Group Guided Tour

Visit

Join us for a tour of Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum. Hear from our experts and find out more about Birmingham's industrial past.

This exciting tour offers a fascinating insight in to Birmingham’s industrial heritage. Enjoy a welcome talk followed by three taster talks about some of the remarkable exhibits on display in the museum.

  • Hear from our experts tell you about the Smethwick Engine. Designed in 1778 by James Watt and built by Birmingham based Manufacturers Boulton and Watt, it is the oldest working steam engine in the world.
  • You’ll also see the Railton Mobil Special, built for John Cobb’s successful land speed record attempts in 1938 and 1947.
  • Finally you’ll hear about the iconic Spitfire; the key role it played in the Second World War, its innovative design, cutting-edge technology and its lasting legacy on the city of Birmingham.
A staff member talking to two people

After your talks, you will have time to browse some of our other exhibits on Level 0 only (including the Move It and Power Up galleries), then enjoy refreshments in our spacious café.

This group visit includes:

  • Welcome talk
  • Guided talks at three exhibits
  • Browse exhibits on level 0
  • Refreshments in café

We can accommodate groups of 30 to 50 people for a great experience that will last around two and a half hours.

This tour is available all week, Monday - Sunday.

Coach drop off at site only.

From £17* per person.
* 30 to 45 people = £19.50 per person. Over 45 people = £17.00 per person. Minimum number of guests is 30.

Group tours must be pre-booked.

Terms and conditions apply.

Image gallery

  • Close up of water pouring from the top of a steam engine into a bucket then into a hopper at the bottom
  • Large exhibition space containing a Spitfire plane suspended over vintage cars and bikes
  • Close up side view of a silver motorcycle petrol tank with BSA logo
  • Exhibition hall with vintage motorcyles, cars and other bikes. A Spitfire plane is hanging above.
  • Side view of front wheels and engine of a steam locomotive train
  • Machinery of the 'Old Smethwick' Canal Pumping Engine

Keeping everyone safe

What are our safety measures?

We want to make sure your visit is as safe and enjoyable as possible so some safety measures will continue:

  • We support staff and visitors who wish to wear a face covering.

  • Staff who test positive for COVID-19 isolate at home for at least 5 days until they have two successive negative tests.

  • We have hand sanitisers at the entrance and throughout the building.

  • Contactless card payments will limit personal interaction, but cash will also be accepted.

  • Please be aware that lockers are not available for use.

  • We have cleaners working throughout the day focusing on touch points and toilets to keep the museum safe and clean.

  • MiniBrum is cleaned regularly throughout the day and loose handling items replaced and cleaned frequently.

Please do not visit us if you are feeling unwell, have any symptoms of Covid-19 or have been in contact with anyone that has had the virus in the last 10 days. Please contact us to reschedule your visit.

To Book

To make a booking or for more details, please call the bookings team on 0121 348 8001 (lines open Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 4.30pm) or email us

Email us
Close up of water pouring from the top of a steam engine into a bucket then into a hopper at the bottom

Smethwick Engine

Café dining area in large exhibition hall, an old tram and steam locomotive train are in the background

Café and shop

Welcome to Thinktank Birmingham sign at entrance to building

How to get here