Overview

Thinktank in Birmingham is a museum with various attractions for all ages. Visit MiniBrum, a child-sized mini city, the 4K Planetarium, and an interactive Science Garden. Explore the exhibits of steam engines, trains, cars, and planes to learn about Birmingham’s industrial history. You can even see a dinosaur!

Things to do

Come and play in our interactive mini-city featuring several role-play zones to excite all interests. From a garage to a hairdresser, vets to a construction zone, racetrack, builders slide, and more! This gallery is designed for children aged under 8, with dedicated areas for little ones aged under 3. We are proud to say that Minibrum was created in collaboration with schools, families, and community groups in the local area.

Explore the outer reaches of space, journey through the night sky, and adventure through the solar system! This gallery is suitable for all ages. We have a variety of shows available, some of which are specifically designed for children. Please note that visiting the Planetarium incurs an additional cost.

The Science Garden encourages all ages to learn through experimentation and play. It brings engineering, mechanics, and transportation themes to life through over 30 hands-on (and ‘bodies-on’) exhibits. Don’t miss the eight-meter-high clanging ‘Terminus’ machine and a giant human-sized hamster wheel!

Visit the Wildlife and Marine World galleries and come face to face with a Triceratops skull, see Ichthyosaur and Giant Deer skeletons, and walk over a Jurassic crocodile!

We have a whole Move It gallery dedicated to the theme of transport! Step aboard the City of Birmingham train, or take your picture with the Railton Land Speed Record car. Don’t forget to look up at the planes, including a Spitfire, above your head! Plus, there’s a wide range of other cars and motorbikes to enjoy.

Food & Drink

We have several places where you can buy food and drinks. These include the Signal Box Café, MiniBrum Coffee Corner, and Platform 2 Kiosk.

Signal Box Café:
All aboard the Signal Box Café for great food in a fun and family-friendly environment. We offer various hot and cold food options, including our signature Signal Box Burger. Our menu caters to different preferences and dietary requirements, so you can find something to suit your taste. You can also grab a coffee or a sweet treat here. We also provide takeaway service.

MiniBrum Coffee Corner:
The Coffee Corner at MiniBrum offers refreshments and snacks. We have a vending machine on weekdays that sells snacks, cold drinks, tea, and coffee. During weekends and school holidays, we also offer savoury snacks and sweet treats.

Platform 2 Kiosk:
If you prefer to eat outside or want to have a takeaway snack, you can visit us at Platform 2 Kiosk. Our kiosk is next to the Science Garden, at Platform 2 Kiosk. Our kiosk is conveniently located next to the Science Garden.