The mcwane science center will fabricate, install, and implement an immersive, stem-focused exhibition exploring the science, innovation, and artistry embedded within HIP-HOP culture

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the McWane Science Center $1.2 million on September 1, 2026, under the Museums for America program (CFDA 45.301) to fabricate, install, and implement an immersive, STEM-focused exhibition exploring the science, innovation, and artistry embedded within hip-hop culture.

Project activities include fabricating all interactive exhibit components, finalizing interpretive media, training staff and facilitators, conducting prototyping sessions, designing an educator toolkit with curriculum guides, and developing modular crating, packing, and transport systems to convert the exhibition into a safe, durable, and scalable traveling exhibition. The McWane Science Center will engage an advisory committee of hip-hop practitioners throughout the project to provide guidance and content expertise on music production, sound design, storytelling elements, and interpretive development to ensure authenticity. The project aims to connect STEM concepts to widely recognized creative practices like hip-hop to provide accessible entry points into science learning.

Performance takes place in Birmingham, Alabama, with a period of performance from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2028. The Museums for America program supports museums of all sizes and disciplines in strategic, project-based efforts to serve the public through exhibitions, educational and interpretive programs, digital learning resources, and professional development.

Project activities will include fabricating all interactive exhibit components, finalizing interpretive media, training staff and facilitators, conducting prototyping sessions, designing an educator toolkit with curriculum guides, and developing modular crating, packing, and transport systems to convert the exhibition into a safe, durable, and scalable traveling exhibition. The project will involve continued engagement with an advisory committee of HIP-HOP practitioners to provide guidance and content expertise, by assisting with music production, sound design, storytelling elements, and interpretive development to ensure authenticity. The outcome of project activities will be connecting stem concepts to widely recognized creative practices like HIP HOP to provide accessible entry points into science learning.