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Natural History Museum - Central Building West Side and North Wing - Exhibitions

Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD

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Access Guide

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Overview

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located on the corridor near the Mammals exhibition.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the corridor near the Mammals exhibition.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on the corridor near the Mammals exhibition.

Getting around the Central Building - West Side and North Building

  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • 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 the walkways includes: benches.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Along some of the corridors in the North Wing there are exhibitions showing Fishes, Amphibians and Reptiles.

Exhibition Space (Dinosaurs)

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There is some 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.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display information includes: information boards, touchscreens and televisions/screens.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
  • There is one section that has a life-sized animatronic T-Rex, which moves, roars, has strobe or flashing lights and lighting effects.
  • It is possible to avoid the animatronic T-Rex, though the sound of the roaring will still be audible.
  • If you would like to avoid the T-Rex, please ask a member of staff or follow signage.

Dino Store

  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event .
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The checkout area is located in the centre of the store.
    • There is step-free level access to the checkout area.
    • The venue has a payment counter.
  • Payment Counter View
    • Signage is not provided for the counter.
    • The payment counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
    • The height of the payment counter is 108cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The card payment machine is portable.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Exhibition Space (Fixing Our Broken Planet)

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • 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.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display information includes: touchscreens, televisions/screens and subtitles.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches, some with backs.
  • There are listening cups in this space where you can hear scientists talking about their work and objects on display.
  • There is an audio guide for this gallery which you can listen to for free via the Fixing Our Broken Planet section of the museum’s website.
  • There are large print guides available in the gallery space, or you can access a digital version of the large print guide online via the Fixing Our Broken Planet section of the museum’s website.

Exhibition Space (Jerwood Gallery and Images of Nature)

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • 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.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display information includes: information boards.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.

Our Story with David Attenborough

  • Our Story with David Attenborough is located on the Central Building West Side and North Wing - Exhibitions corridor.
  • There is step-free level access to the area.
  • There are double doors which are held open, the width of the opening is 145cm.
  • There are two ticket counters, both are 123cm and have a fixed hearing loop.
  • There is a short ramp at the entrance into the cinema.
  • There is step-free access within the cinema
  • There is no seating in the cinema.

Exhibition Space (Mammals Hall)

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • 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.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display information includes: information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
  • At the time of the survey, the platform lift to the balcony level of the Mammals exhibition was out of use, resulting in stepped-only access.

Exhibition Space (Marine)

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • Display information includes: information boards.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.

North Wing - Contemplation Room

  • The room is located in the Central Building West Side and North Wing - Exhibitions, along the corridor between Mammals and Marine.
  • 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 is a single manual door with a low visual contrast.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 75cm.
  • 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.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Toilet with Adaptations (North Wing - Near Mammals Exhibition - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located at the rear of the Mammals Exhibition.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • 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 width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 180cm (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, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • 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.
    • 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 90cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 69cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has 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 95cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 121cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is no mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Changing Places (North Wing - next to Mammals Hall - Both Sides Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on the corridor near Mammals and Marine Life.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
    • There is a RADAR key available to use in the lock box near the door (code 5888).
    • Alternatively, a RADAR key is stored at the information desk in Hintze Hall. Please ask a member of staff if you need assistance.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 109cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 290cm (width) x 470cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the right side is obstructed.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 250cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 180cm.
    • There is a push button flush in the centre of the cistern.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 80cm from the floor.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are push.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
    • 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 high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 83cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 91cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The facility has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 95cm and 130cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.