Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Explore science, history, and innovation hands-on at Birmingham’s award-winning Thinktank Science Museum with immersive exhibits and a 4K Planetarium.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is an award-winning, interactive science museum located in Millennium Point, Birmingham. Spanning four floors, it features over 200 hands-on exhibits covering Birmingham’s industrial heritage, natural history, and futuristic technology. Highlights include the immersive 4K Planetarium, MiniBrum child-sized city, and an outdoor Science Garden. It offers engaging experiences for all ages, blending education with fun in a family-friendly environment.
A brief summary to Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
- Millennium Point, Curzon St, Birmingham, Birmingham, B4 7XG, GB
- +441213488000
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Pre-book tickets online to guarantee entry and avoid queues, especially during school holidays and weekends.
- Visit on Wednesdays for free student entry, a great opportunity for budget-conscious learners.
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore all floors, plus extra time for a Planetarium show and the outdoor Science Garden.
- Check the Science Garden's closing time (usually 4pm) as it closes earlier than the main museum.
- Take advantage of family-friendly facilities such as baby changing rooms, accessible toilets, and cafés for a comfortable visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Several bus routes from Birmingham city centre stop near Millennium Point, with journey times around 10-15 minutes. Services run frequently during the day, with single fares typically costing £2-£3.
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Train and Walk
The nearest train station is Birmingham Moor Street, approximately a 10-minute walk to Millennium Point. Trains connect from major regional hubs, making this a convenient option for visitors.
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Car
Visitor parking is available at the Millennium Point Multi-Storey Car Park next door, with charges around £5.40 for up to four hours. Note that parking can be limited during peak times.
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Walking
From Birmingham city centre, walking to Thinktank takes about 20-25 minutes along mostly flat, paved routes suitable for all mobility levels.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
A Hub of Scientific Discovery and Innovation
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, situated within the striking Millennium Point building, is a vibrant centre dedicated to science, technology, and history. Established to celebrate Birmingham’s rich industrial past and its ongoing contributions to innovation, the museum offers visitors an immersive journey through time and knowledge. Its extensive collection includes historic steam engines, aircraft, and vehicles that highlight the city’s role in manufacturing and engineering breakthroughs.Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
The museum spans four floors filled with over 200 interactive exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. Younger guests delight in MiniBrum, a child-sized city where they can role-play as mechanics, dentists, and more, fostering learning through play. Older visitors can explore galleries dedicated to metals, electronics, and the natural world, including dinosaur skeletons and prehistoric artifacts. The Science Garden outside extends the experience with hands-on activities and playful experiments, ideal for warm days.The Cutting-Edge Planetarium Experience
One of Thinktank’s standout features is its state-of-the-art 4K Planetarium. This immersive dome theatre offers captivating shows that transport visitors through the cosmos, exploring stars, galaxies, and space phenomena with stunning visuals and sound. The Planetarium programs vary in length and subject, providing both educational content and awe-inspiring entertainment that complements the museum’s scientific themes.Celebrating Birmingham’s Industrial Legacy
Thinktank pays homage to Birmingham’s pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution and beyond. Exhibits such as the Smethwick Engine, one of the oldest working steam engines, and the Railton Mobil Special, a historic land speed record car, illustrate the city’s engineering heritage. The museum also showcases the evolution of transport and manufacturing, connecting past achievements with present-day technological advances.Facilities and Visitor Experience
Visitors benefit from well-equipped facilities including cafés, restrooms on all levels, baby changing rooms, and a gift shop. Accessibility features ensure that guests with mobility needs can enjoy the museum comfortably. The museum encourages pre-booking tickets to avoid queues, especially during school holidays, and offers free entry for students on Wednesdays. The Science Garden closes earlier than the main museum, and the last admission is typically 4:30 pm.Engagement Beyond the Exhibits
Thinktank hosts special events, educational programs, and seasonal activities such as relaxed Planetarium sessions and festive storytimes. These offerings enhance the museum’s role as a dynamic cultural venue, inviting repeat visits and deeper exploration of science and history. Its location in Birmingham’s Eastside district makes it a key attraction for locals and tourists alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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The Floodgate
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Workers Memorial
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The River
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The Best of Birmingham Trail
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Chamberlain Memorial
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St Paul's Square
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The Coffin Works
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Hall of Memory
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Boulton, Watt and Murdoch
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The Cube
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New hall Hill - Historical Signature!
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Newhall Hill
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Pen Museum
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Birmingham Walk of Stars
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Unmissable attractions to see
Millennium Point
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Kids' Park
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Eastside City Park
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Birmingham's award-winning urban oasis: 6.75 acres of contemporary design, water features, and green space in the city centre.
