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Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Explore Birmingham’s interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium, and immersive displays celebrating past, present, and future innovations.

4.3

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum, located in Millennium Point on Curzon Street, is an award-winning interactive science museum featuring over 200 hands-on exhibits across four floors. It explores Birmingham's industrial heritage, natural history, and future technologies, including a 4K planetarium and an outdoor Science Garden. With engaging displays for all ages, it offers a dynamic educational experience in the heart of Birmingham.

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
  • Environment icon 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 2 to 4 hours to fully explore the four floors, including the planetarium and outdoor Science Garden.
  • Visit the MiniBrum gallery for a fun, interactive experience designed specifically for young children.
  • Check the schedule for planetarium shows and special events to enhance your visit with immersive experiences.
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Getting There

  • Public Bus

    Several bus routes from Birmingham city center stop near Millennium Point, with journey times typically between 10 and 20 minutes. Services run frequently during the day with standard fares around £2–£4.

  • Train and Walk

    The nearest train station is Birmingham Moor Street, approximately a 10-minute walk from Thinktank. Trains connect from major UK cities, and walking routes are accessible and well signposted.

  • Car

    Visitor parking is available nearby at a city council-operated car park with hourly charges. Expect to pay around £2–£4 per hour. Note that parking spaces can be limited during peak times.

  • Walking

    From Birmingham city center, walking to Thinktank takes about 20 minutes along mostly flat, paved urban streets, suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair accessible.

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

A Hub of Interactive Science and Discovery

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is a vibrant, family-friendly destination housed within the iconic Millennium Point building in Birmingham’s Eastside district. Spread over four floors, the museum offers more than 200 interactive exhibits that invite visitors to explore science and technology through hands-on learning. The museum’s layout is thoughtfully divided into four thematic zones: The Past, We Made It, The Present, and The Future, each offering unique insights into different aspects of scientific progress and Birmingham’s role in it.

Celebrating Birmingham’s Industrial Legacy

The museum pays tribute to Birmingham’s rich industrial history with remarkable exhibits such as the Smethwick Engine, the world’s oldest working steam engine, and the Railton Mobil Special, a historic car that once held the land speed record. The Spitfire and Hurricane fighter aircraft galleries highlight the city’s significant contributions to aviation during World War II. Other displays include historic locomotives, automobiles like the Austin Seven and Mercedes Benz, and a collection of machinery that illustrates Birmingham’s manufacturing achievements.

Exploring Natural History and Sensory Science

Visitors can encounter fascinating natural history exhibits, including dinosaur skeletons and fossil displays that bring prehistoric creatures to life. The Present section explores the senses and brain functions, featuring interactive experiments on taste, smell, and perception. Younger visitors particularly enjoy MiniBrum, a child-sized city where they can role-play as dentists, mechanics, and other professions, making science accessible and fun for children.

Immersive Space and Future Technologies

The Future gallery offers a glimpse into emerging technologies and medical advancements. A highlight is the state-of-the-art 4K Planetarium, where immersive shows take visitors on journeys through the cosmos, exploring stars, galaxies, and space phenomena. The outdoor Science Garden complements the indoor exhibits with interactive installations like a giant hamster wheel and a square-wheeled wagon, blending education with playful exploration.

Visitor Facilities and Accessibility

Thinktank is fully accessible, welcoming assistance animals and providing facilities such as baby changing rooms, lockers, a café, and a gift shop. The museum operates Wednesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm, extending to daily openings during Birmingham school holidays. Admission fees apply, with additional charges for planetarium shows. Located near public transport and with nearby parking options, it is well placed for visitors to enjoy a comprehensive science experience in the city.

Engaging Events and Community Connection

Beyond its permanent exhibitions, Thinktank hosts special events including family-friendly planetarium sessions, seasonal storytimes, and cinema screenings under the dome. It also offers membership options for unlimited access and supports educational visits and birthday parties, fostering a strong community connection and encouraging lifelong learning in science and technology.

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