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Imperial War Museum London - Level 3

Lambeth Road, 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.

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.

Attraction / Exhibit (Terrace Display - Curiosities and Witnesses to War)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • 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 is some flash photography within this area.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in pictorial and information board 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 good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.

Attraction / Exhibit (One Story, Many Voices)

  • 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 not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
    • 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, pictorial, information board and television/screen format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • All exhibits start from the floor level.
    • One Story, Many Voices is a touring installation and a collaboration with Imperial War Museum's Second World War and Holocaust Partnership Programme and local communities and Story Futures Academy, a group of celebrated writers imagine sound worlds where diverse voices share experience of war and conflict.
      Stories can be chosen and listened through speakers or by using headphones in English and in Welsh.
      Stories can also be heard through your phone by scanning the relevant QR codes.
      Stories can also be viewed on the video screen which is accompanied by subtitles and BSL.
    • There is a good colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.
    • The exit is step-free.

Attraction / Exhibit (Generations: Portraits of Holocaust Survivors)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are double, manual doors with an opening width of 75cm+, which may be difficult to open 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 not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet, vinyl and tiles.
    • 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 pictorial, information board and television/screen format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 76cm.
    • Generations is a photographic exhibition showing a series of individual and family portraits including a series taken by the Duchess of Cambridge.
      The photographs in the exhibition give an insight into survivors of the Holocaust, their lives and experiences.
      The exhibition is spilt into three rooms. The lighting levels vary between the rooms.
      The final room contains a cinema viewing area with seating.
    • There is a good colour contrast between some 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 not clearly signed internally.
    • There is a single, manual door with an opening width of 75cm+, which is easy to open when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.

Attraction / Exhibit (Wim Wenders - Photographing Ground Zero)

  • 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.
    • Unmarked pillars are located after the entrance doors. The minimum width between these pillars is 100cm.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • 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 and information board format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 40cm.
    • Wim Wenders Exhibition reflects on the events of 9/11 through a series of large-scale photographs of Ground Zero, the site of the World Trade Centre's "Twin Towers.".
    • There is a good colour contrast between the 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 clearly signed internally.
    • There are double, permanently held open doors with an opening width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 3 - Left Side - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left after you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free 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 112cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 72cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 195cm (6ft 5in x 6ft 5in).
    • 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 130cm.
    • 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 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (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 95cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
  • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 3 - Right Side - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right after you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free 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 95cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 185cm (5ft 11in x 6ft 1in).
    • 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 110cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a nappy bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • 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 48cm (1ft 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).

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