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Ulster Museum

Stranmills Road, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, BT9 5AB

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About this venue

Come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces with a visit to the Ulster Museum. As Northern Ireland's treasure house of the past and present, the museum is home to a rich collection of art, history and natural sciences with impressive galleries and interactive discovery zones. From Ireland to the South Pacific, ancient relics to modern masterpieces, the Ulster Museum offers something for everyone from the simply curious to the enthusiast.

Access Guide

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Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Botanic Gardens.

Opening Times

  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Comments View
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is at the front of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders is first-come, first-served.
    • There are 5 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 3.6m x 5.3m (11ft 9in x 17ft 4in).
    • The nearest designated bay is 40m (44yd) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest designated bay is 60m (65yd) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 190cm (6ft 3in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 190cm (6ft 3in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading to the main entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.

Outside Access (Botanic Garden Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open (no doors).
  • The door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in) wide.

Level Change (Botanic Garden Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located to the right of the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 10 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • The ramp bypasses the steps.
    • The ramp has a handrail on both sides.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • There is currently a temporary reception desk due to Covid restrictions. This desk measures 72cm high, has a two way microphone on either side of the Perspex and a hearing loop installed.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • Online map available:https://www.nmni.com/our-museums/ulster-museum/Ulster-Museum-Were-Ready-For-You/Ulster-Museum-Were-Ready-For-You.aspx.

Level Change (Museum)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located museum exhibits.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located museum exhibits.
  • There is/are 8 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is a lift to access this area/service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • The lift does not bypass the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • There are several ramps with handrails on both sides around the museum.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • The lift is located to the right as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3,4.
  • The lift is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 210cm (3ft 7in x 6ft 11in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Lift (Nature Zone)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located within the Nature Zone on the second floor.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 85cm x 115cm (2ft 9in x 3ft 9in).
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is an identical platform lift on the first floor within the History Zone to bypass 4 medium steps.

Museum

  • Exhibits cannot be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
  • Touch tours are available.
  • The availability of touch tours does not depend on exhibition.
  • Video tours are available.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, There are 4 wheel chairs in total, please contact a member of reception.

Restaurant Bar Internal

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • Once inside, there is not level access to the service.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the service counter.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is varied hot and cold meals.

Level Change (Restaurant)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading from the the foyer to the restaurant.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading from the the foyer to the restaurant.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • The ramp bypasses the steps.
    • The ramp has a handrail on both sides.
    • The ramp and steps also lead to the accessible and female standard toilet.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 164cm x 226cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 5in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There are identical accessible toilets located on the 1st and 2nd floor.

Accessible Changing Room

  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • The baby change facilities are located within the accessible changing room.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft ).
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Accessible Toilet (Changing Room)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located within the adapted changing room.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 240cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 10in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Third Floor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located opposite the lift on the 3rd floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 250cm (6ft 7in x 8ft 2in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • The baby change facilities are located within the acessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 92cm (3ft ).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is level access to the male and female standard toilets located on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors.

Level Change (Male Standard Toilet)

  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • There is / are 4 step(s) to the area / service.
  • Lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.

Level Change (Female Standard Toilet)

  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located to the left as you enter.
  • There is / are 7 step(s) to the area / service.
  • Lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.