You are on Central Museum Lifts. Skip to the next section.

Central Museum Lifts

• The lift surveyed is located to the rear of the entrance hall, in the middle of the museum.
• There are 2 identical lifts opposite each other.
• The distance from the entrance is 25m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Levels 0, 1, 3 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 90cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 180cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings, a medium visual contrast and a low visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

You are on Side Lifts. Skip to the next section.

Side Lifts

• The lift surveyed is located at the side of the main museum.
• The distance from the main gallery lifts is 40m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, a lift, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• Levels 1, 3 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 112cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 160cm (width) x 120cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
• The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
• There are similar lifts at both sides of the main exhibition galleries.

You are on Escalators. Skip to the next section.

Escalators

• The escalators surveyed are located off the central gallery area.
• Levels 1, 3 and 5 are accessed by escalators.
• The escalator steps are unmarked.
• The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalators are not clearly marked.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Balcony Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Balcony Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located at both ends of the main museum.
• The stairs lead to either side of the balcony.
• Levels 1, 3 an 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail that switches sides.
• The handrails are not easy to grip.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Side Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Side Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located at the side of the main museum.
• There are similar stairs at the other side of the main museum.
• There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
• Levels 1, 3 and 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps have open risers.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Ticket Desk - Exhibition Gallery 1 (Giants). Skip to the next section.

Ticket Desk - Exhibition Gallery 1 (Giants)

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• Ticket Counter View
  • The ticket counter surveyed is located on level 3.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The queue width is between 120cm and 150cm and there is no need to turn.
  • There is not a separate wheelchair accessible queue lane.
  • The height of the counter is 116cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Exhibition Gallery 1 (Giants). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Gallery 1 (Giants)

• This area is indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include manual doors.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises, lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, augmented reality, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The chairs are fixed.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• There are double manual doors to enter this exhibition.
• The entrance is clearly marked.
• The doors are heavy and open towards you.
• The double door opening width is 200cm.

You are on Exhibition Shop (Giants). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Shop (Giants)

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• Getting Around View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
  • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • There is background noise.
  • Signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Payment Counter View
  • The counter surveyed was to the side of the shop.
  • Signage is not provided for the counter.
  • The payment counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • The height of the payment counter is 95cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • The card payment machine is portable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Animal Senses - Restless Earth. Skip to the next section.

Animal Senses - Restless Earth

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The chairs are fixed.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Animal Senses - Level 3 - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Animal Senses - Level 3 - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on level 3, near the Animal Senses exhibits.
  • The distance from the lift is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 160cm (width) x 200cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 140cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 97cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 105cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 112cm and 176cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 92cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Performance and Lives - Facing the Sea. Skip to the next section.

Performance and Lives - Facing the Sea

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: water effects, strobe or flashing lights, lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The chairs are fixed.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

You are on Making and Creating. Skip to the next section.

Making and Creating

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Making and Creating - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Making and Creating - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on level 3, near the Making and Creating exhibits.
  • The distance from the lift is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 190cm (width) x 245cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 68cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 96cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 102cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 96cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are multiple coat hooks.
  • The coat hooks are 112cm and 175cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Technology by Design - Communicate. Skip to the next section.

Technology by Design - Communicate

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: strobe or flashing lights, sudden loud noises, lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and stools.
• The chairs are fixed.
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

You are on Balcony Cafe - Closed for Refurbishment. Skip to the next section.

Balcony Cafe - Closed for Refurbishment

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• Location and Access View
  • The Balcony Cafe was closed for refurbishment at the time of survey.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access, a lift, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
  • There is step-free level access via lift into this area.
• Service View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
  • Full table service is available on request only.