You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

Collapse all Expand all

• About View
  • The East Wing includes the following exhibitions: Human Evolution, Lasting Impressions, Volcanoes and Earthquakes, Restless Surface, Earth’s Treasury and From The Beginning.
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is a step-free access to the East Wing from the Central Building East Side Exhibitions.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: some of the exhibition areas on Level 2.
  • The Ground Floor, Floor 1 and Floor 2 can be accessed via a standard lift.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on Natural History Museum - Central Building - East Side Exhibitions (opens new tab).
  • View information on Natural History Museum - West Wing (opens new tab).
  • View information on Natural History Museum - Central Building West Side and North Wing - Exhibitions (opens new tab).

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

Collapse all Expand all

• Toilet Facilities View
  • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
  • The toilet with adaptations is located on the Ground Floor.
  • The toilet with adaptations has a transfer space on both sides.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the Mezzanine Floor.
  • The shared step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the Ground Floor.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located with the shared toilet on the Ground Floor and on the Mezzanine Floor.

You are on East Entrance. Skip to the next section.

East Entrance

• This entrance is located off Exhibition Road.
• At the entrance to the museum there is a bag check desk.
• You will need to have your bag checked by a member of museum staff.
• There are usually members of staff in this area to assist visitors.
• The approach to the entrance has bollards.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• The East Entrance gives direct access to the East Wing, but it can be used to access all areas of the museum.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 200cm.
• The doors have a high visual contrast.
• There is a second set of double manual doors.
• The second set of doors open away from you.
• The width of the opening is 175cm.
• The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a bag check counter located to the left after you enter, the height of the counter is 102cm from the floor.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on East Wing- Tickets and Information. Skip to the next section.

East Wing- Tickets and Information

• The reception is located immediately after the East Entrance.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 122cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 77cm.
• The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• The flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.

You are on East Wing - Cloakroom. Skip to the next section.

East Wing - Cloakroom

• The counter is located on the Lower Ground Floor, next to the East Entrance.
• There is step-free level access to the counter.
• The height of the counter is 122cm.
• There is a lowered section at the counter.
• The height of the lowered section is 102cm.
• There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
• The flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Getting Around the East Wing. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around the East Wing

• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to the Lasting Impressions Gallery from the East Wing on the Ground Floor.
• This ramp bypasses the 3 steps.
• The flooring is shiny.
• There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all walkways.
• There is no (or very little) background noise.
• 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 were even at the time of the survey.
• There are exhibitions along the sides and on the wall of the Earth Hall.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (East Wing - Lower Ground Floor - Transfer Both Sides). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (East Wing - Lower Ground Floor - Transfer Both Sides)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the Lower Ground Floor of the East Wing.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet 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.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 240cm (width) x 200cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • The lateral transfer space on the right is 105cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a wall sensor flush on the right transfer side.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • 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 which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 95cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 76cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
  • 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 100cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 87cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (Lower Ground to Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Lower Ground to Ground Floor)

• The lift surveyed is located on the Lower Ground Floor.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• The Lower Ground and Ground Floors 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).
• The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 100cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 130cm (width) x 160cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit and a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (All Floors). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (All Floors)

• The stairs surveyed are located at the centre of Earth Hall.
• Lower Ground, Ground, Mezzanine, Floors 1 and 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20 steps between floors.
• The steps are unmarked and have a handrail that switches sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails do not 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 height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Exhibition Space (Ground Floor - Human Evolution). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Ground Floor - Human Evolution)

• 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 low visual contrast.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: information boards, televisions/screens and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
• The seating is fixed.

You are on Earth Hall Café. Skip to the next section.

Earth Hall Café

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • Earth Hall Café is located to the side on the ground floor of the East Wing.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
• Service View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and designated seating.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Menus are available on a board.
  • 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 a clearly signed portable hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
• Order and Payment View
  • The payment counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located at the front of the cafe.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 76cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The counter has glazed screens.
  • Items can be purchased at the service counter
    There are separate payment counters at a height of 88cm. .
• 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 flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, benches and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, high tables and booths.
  • Some chairs and tables 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 were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Pop Up). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Pop Up)

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • Pop Up is located in the East Wing on the Ground Floor, near the Pokémon Shop.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
• Service View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Menus are available on a board.
  • 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 payment counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located near the Pokémon Shop.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 86cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.

You are on Pokémon Shop. Skip to the next section.

Pokémon Shop

Collapse all Expand all

• Getting Around View
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are over 180cm.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor throughout this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The checkout area is located near the main shop entrance.
  • There is step-free level access to the checkout area.
  • The venue has a payment counter.
• Payment Counter View
  • Signage is provided for the counter.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The queue width is at least 150cm and there is no need to turn.
  • The payment counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • The height of the payment counter is 112cm.
  • The height of the lowered section is 78cm.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.

You are on Exhibition Space (Ground Floor - Last Impressions). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Ground Floor - Last Impressions)

• 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 no (or very little) background noise.
• Lighting levels were even 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.

You are on Main Lift. Skip to the next section.

Main Lift

• The lift surveyed is located to the rear of the Earth Hall, near the Café.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• The Ground, First and Second Floors 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).
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 165cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 195cm (width) x 280cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Escalators. Skip to the next section.

Escalators

• The escalators surveyed are located at the centre of the Earth Hall.
• The Ground and Second Floors are accessed by escalators.
• The escalator steps are clearly marked.
• The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalators are clearly marked.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
• There are steps leading up to the escalators.

You are on Exhibition Space (Floor 2 - Volcanoes and Earthquakes and Restless Surface). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Floor 2 - Volcanoes and Earthquakes and Restless Surface)

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the Volcano and Earthquakes areas, and the Earthquake Simulator.
• 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.
• The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises, interactive video effects, 3D visual effects on screen and lighting effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: touchscreens, subtitles and televisions/screens.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.
• There is an Earthquake Simulator in this area, which is a platform that visitors can stand on and feel the motion of an earthquake with sound effects.
• This can be avoided, or you can watch other people on it first to see what happens.
• You are able to get off the simulator at any time.

You are on Exhibition Space (Floor 1 - Earth’s Treasury and From The Beginning). Skip to the next section.

Exhibition Space (Floor 1 - Earth’s Treasury and From The Beginning)

• 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 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 were even at the time of the survey.
• Display information includes: information boards, touchscreens and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The seating is fixed.

You are on Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Mezzanine). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Mezzanine)

• The room surveyed is located on the Mezzanine Floor.
• The most accessible route to the room has steps.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
• The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
• The width of the door opening is 78cm.
• The height of the baby change facility when in use is 70cm.
• There is a wash basin in the room.
• The wash basin has a sensor tap.
• The room has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is a second baby change table at a height of 81cm.