Digbeth Branch Canal
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Historic canal link weaving Birmingham’s industrial past with vibrant urban renewal and tranquil waterside charm.
The Empire Remains Shop—Birmingham
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West Midlands Police Museum
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Step inside Birmingham’s historic Victorian Lock-up and explore two centuries of policing history through interactive exhibits and authentic artifacts.
The Square Shopping Centre
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Compact, sheltered city-centre shopping with practical high-street and independent stalls, ideal for quick stops and everyday needs near Birmingham’s retail core.
Martineau Place
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Birmingham's central shopping hub honoring a dynasty of mayors, blending retail buzz with echoes of Unitarian heritage and civic pride.
Selfridges Birmingham
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A sculptural, disc-clad flagship department store offering luxury shopping, dining and creative events at the heart of Birmingham’s Bullring.
Bullring Shopping Centre Bullring
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Iconic Birmingham shopping destination blending historic roots with modern retail and vibrant dining experiences.
House of Fraser
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Discover Birmingham’s iconic House of Fraser on Corporation Street, a historic department store offering diverse fashion, beauty, and homewares across six floors.
Great Western Arcade
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Discover Birmingham’s elegant Victorian shopping arcade blending historic charm with boutique shops, fine foods, and cozy bars.
Horatio Nelson Statue
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Historic bronze statue honoring Admiral Horatio Nelson’s naval victories, located in Birmingham’s Bull Ring since 1809.
Bullring & Grand Central
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Experience Birmingham’s iconic shopping and dining destination blending modern design, diverse retail, and vibrant social life.
St. Martin in the Bull Ring
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Historic Neo-Gothic church and spiritual sanctuary at Birmingham’s vibrant Bull Ring, blending medieval heritage with modern city life.
Essential places to dine
Original Patty Men
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Land Restaurant
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Innovative vegan fine dining in Birmingham’s historic arcade, blending global flavors with seasonal British produce.
Manzil Restaurant
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Browns Birmingham
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Cluck N Burger
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Falafel Vegan Munch
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Baked In Brick
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Rico Libre — Tapas with a Twist
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Discover bold, fresh tapas with a creative twist at Rico Libre, Birmingham’s intimate BYOB hotspot in the heart of Deritend.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Birmingham
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Experience the vibrant taste and style of Southern Italy in the heart of Birmingham with Riva Blu’s authentic cuisine and chic atmosphere.
Kanteen
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Tattu Birmingham
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The Ivy Temple Row
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670 Grams
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The Oyster Club
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Gusto Italian
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Stylish Italian dining beneath Birmingham’s Grand Hotel, blending classic flavors with a lively city centre atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Simply Gifted
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Obsidian
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Discover mystical treasures and spiritual gifts at Obsidian, Birmingham’s premier metaphysical shop on vibrant Corporation Street.
The Oasis fashion store
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A vibrant hub for alternative fashion, vintage finds, and creative lifestyle services in the heart of Birmingham.
Funkybits4u Fair Trade - Birmingham
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Discover ethically crafted gifts and inspiring interiors at Funkybits4u Fair Trade, a vibrant hub of sustainable artistry in Birmingham.
Primark
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A huge, multi‑level flagship on Birmingham High Street offering fast, affordable fashion, homewares and themed in‑store concepts under one roof.
Wornwell Vintage Clothing
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Discover authentic vintage fashion and quality streetwear at Wornwell Vintage Clothing, a unique shop nestled inside Primark on Birmingham's High Street.
La MC Vintage
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Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures in Birmingham’s charming North Western Arcade at La MC Vintage.
The Alice Boutique
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Menkind
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Designer Exchange
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Community Gift Shop
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Thrifty Store
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Cow Vintage
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TFA Birmingham inside RedBrick Market
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Dark Bull Vintage
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Ruin
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Tilt
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Subside Bar
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Birdies Bar - Birmingham
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Passing Fancies
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The Alchemist Colmore Row
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Madeleine
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The Head of Steam Birmingham
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The Cocktail Club - Birmingham
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Luna Springs - Digbeth
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The Anchor Digbeth
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Flight Club Birmingham
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The Trocadero
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Bacchus Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
suki10c
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Sector 57
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Next Door & Spotlight
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Quantum Vnues
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The Night Owl
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VOID Nightclub
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Disco Wonderland
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What do you mean
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Sobar
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Bambu Nightclub
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Tunnel Club Birmingham
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101 Night Club
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King of clubs
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Club PST
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Mango Night Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Fun-filled
- Educational
- Family Friendly
- Lively
- Interactive
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Family Friendly
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
