ThinkTank Birmingham: An Unmissable Experience for Curious Minds

ExperiWise

Birmingham

The ThinkTank Birmingham museum, on Millennium Point, Curzon Street, is an award-winning science museum that enlightens thousands of curious minds every year.

Birmingham’s favourite science museum hosts an abundance of activities and displays. There is so much to see and explore, from the deepest space to ancient fossils!

This article covers everything you’ll need to know about The Thinktank science museum in Birmingham, including ticket prices, how to get there, and information on the venue’s attractions, exhibits, and events.

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The ThinkTank Birmingham: Contact Details and Opening Times

Address: Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B47 XG, United Kingdom
Phone Number: 0121 348 8000
Website: www.birminghammuseums.org.uk

Opening times: 
During Birmingham term time: Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
During Birmingham school holidays: Monday – Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM
No admission after 4 PM. 

It’s best to pre-book your tickets to the Thinktank science museum. This is crucial during peak times such as school holidays and weekends. Visit the Thinktank website for online booking and more details.

A Brief History of ThinkTank Birmingham

It all began when The Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery opened its doors in 1885 in Great Britain. The museum included the scientific collections from the Birmingham Collection of Science & Industry.

In 1951, The Museum of Science and Industry began operating independently on Newhall Street. This is where the historical collection and scientific exhibits started expanding.

In 1995, The Birmingham City Council was given permission by the Millennium Commission to construct a new building to house the museum.

The new building is situated in the Millennium Point Complex, adjacent to the Eastside Park and The Birmingham City University. This is where the Thinktank set its roots. 

The former museum closed, and The Thinktank Birmingham was born – officially opening under its current name in 2001. Most original objects remain on display, while the rest are carefully stored at The Birmingham Museum Collection Centre. All of these museums are run by the Birmingham Museums Trust.

Who Is the ThinkTank Suitable for?

With over 200 hands-on exhibits, displays, and collections covering many subjects, this museum is a perfect venue for children and adults.  This Birmingham science museum is an experience not to be missed.

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What Fun Activities Happen at ThinkTank Birmingham?

  • Minibrum: A mini-city where kids take control! The Minibrum has several play zones for children under 8 and a specially designed sensory area for toddlers. This is a favourite spot at Thinktank Birmingham. 
  • Thinktank Planetarium: Birmingham’s first planetarium. Since opening after significant upgrades in 2005, millions of people continue to enjoy a trip through time, deepest space, and the galaxy beyond! (Entrance to the planetarium costs £2.50 and isn’t included in the museum entrance ticket price). Thinktank Planetarium is a must-see attraction!
  • Free kids park: A super fun, free, and colourful outdoor area perfect for children under 7 to play, learn and explore with their families. The venue features interactive science exhibits and fun activities. Find it right outside the Thinktank, adjacent to the Science Garden. Children should definitely come and explore this outdoor discovery space.
  • The ThinkTank Theatre: The ThinkTank Theatre is excellent for large presentations and boasts three giant projection screens, optional catering, and 180 seats.

What Exhibits Can You View at ThinkTank Birmingham?

  • “We made it”: This interactive exhibit proves that Birmingham is indeed ‘the workshop of the world.’ This interactive gallery displays over 1,200 objects. These are from the world-renowned Manufacturing and Natural Science collections. All of which were either made or designed in Birmingham. You’ll also uncover Birmingham’s manufacturing history through four interesting sections – “Nuts and Bolts,” “Treasure,” “Tins and Things,” and “Gadgets.”
  • Spitfire gallery: The Spitfire Gallery is a new exhibition dedicated to Spitfire, featuring a deep dive into the manufacturing process at Castle Bromwich. This gallery displays speciality vehicle engines, aviation artefacts like flight suits, engine parts, and more.
  • Marine Worlds Gallery: Explore the deepest parts of the ocean and learn about our incredible aquatic world. The gallery features giant sea monsters, penguins, and even prehistoric marine crocodiles! 
  • Smethwick Engine: Journey back in time to 1779 at the Smethwick Engine. Here, you’ll see the oldest working steam engine in the world! It’s also the first-ever engine to combine steam and vacuum systems, producing a mighty, coal-conserving machine.
  • Our Changing Planet: The perfect installation for anyone passionate about global warming. The gallery has over 150 exciting items that shed light on this global issue. Prepare to be confronted head-on by the impact the human race has had.
  • The Science Garden: If mechanics, engineering and transportation rev your engine, this outdoor discovery space is a must-see for the whole family. Over 30 hands-on exhibits make this an adventurous and exciting part of your journey through the museum.
  • The Science and Industry Collection: This installation has over 40,000 items spanning 250 years of technological development. And don’t miss out on the special train and locomotive installations on display. A stunning historical collection by the Birmingham science museum! Thinktank proudly presents one of the best displays in Great Britain.
  • The Natural Sciences Collection: An fantastic assortment of roughly 250,000 specimens from fields like zoology, entomology, botany, geology, mineralogy and more. This collection boasts the most extensive natural science collection in the West Midland area.
  • The Wildlife Gallery: If palaeontology and gigantic creatures are your thing, don’t miss this exhibit. This gallery presents incredible pieces like a real triceratops skull, a giant deer skeleton, a Jurassic crocodile, and much more! Learn how these amazing mammoth animals lived, died, and became fossilised. One of the finest historical collections in the United Kingdom.

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Current and Past Events at Thinktank Birmingham

Journey through the past and into the future during the fun activities at this science museum. Come and experience an interactive exhibit or learn from a new display.

