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National Portrait Gallery - Level -2

2 St Martin's Place, London, WC2H 0HE

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • The National Portrait Gallery is an art gallery in London housing a collection of portraits of historically important and famous British people.
  • It was the first portrait gallery in the world when it opened in 1856.
  • The gallery is located to the south-east corner of Leicester Square, off St Martin's Place.
  • For more information on Leicester Square please click here
  • Please note that the venue is closed until 2023 due to refurbishment.

Getting Here (Leicester Square)

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.
  • British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print, audio and Braille.
  • There is not 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 a member of staff.

Opening Times

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Revolving Door Stepped Access)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on St Martin's Place.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'National Portrait Gallery'.
    • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by revolving.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 112cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Outside Access (Main Entrance - Manual Doors Stepped Access)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on St Martin's Place.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'National Portrait Gallery'.
    • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 identical doors, one either side of the revolving door entrance.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on St Martin's Place.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 103cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
    • There are gates on the approach to the accessible entrance. The gates are held open and have an opening width of 176cm. There is a small lip on the floor to the left as you face the gates.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the approach to the entrance.

Other Floors (Main entrance to Level -2 Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 7m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1 and -2.
    • There are 13 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 not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are 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 moderate to good.

Other Floors (Stairs to Portrait Café)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located on the level -2 lift lobby, opposite the entrance to the Ondaatje Wing Theatre.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the lifts.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -2 and -3.
    • 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 easy to grip.
    • Handrails do 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 moderate to good.

Other Floors (Main Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, 0, 1 and 2.
    • 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 not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.

Other Floors (Accessible Entrance Stairwell)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter the accessible entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 3m from the accessible entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -2 and -3.
    • 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 not 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 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 moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • This stairwell is used to access the Portrait Café from the accessible entrance.

Lift (Accessible Entrance Lift - Levels -1 and -3)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just inside the accessible entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the accessible entrance.
  • 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 -1, E and -3.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 97cm x 140cm (3ft 2in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are 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 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 moderate to good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
  • Comments View
    • This lift operates between the bookshop, the accessible entrance and the Portrait Café only.

Lift (Levels -2, -1, L, 0, 1 and 2)

  • The lift is located in the corridor on the left as you enter the main entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • 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 -2, -1, L, 0, 1 and 2.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 175cm x 175cm (5ft 9in x 5ft 9in).
  • There are 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 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • The lift is 35m from the lift at the accessible entrance which takes you through the Bookshop into the main entrance.

Auditorium (Ondaatje Wing Theatre)

  • Access to Seating View
    • The auditorium is clearly signed.
    • This information is for the entrance located on Level -2.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 210cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 105cm.
    • The entrance door(s) is/are permanently held open before and after events.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance before and after events.
    • This entrance gives access to rear.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 130cm.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are low to moderate.
  • Auditorium Information View
    • The type of flooring is carpet.
    • There are flip-down seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 54cm.
    • The lighting levels before and after events are low to moderate.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located on Level -2, to the right of the Auditorium.
    • There is not step free access to a row of seating.
    • The access to the majority of seating is located either side of the seats (against wall).
    • There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are wall mounted.
    • 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 lighting levels at the step(s) are low to moderate.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Clore Education Studio)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The room surveyed was Clore Education Studio.
    • Clore Education Studio is located on Level -2.
    • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
    • There is not clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 102cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
  • Room Details View
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • There is flooring in corridors with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Counter (Cloakroom)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located on Level -2 of the National Portrait Gallery.
    • The counter is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the lift.
    • Clear signage for the counter is visible from the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are moderate to good.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the counter.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • Comments View
    • There are lockers available in the cloakroom waiting area.
    • The lockers cost £1 to use.
    • There are pushchair locks available in the cloakroom waiting area.
    • The locks cost £1 to use.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the corridor to the right of the Ondaatje Wing Theatre entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the lift.
    • 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 96cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 177cm x 240cm (5ft 10in x 7ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 108cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a 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 the left.
    • There is not 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 was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin and sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 105cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
  • 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 94cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is a flip down seat in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the seat once extended is 59cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located in the corridor to the right of Ondaatje Wing Theatre.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 100cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

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