The historic opening is the culmination of a $30 million renovation project, funded with state bonds, that began in 2010 with the intention of creating an interactive, multidisciplinary environment that fosters increased collaborative efforts and scientific breakthroughs. Improvements include larger, more open laboratory spaces, a skylight atrium expanding from floors two to six, a state-of-the-art advanced imaging facility in the basement and a clearly marked and welcoming front door.
The grand opening event will feature:
- Remarks by Governor Robert Bentley, Mayor William Bell, President Ray Watts and Cancer Center Director Edward Partridge, among others.
- The Alabama Project, a photographic exhibit of large-scale portraits addressing cancer health disparities in Birmingham and beyond.
- The Magic City Choral Society, a community group of singers, who will perform music that educates, entertains and inspires.
- Self-guided tours of the first and second floors.