Thinktank is Birmingham’s science museum, inside Millennium Point on Curzon Street. Four floors bring together hands-on science, technology and natural history, with displays ranging from steam engines and a full-size Spitfire to marine life and the human body. Younger children can play in MiniBrum, a child-sized city, while the Science Garden adds outdoor activities. A planetarium hosts shows about space; these require a separate ticket. Allow time to explore, though some interactive displays have been reported out of order.
Four floors of science and industry
Thinktank is part of Birmingham Museums Trust and has been housed in Millennium Point since opening in 2001. Its collections connect science and technology with the city’s industrial history. Steam engines and historic machinery sit alongside displays about modern technology, the natural world and the human body.
The galleries span four floors, so you can move between very different subjects during one visit. The Spitfire Gallery focuses on the aircraft’s role in the Second World War and its links to Birmingham. In the Marine Worlds Gallery, an ichthyosaur skeleton gives the prehistoric collection a striking centrepiece. Other displays include a Jurassic crocodile, a triceratops skull and a giant deer.
Machines offer another way into the museum’s industrial story. You can find steam engines, a chocolate-wrapping machine and other examples of engineering and manufacturing. The mix means there is plenty to look at even if you do not spend the whole visit using interactive exhibits.
Activities for younger visitors
MiniBrum is a small, child-sized city designed for children under eight. Its pretend shops, construction site, park and sensory space invite younger visitors to play out everyday activities. The fourth-floor role-play areas have also been a highlight for families with young children.
Across the museum, hands-on exhibits cover subjects from space to the human body. Some families find that interactive equipment is not always working, so it can help to balance activity-based stops with the historic collections. Children can also follow a trail with papers to stamp as they go around.
Outside, the Science Garden has mechanical activities that visitors can try. Examples include a large human-sized wheel and a weighing station. It is an open-air space, so take the weather and availability of shade into account when planning time there.
Planetarium shows and planning your visit
The planetarium runs shows on space and astronomy, from the night sky to more distant parts of the universe. A separate ticket is required, and show choices are presented at the museum. Check the current programme and additional cost before you go, as the information supplied for past visits does not establish the current price or schedule.
Thinktank is at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG. One family reported a walk of about 20 minutes from Birmingham New Street station; another description places the museum a short walk from Moor Street station. Paid parking is available at Millennium Point, and the museum has step-free access, lifts to its floors and accessible toilets.
Families have spent around three hours exploring, while a broader estimate is three to four hours. You may not cover every gallery in that time. Check the museum’s website for current ticket details and any available discounts before setting out.
Perguntas frequentes
Where is Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum?
It is at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham B4 7XG. One reported walk from Birmingham New Street station takes about 20 minutes.
How long should I allow for Thinktank?
Allow around three to four hours. Some families spend about three hours, and there may be more to see than you can cover in that time.
Does the planetarium cost extra?
Yes. Planetarium shows require a separate ticket. Check the current programme and price before your visit.
Is Thinktank suitable for young children?
Yes. MiniBrum is a child-sized role-play city designed for children under eight, and the museum also has interactive exhibits and a Science Garden.
