Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
Explore Birmingham’s industrial heritage, interactive science exhibits, and immersive planetarium at Thinktank, a family-friendly hub of discovery and innovation.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, located in Millennium Point, is a dynamic, interactive science museum offering over 200 hands-on exhibits across four floors. It explores Birmingham’s rich industrial heritage, scientific discoveries, and future technologies, featuring highlights such as the Spitfire gallery, historic steam engines, a child-sized city, and a 4K Planetarium. Ideal for families and curious minds, it combines education and entertainment in a lively urban setting.
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 weekends and school holidays.
- Allow at least two to four hours to fully explore the four floors of exhibits and attend a planetarium show.
- Visit the outdoor Science Garden for hands-on activities and unique exhibits like the giant hamster wheel.
- Families with young children should not miss MiniBrum, a child-sized city gallery designed for interactive play.
- Check the planetarium show schedule on arrival to plan your visit around these immersive experiences.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Several bus routes from Birmingham city center stop near Millennium Point, with journey times around 15 to 25 minutes. Services run frequently during the day, but check schedules for evening and weekend variations. A single fare typically costs between £2 and £4.
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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 UK cities, making this a convenient option. Walking routes are flat and accessible.
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Car
Paid parking is available nearby, operated by Birmingham City Council. Parking fees range from £5 to £15 depending on duration. Note that the city center can be busy, so allow extra time during peak hours.
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Walking
From Birmingham city center, walking to Thinktank takes about 20 minutes along mostly flat, urban terrain. The route is accessible and passes through lively city streets, suitable for most visitors.
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum
A Celebration of Birmingham’s Industrial Legacy
Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is a tribute to the city’s pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution and technological innovation. Situated within Millennium Point, the museum showcases a remarkable collection of historic machinery, including the Smethwick Engine—the world’s oldest working steam engine—and the Railton Mobil Special, a former land speed record-holding car. The Spitfire gallery honors Birmingham’s contribution to aviation during World War II, displaying iconic aircraft such as the Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane fighters alongside related artifacts. These exhibits highlight Birmingham’s manufacturing prowess and its impact on global industry.Engaging Science Across Four Floors
Spread over four floors, Thinktank offers more than 200 interactive exhibits organized into thematic zones: The Past, We Made It, The Present, and The Future. Visitors can explore everything from historic transport, including locomotives and vintage automobiles, to contemporary scientific phenomena such as brain function and sensory perception. The museum’s child-friendly MiniBrum gallery invites younger visitors to role-play in a scaled-down city environment, while the outdoor Science Garden features playful, hands-on installations like a giant hamster wheel and a square-wheeled wagon, blending education with fun.Immersive Planetarium and Futuristic Insights
A standout feature is the state-of-the-art 4K Planetarium, where visitors embark on immersive journeys through space, stars, and galaxies. Planetarium shows run several times daily, lasting between 25 to 60 minutes, offering a captivating experience for all ages. The Futures gallery explores emerging technologies and medical advancements, encouraging visitors to contemplate the possibilities of tomorrow. This blend of past achievements and future visions makes Thinktank a forward-thinking institution dedicated to inspiring curiosity and innovation.Family-Friendly Facilities and Accessibility
Thinktank is designed to be welcoming and accessible to all. Facilities include baby changing rooms, lockers, a café with seating, picnic areas, and a gift shop. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with toilets on all levels including disabled facilities. Assistance animals are welcome, and quiet rooms and prayer facilities are available on request. Security measures ensure a safe environment for visitors, with bag checks and CCTV in place. The museum encourages pre-booking tickets to avoid queues, especially during school holidays when it operates daily.Location and Visitor Experience
Located in Birmingham’s Eastside district, Thinktank is a short walk from the city center and near public transport links. The museum’s urban setting provides a vibrant backdrop, combining educational exploration with the energy of city life. Visitors can spend between two to four hours discovering the exhibits, attending planetarium shows, and enjoying the interactive gardens. The museum’s blend of historic artifacts, scientific discovery, and immersive experiences makes it a must-visit attraction for families, school groups, and science enthusiasts.Educational Impact and Community Engagement
Beyond being a museum, Thinktank serves as an educational hub with curriculum-linked themes supporting STEM learning and creativity. It hosts special events such as relaxed Planetarium sessions for families and seasonal activities like Storytime with Santa. The museum also offers bursaries to support school trips, emphasizing its commitment to accessibility and community engagement. Through its diverse exhibits and programs, Thinktank fosters a lifelong passion for science and technology among visitors of all ages.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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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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Digbeth Branch Canal
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The Empire Remains Shop—Birmingham
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West Midlands Police Museum
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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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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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St. Martin in the Bull Ring
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Essential places to dine
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Land Restaurant
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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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Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Birmingham
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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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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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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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La MC Vintage
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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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Dark Bull Vintage
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Tilt
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Subside Bar
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Passing Fancies
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The Alchemist Colmore Row
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Luna Springs - 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
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Sector 57
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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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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
- Lively
- Educational
- Family Friendly
- Interactive
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
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
- Festival / Event Nearby
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
