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Imperial War Museum London - Level 1

Lambeth Road, Lambeth, London, SE1 6HZ

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About this venue

Founded during the First World War, IWM London gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live in a world torn apart by conflict. From the wonder of its world-famous atrium to the countless discoveries on each of its six floors, it is a place filled with the power to move, surprise and inspire.

Access Guide

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Introduction - Imperial War Museum London

  • Founded during the First World War, IWM London gives voice to the extraordinary experiences of ordinary people forced to live in a world torn apart by conflict. From the wonder of its world-famous atrium to the countless discoveries on each of its six floors, it is a place filled with the power to move, surprise and inspire.

Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the venue prior to visiting on 020 7416 5000.
  • If you require assistance for your visit, please call the venue on 020 7416 5000 or for help during your visit please ask the information desk on Level 0.
  • Portable, lightweight folding stools are available from the Information Desk on Level 0.

Parking (Onsite - Blue Badge Parking)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located off St George's Road.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 360cm x 750cm (11ft 10in x 24ft 7in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • Free parking is available onsite for Blue Badge holders, subject to availability.
      To book your space please contact 020 7416 5000.
      Parking must be booked two working days in advance.

South Bank Public Car Parks

  • This section provides information about a number of public cars parks around South Bank.
    For more information about access and parking charges please visit the individual car parks.
    South Bank is located in the congestion charging zone.

Approach

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac.
    • There are two paths leading to the North and West entrances.
      There is step free access on the path leading to the North entrance.
      There is a slight slope leading to the path which leads to the West entrance.
      There is step free access to the West entrance from the blue badge parking.
      There is clear signage to both entrances
      There are two navel guns located at the front of the Imperial War Museum.
      There is piece of the Berlin Wall, to the left of the North entrance.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.

Outside Access (North Entrance - Level 1)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the north side of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 180cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 8 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Comments View
    • There is a separate exit door with a step, this can be overcome by exiting via the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the museum via the West Entrance which gives access to Level 0.

Step(s) (North Entrance to Museum)

  • There is a/are step(s) located just beyond the north entrance.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the museum from the north entrance foyer.
  • There is/are 3 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Other Floors (Level 0 to Level 1)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located at the front of the museum, leading to and from the north entrance area.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0 and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Other Floors (Central)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located in Witnesses to War.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Other Floors (Rear)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the rear of Witnesses to War.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are three handrails at height of 80cm, 90cm and 100cm.

Lift (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 - Standard Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is fair.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 170cm (5ft 3in x 5ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Lift (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 - Standard Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 150cm (4ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Book Shop - Level 1

  • The shop is located at the rear of the exhibition or to the left after you enter from the north entrance.
  • The shop sells a selection of books.
  • There is step-free access to the shop.
  • The distance between the majority of aisles is over 100cm.
  • There is background music/sound.
  • The height of the counter is 106cm.
  • There is not a lowered section.

Shop - Level 1

  • The shop is located at the rear of the exhibition or to the right of the north entrance.
  • The shop sells a selection of toys, clothing, posters, and souvenirs.
  • There is step-free access to the shop.
  • The distance between the majority of aisles is over 100cm.
  • The height of the counter is 106cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.

Attraction / Exhibit (Witnesses to War - Terraces Display)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in pictorial, information board and television/screen format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • All exhibits start from the floor level.
    • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are moderate to good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.

Attraction / Exhibit (Second World War)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are double, permanently held open doors with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
    • There are walkways/corridors with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in Braille, tactile, pictorial, information board and television/screen format.
    • Some exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from the two information points located at the beginning and halfway through the gallery.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 34cm.
    • There are military vehicles and weapons located around the exhibition.
      There is a reconstruction of a war time house and an air raid shelter.
      There are videos playing with subtitles.
      There are interactive exhibits.
      Some of the exhibits have a clear recess for a wheelchair.
      There are English subtitles on all films and interactive media throughout the museum.
      There are two information points in this gallery, one at the beginning and the other halfway through the exhibition.
      The information points contain tactile maps, text in Braille and audio descriptions.
    • In the Blitz display there is a video playing on the ceiling which shows war planes. The video also has audio of planes flying overhead.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is clearly signed internally.
    • There is a single, automatic door with an opening width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 1 - World War 2 Exhibition - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located off the exhibition, between areas 2 and 3.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 114cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 76cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 200cm (6ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 135cm.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, non-infectious waste and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 40cm (1ft 4in).
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • 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 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
    • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 95cm (3ft 1in).

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
  • The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located on Level 0.

The Clore Learning Centre

  • The Clore Learning Centre is located to the right as you exit the lift on level 1.
  • There is step-free access to the centre.
  • Access into the room is via a single width door that opens towards you (pull).
  • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • The centre consists of two learning spaces, offices/study areas and a kitchen.
  • The surface of the flooring is wood and carpet.
  • The first learning space as you enter contains bench seating at a height of 48cm and tables at a height of 70cm.
  • There are display cases, a kitchen and office/study areas in the corridor between both learning spaces.
  • The second learning space which is located to the right as you enter contains tables at a height of 70cm and seats without armrests.
  • The room contains an audio/visual screen and a teaching lectern.
  • The teaching lectern is non adjustable and is at a height of 109cm.
  • The learning centre is only available by prior appointment. Please contact the museum for more information on this space.
  • An accessible toilet is located past this learning space.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 1 - The Clore Learning Centre - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 193cm x 220cm (6ft 4in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 106cm and 140cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 93cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 92cm.

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