Basilosaurus—a giant whale sure to wow all ages.

We spoke with Jun Ebersole, McWane’s Director of Collections, to explore what makes this creature fascinating and why it’s a must-see for anyone interested in Alabama’s prehistoric past.

Read on to see why this exhibit is worth the trip and the perfect start to a fun-filled day in the Magic City.

Inside McWane’s Basilosaurus exhibit

Basilosaurus At Mcwane Science Center In Birmingham Is Ready To Wow You. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now) — The Basilosaurus is Birmingham’s new must-see. (Nathan Watson / Bham Now)

McWane is known for hands-on exhibits for all ages, and the Basilosaurus takes it to the next level. The full-scale skeleton is based on a nearly complete specimen collected in 1981 in Washington County.

Reconstructing an extinct animal isn’t easy. The process involved excavating, transporting and preparing fossils using specialized tools. Since Basilosaurus bones are too fragile to mount, they were cast in fiberglass and assembled for display.

As you explore the exhibit, be sure to look up—the stunning replica will be suspended above you. Beneath the whale, a 12-foot case lets you view real bones up close and discover fascinating facts.

“I hope visitors walk away amazed that giant animals like Basilosaurus once swam in Alabama’s ancient oceans. With its size, real fossils and statewide connections, this exhibit is more than a prehistoric display—it’s a journey through our ancient seas.”
Jun Ebersole, Director of Collections, McWane Science Center

1. Basilosaurus is Alabama’s official state fossil

Alabama is the second-best place in the world to find Basilosaurus bones, which is why it became the state fossil in 1984.

These whales lived 30–40 million years ago in Alabama’s ancient oceans, mostly in the southern and western parts of the state.

Fun fact: Early fossil discoveries inspired showman Albert Koch to create a 119-foot “sea monster” for traveling exhibits, drawing huge crowds.

“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 was originally a “king lizard”

Tyrannosaurus. Rapetosaurus. Basilosaurus. It might sounds like a list of dinosaurs, but it’s actually all whale!

“When the first bones were discovered in 1828, scientists thought they were a giant reptile. That’s why it was named Basilosaurus, meaning ‘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. Big bones, huge impact

Want to know what it’s like to be tiny? When you stand under the full Basilosaurus skeleton, you’ll feel pocket-sized!

Its largest vertebrae are the size of two stacked basketballs, and its skull is as big as a small refrigerator. Ebersole shared the whale could reach 62 feet, making it one of the largest predators of Alabama’s ancient oceans.

4. The Basilosaurus helped shape Alabama

Can you believe a prehistoric whale played a role in shaping Birmingham? It’s true! Here’s what Ebersole revealed about this fascinating connection:

In 1845, British geologist Charles Lyell traveled to Alabama to explore Basilosaurus remains in what is now Jones Valley. Here he stumbled upon a combination of iron ore, coal and limestone in one location.

“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

Make a day of it in Birmingham

Railroad Park is a great spot to hang out in Birmingham. (Bham Now)

Visiting from across the state? Here’s how to make it a full day Birmingham:

McWane Science Center: Explore the Basilosaurus + more hands-on exhibits like Play with Light + Brickology.
- Craving Snacks? Check out McWane’s concession stand for popcorn, candy + drinks.
The Pizitz Food Hall: Hungry for lunch or dinner? Head across the street to for a variety of options, from burgers to salads to Asian cuisine.
Railroad Park: Just a 3-minute drive away, it’s perfect for a stroll or some memorable photos.