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National Museum of Scotland - Main Guide, Entrance and Level 0

Chambers Street, EH1 1JF

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • The National Museum of Scotland, located on Chambers Street in Edinburgh, is a free-entry institution showcasing Scottish history, nature, art, and global science. Formed by merging the Museum of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Museum, it houses over 12 million items, spanning from ancient, prehistoric relics to modern technology.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: exhibitions spaces, gift and book shop, cafes, inside picnic and seating areas, educational facilities, event spaces and auditorium, lockers, standard and accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility.
    • There is access to the Tower from the main museum on Levels 1, 3 and 5. .
    • View information on opening times.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have stepped access: some museum exhibits.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow aisles.
    • All levels of the museum and tower can be accessed via a standard lift.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and walking aids.
    • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: ear defenders (adult sized), sensory and visual maps, communication cards and kids' sensory backpacks containing: ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget toys, torches, etc.
    • There is a designated safe space which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • The designated safe space is located in the available learning centre spaces.
    • There is a British Sign Language interpreter on duty.
    • Documents are available in the following formats: large print, different languages and audio.
    • There are lockers for visitors on level 0.
    • There is a buggy park for pushchairs on level 1, near to the rear of the Kingdom of the Scots exhibit.
    • There are regular quiet opening times.
    • Relaxed events are also held for certain exhibitions.
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Facilities/services include: an ATM machine and Wi-Fi.
    • Staff receive the following training: Hidden Disabilities, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Training.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 10+ toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located throughout the museum on levels 0, 1, 3 and 5.
    • There are further toilets with adaptations in the learning and event spaces, and in the Tower on levels -1, 1, 2, 3.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located throughout the museum on levels 0, 1 and 3.
    • There are further male and female step-free standard toilet facilities in the learning and event spaces, and in the Tower on levels -1, 1, 2, 3.
    • Some of the toilet facilities are gender neutral and shared.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on level 0, near the ticket counter.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located throughout the museum on levels 0, 1, 3 and 5.
    • There are further toilets with adaptations in the learning and event spaces and in the Tower on levels -1, 1, 2, 3.

Entrance - Left Hand Side

  • This entrance is located on Chambers Street.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There are 2 similar entrances on either side of the steps on Chambers Street.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 100cm.
  • The width of the opening is 165cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 100cm.
  • There is also a heavy, revolving door at the both entrances.
  • The right side entrance is similar to the left, with an entrance width of 185cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Entrance Hall

  • The entrance hall is located straight ahead, when entering the museum.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the area.
  • Access throughout the area may include doors permanently held open.
  • 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.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches and stools.
  • The chairs are fixed.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Ticket and Membership Counter

  • Ticket Counter View
    • The ticket counter surveyed is located on level 0, situated in the entrance foyer.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 115cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
    • The counter has a television.
    • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.

Getting Around The Building

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of museum, with the use of a lift. There are also stairs and escalators leading to some areas in addition to the lifts.
  • There is a platform lift in the Tower part of the museum.
  • There is a separate lift to reach the Roof Terrace.
  • The main exhibition lifts reach levels 0, 1, 3 and 5.
  • The Learning Centre lift reaches levels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • The escalators only run between levels 1, 3 and 5.
  • Access throughout the building may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in resting areas includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, benches and stools.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Locker Area

  • The locker area is located off the entrance hall.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There are double manual doors with a medium visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 164cm.
  • Facilities available in this area include: lockers and a digital payment machine.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • 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.

Museum Kitchen

  • Location and Access View
    • Museum Kitchen is located on level 0, to the right hand side after entering.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access and uneven surfaces.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • The width of the opening is 256cm.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • Menus are handheld, wall-mounted, digital and displayed on the counter.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the left after entering.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 99cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • Drinks can be collected from the same counter.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • Some chairs are fixed.
    • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Gift Shop

  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces and narrow aisles (less than 120cm).
    • The majority of main aisle widths are under 120cm.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
    • There may be background noise.
    • Seating available on this floor includes: benches.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The venue has a payment counter.
  • Payment Counter View
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The payment counter has windows and 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.

Lunch Space

  • The room is located off the entrance hall, opposite the ticket counter.
  • The distance from the entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 150cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a wash basin.
  • There may be background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

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.

Entrance Hall Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located off the entrance hall.
  • Levels 0 and 1 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 do not 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.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There are 2 sets of similar stairs leading to level 1.
  • There is a small staircase leading up the main stairs on both sides.

Changing Places (Level 0 - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on level 0, near the ticket counter.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • 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 distance from the entrance is 15m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 280cm (width) x 310cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 135cm.
    • 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 47cm 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.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 185cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a fixed height wash basin.
    • 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.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 117cm.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The facility has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 117cm and 180cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • There is a baby change in this facility. The height is 82cm when in use.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 0 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on level 0, opposite the ticket counter.
    • The distance from the entrance is 30m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is tactile 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 88cm.
    • 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 93cm (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 46cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • 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 90cm 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 can 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 100cm 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 115cm and 167cm 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.