Skip to main content

National Museum of Scotland - Level 0 Entrance Hall

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

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

Summary

  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • Services/facilities within the venue include a Museum, Conference Facilities, Shops and Cafe's.

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 not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.
  • Large print labels and gallery guides are available on request.

Opening Times (National Museum of Scotland)

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

Public Parking

  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Chambers Street.
    • There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Standard on street parking is available.
    • The standard on street parking is located on Chambers Street.
  • Public Car Park View
    • There is a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
    • The public car park is located on Chambers Street.
    • The name of the car park is Chambers Street.
  • Drop-off Point(s) View
    • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).

Approach

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar slope and steps at the entrance on the left, as shown in photographs 7 and 8.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Chamber Street.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the opening is 184cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are heavy manual revolving doors to the right as shown in photographs 7 and 8.
    • There is a similar entrance to the left of the building as shown in photographs 9-12.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point 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 reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 115cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 76cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is concrete tiles.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is a seating area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
    • There are bench seats available.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
    • The seating is located opposite reception, as shown in photograph 5.
      There are wheelchairs available to borrow from reception, as shown in photograph 6.
      There are lockers available along to the left of reception, as shown in photographs 7 and 8.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the ground floor.
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is stone.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is bench seating at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

Exhibition Shop

  • The Exhibition Shop is located next to Exhibition Gallery 1.
  • There is level access with no doors to enter the Shop.
  • There is clear manoeuvring space in the Shop for wheelchair users.
  • The majority of the aisles are over 100cm wide.
  • The height of the service counter is 96cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the service counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 76cm or less.
  • There is not a hearing loop at the service counter.

Group Space

  • The Group Space/Lunch Room is located to the rear, near the Toilets.
  • Tables are 71cm high.
  • Chairs without armrests are available.
  • The tables and chairs can all be moved.
  • There are large storage bins for personal belongings.
  • Time slot bookings may be required for use of this area.

Eating and Drinking (Museum Kitchen)

  • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
  • The restaurant/bar is located to the right of the ground floor.
  • There is step-free access to the restaurant/bar.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food and/or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food and/or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • The height of the service counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm) .
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • There is step-free access within the restaurant/bar.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • This area does not play background music.
  • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 12m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 4m from the till/counter.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 62cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 73cm.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • There are hand held menus available.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Changing Places (Level 0 - Front)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located to the right as you face reception.
    • The facility is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access into the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the reception.
    • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 280cm x 307cm.
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 140cm.
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The type of wash basin is fixed.
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The wide paper roll dispenser is not at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 118cm.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 101cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is a coat hook.
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 112cm and 182cm from the floor.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change table which is 88cm high once extended.
    • There is pictorial signage on the door.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 0 - Rear - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of Level 0.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • 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.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 95cm.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 164cm x 205cm (5ft 5in x 6ft 9in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not 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 non-infectious waste, female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 110cm and 180cm from the floor.
  • 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 not 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 backrest.
    • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 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 good.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 101cm (3ft 4in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Level 0 - Rear)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the rear of Level 0.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
    • The height of the lowered urinal is 55cm.
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the lowered urinal.
    • The lowered urinal does not contrast visually with the wall.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair in front of the lowered urinal (90cm x 140cm).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the standard female and male toilets.
    • There is step-free access into the baby change facilities.
    • 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 92cm (3ft).

Other Floors (Gallery)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Levels 0 and 1.
    • The stairs are located to the rear of the level 0.
    • The stairs are approximately 12m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is not a landing.
  • Comments View
    • The bottom 3 steps do not offer a handrail.
    • There is a similar staircase to the left, as shown in photographs 9 to 16.

Lift (Gallery)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of Level 0.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 26m (28yd 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 0, 1, 3 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 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 good.
  • 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 105cm x 130cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 3in).
  • 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 have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The controls for the lift are within 82cm - 106cm of 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 lifts at the rear wall, one to the left and one to the right.

Related Access Guides