Millennium Point, Birmingham

A Landmark of Science and Innovation

Rising prominently in Birmingham’s Eastside, Millennium Point is more than just a conference centre or university building—it’s a statement of the city’s commitment to science, technology, and education. Opened in the early 2000s, this bold, angular structure with its glass and steel façade stands as a modern counterpoint to Birmingham’s industrial heritage. Inside, it hosts Thinktank, Birmingham’s award-winning science museum, where over 200 interactive exhibits bring physics, engineering, and space exploration to life. From giant human-sized hamster wheels to planetarium shows and hands-on experiments, the museum is designed to spark curiosity in visitors of all ages.

Home to Thinktank and Higher Education

Thinktank occupies the ground and lower levels of Millennium Point, offering a lively, family-friendly environment filled with working models, historical machinery, and themed galleries on transport, space, and the human body. The museum’s Science Garden and outdoor exhibits extend the experience into the open air, making it ideal for school trips and casual visits. Above and around it, Birmingham City University’s computing, engineering, and built environment faculties use state-of-the-art labs and workshops, turning the building into a living laboratory of digital and mechanical innovation. Students here work on everything from computer games and CAD design to Formula Student racing cars, giving the space a palpable sense of energy and purpose.

A Venue for Events and Ideas

Beyond education and exhibitions, Millennium Point functions as a major events and conference destination. Its flexible spaces range from intimate meeting rooms to a 354-seat auditorium with a giant screen, suitable for film screenings, lectures, and large-scale gatherings. The building regularly hosts public events, science festivals, and cultural programmes that open its doors to the wider community. As a charitable trust, Millennium Point reinvests its income into STEM-related grants, scholarships, and outreach projects, ensuring that its impact extends far beyond its walls into schools and communities across the West Midlands.

Architecture and Urban Presence

The building’s design is both functional and symbolic, reflecting Birmingham’s transformation into a modern, knowledge-based city. Its open atrium and generous public areas invite exploration, while the mix of glass, steel, and concrete creates a distinctly contemporary aesthetic. Located just a short walk from Birmingham New Street, Moor Street, and Snow Hill stations, Millennium Point is easily accessible and well integrated into the city’s transport network. Adjacent multi-storey parking and cycle stands make it convenient for visitors arriving by car or bike, while its proximity to the city centre means it fits naturally into a day of shopping, dining, and sightseeing.

Visitor Experience and Practicalities

For visitors, Millennium Point offers a varied experience: a full day at Thinktank, a conference or event, a university tour, or simply a coffee in the on-site café with views of the bustling interior. The science museum has clear opening hours and admission charges, while the rest of the building remains open later for events and university use. Facilities include restrooms, lockers, a café, and accessible routes, making it suitable for families, school groups, and business visitors alike. Whether you’re drawn by science, architecture, or the city’s cultural life, Millennium Point stands as a vibrant, forward-looking destination at the heart of Birmingham.