Think Tank – Birmingham’s Science Museum

Thinktank is located at Millennium Point in Birmingham, West Midlands. It’s a bright, four-floor science museum that leans heavily into the “hands-on” side of things rather than being a quiet place for reading plaques.

What’s there to do?
The museum covers everything from Birmingham’s industrial past (huge steam engines) to the future of space.

• The MiniBrum gallery is a massive hit—it’s a miniature city where younger children can play at being doctors, builders, or shopkeepers.
• The Science Garden is outdoors and features giant mechanical toys and water play (expect the kids to get a bit damp).
• The Planetarium offers 360-degree shows about the stars, which is usually the highlight for most visitors.
• The Spitfire Gallery showcases the city’s aviation history with real planes hanging from the ceiling.

Who will enjoy it most?
It is a paradise for primary school children. They can touch, pull, and push almost everything. Teenagers might find the main galleries a bit “young,” but they usually gravitate toward the Planetarium or the more technical robot displays. For parents, it’s a bit of a mix; while the children are safely occupied in MiniBrum, you can’t exactly leave them alone—close supervision is needed because it gets very busy and it’s easy to lose sight of a wandering toddler.

Planning your time
Expect to spend about 3 to 4 hours here. If you have real science buffs in the family, you could easily stretch it to a full day.

Budget and Value

• Discounts: Look out for reduced rates for Seniors and Students. People with Blue Light Cards often get a decent percentage off, and children under three usually get in for free.
• Memberships: If you live nearby, an annual membership for the Birmingham Museums Trust is excellent value as it gets you into several other sites across the city for “free” after the initial cost.
• Extras: The car park at Millennium Point is a multi-storey and can be expensive for a long stay. Food inside the café is standard museum fare (a bit pricey), so many families bring a packed lunch to eat in the designated picnic areas to save cash.

Nearby additions
Since you are right in the city centre, you are a short walk from the Bullring for shopping and endless food options. If you want to make a full day of it, the Birmingham Canal Navigations offer nice walks nearby, or you can head over to The Electric Cinema if you want to catch a film in a unique setting.