Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

GoMA (Gallery of Modern Art)

Royal Exchange Square, off Queen Street, Glasgow, G1 3AH

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Overview

  • About View
    • This is an art gallery and public library.
    • Services available in the venue include: galleries, screening room, library, café, studio workspace and gift shop.
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the café and library from the lift, and the balconies.
    • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
    • The basement, ground floor and levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
    • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • The designated safe space is located in the Prayer Room .
    • Documents are available in the following formats: large print.
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
    • Staff receive the following training: equality training, sighted guide training, autism awareness.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located round to the left from the lift on the Basement Level, and on Level 5.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located round to the left from the lift on the Basement Level.
    • The gender inclusive step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the left from the lift on Level 5.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilets with adaptations.

Parking

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street designated Blue Badge parking and standard parking is available.
    • The on-street designated Blue Badge parking bays are located on Queen Street.
    • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
    • The standard on-street parking is located on Queen Street.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 3 steps with no handrails.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 15cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 125cm.
  • The doors have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 114cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception (Information)

  • The reception is located to the right as you enter.
  • The distance from the entrance is 10m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 101cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • There is a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the café and library from the lift, and the balconies.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • There is background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Staff have torches available and can guide visitors in any dark areas.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located through to the rear left of the building.
  • The distance from the entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • The basement, ground and levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 81cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 112cm (width) x 95cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located through to the rear left of the building.
  • There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
  • The basement, ground and levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps have open risers.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Eating and Drinking (Encore Café - Basement Level)

  • Location and Access View
    • The café is located on the basement level, ahead down the slope from the lift, next to the library.
    • The most accessible route has a lift, slight ramps or slopes and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are available on a board.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cups and takeaway cutlery.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the left of the café.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 101cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, armchairs and sofas.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
    • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
    • The café closes 30 minutes before the gallery closes.

Library (Basement Level)

  • There is step-free level access throughout the library.
  • Access throughout the library may include narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests, armchairs, sofas and chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the library includes: coffee tables, tables and desks.
  • The desks are fixed.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: large print, audio, ejournal and ebook.

Reception (Library - Basement Level)

  • The reception is located in the middle of the library on the basement level.
  • The distance from the lift is 40m.
  • The most accessible route to reception has doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is step-free access via slope to reception.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • The height of the reception desk is 95cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 73cm.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Toilet with Adaptations (Basement Level - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the basement level, round to the left from the lift.
    • The distance from the lift is 10m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 146cm (width) x 200cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 88cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 106cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 128cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 84cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Shop (Gift Shop - Ground Floor)

  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • Access throughout may include narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • The majority of product aisle widths are under 120cm.
    • Some aisles are obstructed by product stands.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor in the majority of walkways.
    • There may be background noise.
    • Signage is not provided.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • The checkout area is located to the rear of the shop.
    • There is step-free level access to the checkout area.
    • The venue has a payment counter.
  • Payment Counter View
    • Signage is provided for the counter.
    • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
    • The payment counter has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
    • The height of the payment counter is 96cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The card payment machine is portable.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Screen (Gallery 1 - Ground Floor)

  • Access To View
    • The screen is located through to the rear right of the ground floor.
    • The most accessible route to the screen has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the screen.
    • The width of the opening is 192cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance before and after screenings.
    • This entrance gives access to all rows.
    • There is step-free level access as you enter the screen.
  • Screen Information View
    • The following rows have step-free level access: all rows.
    • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey, before and after screenings.
  • Designated Seating View
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • There are bench seats, seats without armrests and beanbag seating in this area.

Exhibition Space (Balcony 1 - Level 1)

  • This area is indoors.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: Balcony 1 on level 1.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • Display information includes: pictorial, information boards and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.

Exhibition Space (Gallery 2 - Level 2)

  • This area is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • Display information includes: pictorial, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches and stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and long tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.

Exhibition Space (Gallery 3 and Balcony 2 - Level 3)

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: Balcony 2.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display information includes: pictorial and information boards.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Room (Prayer Room - Level 3)

  • The room is located on level 3, to the left as you enter Balcony 2.
  • The distance from the lift is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has a very easy slope and narrow walkways.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
  • The locked door can be opened on request.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 81cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and stools.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Exhibition Space (Gallery 4 - Level 4)

  • This area is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The following areas have stepped access: a link to Balcony 2 on Level 3.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
  • There is background noise.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • Display information includes: pictorial, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, armchairs and stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.

Area (Studio - Level 5)

  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the area, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the upper area of the studio.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Lift (Studio - Level 5)

  • Level 5 - Studio.
  • The lift surveyed is located in the Studio on level 5, to the left as you enter.
  • This lift is a stair lift.
  • The distance from the main building lift is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • The level 5 and the upper level of level 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 85cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 85cm (width) x 105cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 5 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on level 5, ahead from the lift.
    • The distance from the lift is 5m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 162cm (width) x 190cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 72cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 49cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 101cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 100cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.