Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thinktank?
Click here for information on Thinktank, Birmingham science museum.
What is The Giant Screen?
Click here for information on the The Giant Screen at Millennium Point.
Why are some films in 2D and some in 3D?
3D and normal 2D films are shot and produced differently. If a film was not shot and/or produced in 3D it cannot be screened and experienced as a 3D movie.
Some of the films screening The Giant Screen were only ever made as 2D films, so although our cinema can show 3D movies it does not mean all films can be screened in 3D. 3D films are marked as such on our website and printed schedules - special glasses are required for viewing. If you are not sure if a film is 2D or 3D ask our Ticket Office staff before buying a ticket.
What is a Planetarium?
Our digital dome Planetarium is an un-ticketed activity that Thinktank vistors can experience whilst in the museum. General Planetarium shows are not ticketed and can not be pre booked. Special events may be ticketed. Planetarium shows are free to thinktank ticket holders. Special performances and workshops are also available to schools.
Click here for information on the Planetarium.
Why is it not possible to visit just the Planetarium?
The Planetarium is located within Thinktank’s Futures Gallery on the top floor.
It is therefore not possible to access the Planetarium without gaining entry to Thinktank.
Our Planetarium Shows should be seen as an “add on” attraction to your day at Thinktank.
Why aren’t all Planetarium shows available all of the time and why can’t we book online or more than a week ahead?
Thinktank’s Planetarium operates a weekly schedule of shows determined by our large audience of school groups. Because some shows require higher qualified personnel (Astronomer) we need to be flexible with the types of staff working at different times and to accommodate all audiences.
What are your admission prices and how can I purchase tickets?
Click here for information on ticket prices.
Do you sell annual memberships?
Click here for infromation on Season Tickets.
How do I get to Thinktank, the Planetarium and The Giant Screen?
Click here for Directions.
Is the building fully accessible?
Click here for inofrmation on Accessibility.
Are there any job vacancies?
Click here for information on Human Resources.
Car Parking
Click here for information on Parking.
Why do we have to pay for parking at Millennium Point?
The multi-storey car park on site is managed by Birmingham City Council.
Photography and filming
Photography for personal use is generally allowed within Thinktank. There are just two exhibits within the galleries which the donors have asked not to be photographed. Both exhibits are clearly marked with ‘No Photography’.
The Human Brain - level 2
The Sports Bike - level 0
Requests to carry out filming or photography at Millennium Point and Thinktank are welcome, and will be considered on a case by case basis.
Please email all requests to filming@thinktank.ac or call 0121 202 2210
Due to copyright laws, all forms of filming and photography are strictly prohibited at The Giant Screen.
How long should I allow for a visit?
This depends on what you want to do during your visit.
Following customer research, we have found that most people spend an average of four hours exploring our interactive galleries. Science shows, workshops and our planetarium can extend this time by around thirty to forty minutes each, and don’t forget to allow time for some lunch!
Movies at The Giant Screen vary in length but you should mostly allow one hour for documentaries, and around two hours for feature films. We recommend that you plan a joint visit around your film and/or Planetarium show time.
You are free to come and go from Thinktank all day with your entry ticket.
Can I use Tesco vouchers?
Tesco vouchers are not accepted for The Giant Screen visits but can be used for entry to Thinktank. Tesco vouchers cannot be used to purcase Thinktank season tickets.
Do I need to pre-book tickets?
Thinktank tickets are always available on the day from our Ticket Desk but pre booking will assist you into the museum more quickly, especially on wet days and during Birmingham school holiday periods.
Thinktank Planetarium and the Science Garden are included in your Thinktank entry, subject to availability. During busy periods we operate a first come, first served sticker entry system. During these times please make your way to the Planetarium as soon as possible on arrival to secure your timed entry sticker.
Birmingham school holidays, bank holidays and weekends are busier times and we can become busy very quickly on cold or wet days.
Ticket prices remain the same however they are booked.
Pre-booking can facilitate a swifter passage through our Ticket Desk at busy times.
Are there catering facilities and can we bring our own food & drink?
For the purposes of health and safety, cleanliness and the protection of our exhibits we ask that you refrain from eating and drinking whilst in the galleries.
Thinktank operates a café during Birmingham school holiday periods, with a snack vending facility at all other times. Indoor picnic/lunch areas are available for those wishing to bring a packed lunch.
The Giant Screen Foyer Bar provides hot / cold & alcoholic drinks, light refreshments and snacks throughout the day/evening, as well as popcorn and confectionary.
Point Cafe operating within the public area of Millennium Point, opens daily, offering a choice of hot and cold meals and refreshments.
Alternatively, Millennium Point is located just ten minutes walk from the city centre, where you will find a wide choice of cafes, bars and restaurants.
Is there somewhere I can leave my belongings?
Thinktank and the Planetarium share an unmanned cloakroom which is free of charge.
During busy times, this facility may become manned for security reasons and each hanger or box is charged at £1, located on level 2 within Thinktank.
A limited number of lockers are also available at the entrance to the “Kids City” under 7’s gallery.
Please do not leave any valuables - Items are left at your own risk.
Are there baby changing facilities available?
There are facilities available on levels 0 and 2 within Thinktank and on level 0 within Millennium Point.
Is there pushchair access?
Thinktank is accessible to pushchairs but to maximise space we recommend leaving them at our cloakroom facility when possible
Lifts are available between all four floors within Thinktank, the Planetarium and The Giant Screen
For health and safety reasons, prams and pushchairs are not permitted in the Planetarium, or The Giant Screen. Parking areas are available.
I have a voucher - what do I need to do?
All vouchers, special offers and online booking confirmations need to be processed and exchanged for wristbands at the Ticket Desk on arrival. Discounts are given against our 'On-The-Day' prices and may not be pre booked. Vouchers must be fully printed, Only Vouchercloud is permitted to be used electronicly. Please be sure to fully read the terms & conditions of use, and the voucher expiery date.
Do you have First Aid & Security personnel?
Thinktank has a first aid facility on level 2 within the museum and there are trained first aiders ready to assist should help be required.
Security personnel are on duty at all times. Bag checks may be carried out at heightened times of security. We advise that you keep personal belongings with you and young children close by.
What payment types are accepted?
We accept all payment types including cheques, credit and debit cards, with the exception of American Express. Tesco vouchers are also accepted on Thinktank entry only NB. tesco vouchers cannot be used to purcase Thinktank Season Tickets.
Do you have a prayer room?
Thinktank does not have a dedicated prayer room but we set up facilities on request. Please ask a member of staff on arrival.
What happens with lost property?
All lost property is logged and stored in Millennium Point's Security control room. If you lose something, make your way to the Ticket Desk where items are kept for a short while before being taken by Security. Items are kept for a period of three months before being donated to a local charity shop. Security control can be contacted directly on 0121 202 3211 should you wish to enquire about a lost item after your visit.
Are children permitted in Thinktank unaccompanied?
For reasons of health and safety, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How do I find out about educational school visits?
Click here for information on Education.
