Where is Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum?

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum is at Millennium Point, Curzon Street, Birmingham, B4 7XG.

 

In brief

Thinktank is a paid for science museum located in Eastside, Birmingham, opening back in 2001. It repleaced the previous Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry, located on Newhall Street from 1951 to 1997 (that site is now Newhall Square). Closed during the pandemic in 2020 into 2021, they reopened in late May 2021, moving the main entrance from the 2nd to the ground floor.

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum (July 2021). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum (2001 to present)

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum opened in 2001 at Millennium Point located near Curzon Street in Eastside, Birmingham. It is a paid for attraction. Until 2020, the main entrance could be accessed via escalators to the 2nd floor. Closed due to the pandemic, they finally reopened in late May 2021, with a new main entrance on the ground floor.

Spitfire at Thinktank (April 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry (1951 - 1997)

The Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry was on Newhall Street in the Jewellery Quarter from 1951 until 1997 (near the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal), in the former Elkington Electroplating Works buildings. After closing, the site became Newhall Square, which took over 20 years to complete.

Site of the former Birmingham Museum of Science & Industry on Newhall Street until 1997, at Newhall Square (November 2009). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

City of Birmingham locomotive 46235

One of  main attractions at Thinktank used to be in the old Birmingham science museum, include the City of Birmingham locomotive 46235. It was placed in the new museum, before the wall was put up. And now it can't move at all, as the Thinktank Science Garden was built outside in Eastside City Park from 2011 to 2012.

City of Birmingham 46235 at Thinktank (April 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Birmingham City Transport tram 395

This is the last remaining Birmingham City Transport tram, numbered 395. It was on route 78 from Steelhouse Lane to Short Heath. It was withdrawn from service in 1953, and donated to the Birmingham Science Museum.

 

Tram 395 to Short Heath on route 78 at Thinktank (April 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Boulton & Watt's Smethwick Engine

Also featured at Thinktank is Boulton & Watt's Smethwick Engine. Originally installed at Smethwick in 1779, it was removed in 1891. By the 20th Century it was owned by Birmingham City Council. Like with many of the attractions, it was at the old Newhall Street science museum, until it was relocated to Thinktank. It is the oldest working engine in the world. You can watch as the water is tipped down.

Smethwick Engine at Thinktank (April 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Thinktank Science Garden

The Thinktank Science Garden opened in 2012 with the completion of Eastside City Park.

Thinktank Science Garden (December 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Thinktank Kids' Park

The Kids' Park opened at the end of 2012 in Eastside City Park outside of Millennium Point. It was for youngsters under the age of 7, to have somewhere fun to play, and learn about the world around them. The science of sound, light, touch and movement. It is free to enter.

Thinktank Kids' Park (December 2012). Photography by Elliott Brown

The Past

Located on Level 0 on the ground floor at Thinktank. See various engines on display, plus the City of Birmingham locomotive. There is also the last surviving tram from the old Birmingham tram network, plus a pair of planes from WW2 hanging on the ceiling. Plenty of vintage cars, motorbikes and bicycles as well.

The Past at Thinktank (April 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

We Made It

This is on the mezannine floor on Level 1 at Thinktank. It started in 2013. "What has a cow got to do with a car?". See how a Mini is assembled, and other contraptions with nuts, bolts, gadgets and gizmo's.

We Made It at Thinktank (April 2013). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Present

"Investigating the Present" is on Level 2 at Thinktank near the main entrance. Galleries on this floor include Things about me, Wild life, Medicine matters and The Street.

The Present at Thinktank (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

The Future

This is on Level 3 at Thinktank. All about space, including aliens, robots and more. The Thinktank Planetarium is on this floor.

The Future at Thinktank (April 2014). Photography by Elliott Brown

 

Contact details

Thinktank Birmingham Science Museum

Millennium Point

Curzon Street

Birmingham

B4 7XG

0121 348 8000

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