Thinktank, the four-floor Birmingham science showcase of organs, animals, robots and medicine, has seen unprecedented midweek visitor numbers for a 10p entry day to mark the venue’s tenth birthday.

The £114 million museum, which became the largest new attraction created as part of the Millennium Projects group in 2001, has slashed admission prices ahead of three months of birthday-themed events and activities between now and the end of 2011.

More than 600 people had taken advantage of the offer just after lunchtime. Planners are hoping their generosity will encourage fans to return for The Big Bang Family Science Show, animation workshops and robot rebuild storytelling.

Animal handling with experts and Meet the Scientist sessions will also take place in the October half-term holiday.