UK’s first Science Garden to be built in Birmingham

20 April 2011

A water fountain powered by natural energy, a man-sized hamster wheel and an eight-metre-high interactive sculpture are just some of the features of a new Science Garden that is to be built outside ThinkTank, Birmingham Science Museum.

Opening in June 2012, the 2750m² outdoor space located at the front of Thinktank will be transformed into a permanent public landmark, where visitors of all ages can get 'bodies on' with large-scale interactive exhibits exploring some of the key science and engineering principles that shape the world we live in.

The first of its kind to be built in the UK, the Science Garden will feature more than 40 interactive exhibits spread around three distinct areas: The Factory, The Street and The Garden. There will also be an area designed specifically for under-7s, an outdoor classroom and meeting space, and a refreshment kiosk.

Clare Matterson, Director of Medical Humanities and Engagement at the Wellcome Trust, said: "Birmingham's Science Garden will be a permanent public space where children can explore their natural curiosity of science through play. As one of the original funders of ThinkTank since its beginnings over a decade ago, we are pleased to support this project and hope that it will encourage more people to step inside and explore the many hands-on exhibits the museum has to offer."

The Chairman of Thinktank Trust, Cllr Len Clark, added: "We are now working with contractors on the design and construction of the large-scale exhibits and look forward to opening this new addition to the museum next year. The City Park will transform the Eastside of Birmingham, and this Science Garden is going to be an extraordinary feature of the new public space."

The Science Garden will be unique in the UK, building on the success of the few science gardens around the world, such as that in the New York Hall of Science and Danfoss Universe in Denmark.

Work on the Science Garden will begin on site in August 2011. The project will cost a total of £2.6m and is supported by the Wellcome Trust, a 2010 Biffaward Flagship Project Award, Millennium Point Trust, and a range of other charitable trusts and foundations.

Image: A computer-generated image of the Science Garden. Credit: ThinkTank Trust.