The HS2 Exhibition 2025 has officially opened at Thinktank, Birmingham’s award-winning science museum, as part of the Railway 200 celebrations, marking two centuries since the dawn of modern railways. Organized in collaboration between HS2 Ltd and Thinktank, this family-friendly showcase honors Birmingham’s railway heritage while spotlighting the city’s future as a hub for high-speed rail.
A Journey Through 200 Years of Railway History
Visitors to the HS2 Exhibition 2025 in Birmingham embark on a journey through time. The exhibition recreates milestones such as the construction of the historic Kilsby Tunnel, a 1.5-mile underground passage carved out by hand nearly 200 years ago. Displays illustrate the grueling work of Victorian laborers who used pickaxes and dynamite to lay the foundations of Britain’s railway legacy.
From Past to Future – HS2’s Mega Engineering Feats
The exhibition shifts focus to the present, showcasing the Bromford Tunnel project, one of HS2’s modern engineering marvels. Completed in just 22 months, this 3.5-mile tunnel was built with massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs), two of whose cutter discs are displayed for visitors. An immersive audio-visual experience lets guests feel the sights and sounds of a 1,600-tonne TBM in action, cutting deep underground between Birmingham and North Warwickshire.
Inspiring Future Generations
According to Luke Nipen, Head of Community Engagement at HS2 Ltd, the aim of the exhibition is to connect Birmingham’s past, present, and future railway journeys. “Thinktank’s prime location, directly opposite the new HS2 terminus, allows visitors to witness railway progress first-hand and feel inspired to be part of its future,” he said.
The exhibition also honors the contributions of workers like Steve Rocke, a tunnelling veteran with 43 years of experience. Rocke, who helped build the Bromford Tunnel, described HS2 as a career-defining project and hopes young apprentices will carry forward the railway legacy.
Thinktank’s Role in Railway 200 Celebrations
Toby Watley, Director of Collections at Thinktank, emphasized that the HS2 Exhibition 2025 is designed to spark curiosity. By blending heritage displays with cutting-edge railway technology, the showcase encourages young visitors to envision themselves as the next generation of engineers and innovators.
A Cultural and Educational Attraction
Beyond engineering, the exhibition emphasizes the cultural significance of railways in Birmingham. Families can explore interactive installations, historical models, and real engineering artifacts while learning how HS2 is reshaping Britain’s transport future.
As the Railway 200 celebrations continue across the UK, the HS2 Exhibition 2025 positions Birmingham at the forefront of railway innovation while honoring the workers and pioneers who built the foundations of modern transport.
Conclusion
The HS2 Exhibition 2025 at Thinktank Birmingham is more than a museum showcase – it’s an immersive story of resilience, innovation, and the future of high-speed rail in the UK. By celebrating 200 years of railway history while highlighting the engineering marvels of HS2, the exhibition educates and inspires visitors of all ages to become part of Britain’s ongoing railway journey.
