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Imperial War Museum London - Level 5

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 0207 416 5000.
  • If you require assistance for your visit, please call the venue on 0207 416 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 (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, 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 low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
  • 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 (The Lord Ashcroft Gallery)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are double, automatic 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 ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance/opening.
    • There is a slight permanent ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the entrance.
    • 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • 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 vinyl.
    • 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, information board and television/screen format.
    • All exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from the Information Desk on Level 0.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 80cm.
    • Some of the exhibitions have clear spaces for wheelchairs.
      There are information touchscreens available.
      The height of the touchscreen is between 88cm and 95cm.
      There are English subtitles on all films and interactive media throughout the museum.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via the entrance/opening.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located on Levels 0, 1, 2 and 3.

Standard Toilet(s)

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

Related Access Guides (IWM London)

Related London South Bank Venues (South Bank - Waterloo Area)