If you're looking for a great family adventure in Mobile, you've found it in this place.

The ladies of the Junior League of Mobile provided the seed money for this remarkable museum in 1976. Others in the community responded enthusiastically as well. The A.S. Mitchell Foundation of Mobile donated the historic Bragg-Mitchell Mansion along with an adjoining 12 acres of property to provide a home for the museum. Upon study of the facility, the Board of Trustees did not want to damage the historic 1855 home or its place on the National Register of Historic Places. Instead, with more support from the community, they raised $13 million to construct a building on the 12 acres to house the museum. It opened in 1983.

By 1987, the Gulf Coast Exploreum “Museum of Science” had expanded beyond the capacity of its original building. A Relocation Committee the National Historic Landmark Matt Sloan Fire Station property to be well suited for a new museum. The old fire station was demolished to make room and a capital fund raising campaign was started. It took 11 years, but in new Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center and J.L. Bedsole IMAX Dome Theater held its grand opening celebration at 65 Government Street.

The Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center is a family friendly fun and educational experience for the whole family. It has over 150 interactive exhibits and hands-on educational programs along with an IMAX theater running exciting and educational films on its huge screen.

Three main halls hold the permanent exhibits including Hands On Hall, the Wharf of Wonder and My BodyWorks, touted as "the most advanced health exhibit in the nation." At the same time, two laboratories hold live science demonstrations daily, the ChemLab and the BioLab. Besides the permanent exhibits, each year the Gulf Coast Exploreum hosts a wide variety of traveling exhibits. Together with the J.L. Bedsole IMAX Dome Theater, these halls and laboratories provide for a day full of wonder and learning. Don't forget the Creative Café for your lunch.

The Exploreum has a number of events for educators and home schoolers as well as classroom activities. Birthday parties and other events can be scheduled at the facility. Many camps are held there every year from art to sports to crime scene investigation. Campers will each receive 2 snacks each day plus an Exploreum camp t-shirt. A number of volunteer opportunities are available as well. Check the website for more details.

Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center (http://www.exploreum.com/)
65 Government Street
Mobile, AL 36602
Telephone: (251) 208-6873 or (877) 625-4FUN