Past events:

  • A display of Boulton and Watt and other members of the Lunar society.
  • ‘Engineering at work day’ by Laurence Butler. This fantastic event helped students meet and learn from engineers. All the inspiring engineers came from acclaimed backgrounds, including graduates from Rolls Royce, staff from the Aston University Engineering Academy, and many more.

Current events:

  • ‘Armed Forces Day Activities’ (25 June – 25 June 2022) (10.00AM – 5.00PM) – Entry to this event is included in the price of admission) In honour of our ‘Volunteering for Veterans Program,’ we will be hosting a range of activities across Thinktank. In celebration of the Cyclone Motorbike – showcasing the incredible conservation work the group did. 
  • ‘Planetarium Lates – Eliza Planets’ (17 June – 17 June 2022) (7.00PM – 8.15PM) – (Entry to this event costs £10.00. Suitable for ages 16+) (Pre-booking essential) In collaboration with Colin Hutcheson at Thinktank Planetarium – Wrenne and Tanna Chamberlain have created the masterful experience – Eliza Planets. Original music, dance, and film on a range of subjects, it’s an event not to be missed!

To stay updated on the latest events, keep checking the website.

ThinkTank Birmingham Tickets

Here’s a breakdown of the museum’s pricing plans and details:

Daily and season tickets are available at the entrance, or you can opt for online booking via the Thinktank website.

Price with gift aid

  • Adults (16-64): £15.40
  • Child (3-15): £11.28
  • Child (under 3): Free
  • Senior (65+): £13.20 
  • Concession (NUS Students/Benefits): £11.28
  • Group of children (minimum 10): £4.50 each

Price without gift aid

  • Adults (16-64): £14
  • Child (3-15): £10.25
  • Child (under 3): Free
  • Senior (65+): £12
  • Concession (NUS Students/Benefits): £10.25
  • Planetarium shows (additional charge to admission charge): £2.50

Special Deals 

  • Adult (16-64) /toddler (3-5) ticket offer on Wednesdays to Fridays for £15 (Only during Birmingham term time).
  • Students get free admission on Wednesdays (Valid student ID required).
  • The Science Garden is free every day.
  • Secure your season tickets all year round by getting a membership. This includes free entry into Birmingham museum sites, 10% off in cafes and shops, and more!

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Other FAQs About ThinkTank Birmingham 

Here are the answers to other questions you may have about ThinkTank Birmingham:

1. How Long Do You Spend at ThinkTank Birmingham?

You can experience this Birmingham science museum at your own pace. However, it usually takes 4 hours to enjoy the activities and exhibits the venue offers. 

2. How to Get to ThinkTank Birmingham: Road, Bus, Train, And Bicycle.

Here’s how to get to the attraction via different transport options:

By Road 
The Think Tank Birmingham is within Millennium Point, Digbeth, which is a few minutes from the bustling Birmingham City Centre and The Bullring. 

The motorways closest to the museum are the M5, M6, and M42. (Please allow extra driving time as there are often delays due to roadworks or diversions).

Thinktank Birmingham is in the ‘Clean Air Zone.’ High polluting vehicles are charged to drive in these areas. Check if your car will be charged here.

By Bus 
To get to the Birmingham science museum by bus, take the National Express West Midlands Bus from Birmingham City Centre. You can catch either 14,55 / 55A, 66, or 94 from the Priory Queensway to Jennens Road.

By Train 
The nearest train stations are Moor Street Station (10 min walk) and Birmingham New Street Station (15 min walk)

By Bicycle 
Bike racks are available on both (South) Curzon Street and (North) Jennens Road.

3. Parking Availability Around The ThinkTank

The nearest parking is at the Millennium Point multi-storey car park on Jennens Road. This car park also falls into the Clean Air Zone. 

There are also 20 free Blue Badge parking spots available.

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4. Are There COVID Restrictions at ThinkTank Birmingham?

  • The museum fully supports staff and any visitor who wishes to wear masks/face coverings. 
  • There are hand sanitiser stations available at the entrance and throughout the museum. 
  • Contactless card payments are encouraged, but cash is still accepted. 
  • Cleaners work throughout the day to keep toilets and touchpoints clean. 
  • And interactive objects in the MiniBrum are cleaned regularly.
  • The lockers won’t be available for use.

5. Can You Take Food Into The Think Tank? 

Feel free to enjoy the food you have brought from home in the picnic area on level 0 of the Thinktank Birmingham science museum

But remember that the venue also has an in-house cafe, The Signal Box Cafe, that offers delicious food and refreshments.

And if you want to explore the city of Birmingham further, try one of these 20 trendy city centre restaurants.

6. Does The ThinkTank Birmingham Have Accessible Facilities?

Thinktank Birmingham science museum has many accessible facilities. It’s entirely wheelchair accessible with lifts on every level. You can also call (0121 348 8000) to rent a wheelchair from the Thinktank during your visit.

Please visit the website for more information on accessibility statement, services, and implementations to assist in sensory, hearing, visual, translations, and more.

Here are the other facilities offered:

  • Bike racks
  • Toilets on all levels
  • Baby changing stations
  • Microwaves for bottle warming
  • High chairs available at the cafe and corner coffee
  • Prayer facilities/quiet rooms are made available on request

7.  What Other Tourist Attractions Are Near ThinkTank Birmingham?

Here are a few other tourist attractions near the Thinktank Birmingham science museum:

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