You are on Summary. Skip to the next section.

Summary

• Services/facilities within the venue include an Auditorium, Seminar Room and Studios.

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

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• By Road View
  • The Museum is located off Chambers Street in Edinburgh City Centre.
  • There is parking along Chambers Street.
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • The nearest bus stop is the National Museum of Scotland stop on Chambers Street which serves route number X55.
    Located nearby is the Chambers Street bus stop which serves route numbers 23, 27, 41, 42 & 67.
  • For more information on Lothian Buses please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Edinburgh Waverley.
  • The Museum is 0.4 miles from the station.
    The route from the station involves overcoming several slopes and ramps.
  • For more information on Edinburgh Waverley Station please click here (opens new tab).

You are on Public Parking. Skip to the next section.

Public Parking

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• 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).

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

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.

You are on Entrance (Learning Centre - Level 1 Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Learning Centre - Level 1 Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the Discoveries area on Level 1.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 220cm.
• Comments View
  • There is a further entrance to the right here for the stairs and lift.

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

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
  • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to the Level 1 Toilets.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp has resting areas.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to the Level 1 Toilets .
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are not easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The ramp and steps can be seen in photographs 1 to 4.
• Circulation View
  • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet, tiles and laminate.
  • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some corridors/walkways.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
  • 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 not consistent throughout the building.
• Audio View
  • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

You are on Auditorium. Skip to the next section.

Auditorium

• Directional and locational signage for the auditorium is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
• The corridor outside the auditorium is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
• There is step free access into the auditorium.
• The door opening width is 75cm+ for the auditorium.
• The door for the auditorium is not push pad activated.
• There are designated spaces for wheelchair users at the front of the auditorium.
• There is space for an assistance dog.
• There is step free access to the speakers area at the front of the auditorium.
• There is staggered seating within the auditorium.
• Handrails are located on either side of the auditorium.
• There is a fixed hearing assistance system for the auditorium.
• There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the auditorium.
• There is fixed furniture within the auditorium.
• A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
• There are chairs with armrests on both sides within the auditorium.
• There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the auditorium.
• Floor coverings in the auditorium are even with no trip hazards.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are for public use.
  • The stairs are located to the right of the main entrance.
  • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2 and 4.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The steps do have open risers.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

You are on Lift (Learning Centre). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Learning Centre)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located next to the Learning Centre.
• The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Gallery lifts.
• 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 Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 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 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 fair.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 137cm x 150cm (4ft 6in x 4ft 11in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not 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 within 90cm - 120cm from 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.

You are on Seminar Room. Skip to the next section.

Seminar Room

• Directional and locational signage for the room is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
• The corridor outside the room is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
• There is step free access into the room.
• The door opening width for the room is 75cm+.
• The door for the room is not push pad activated.
• There is not a hearing assistance system for the room.
• There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room.
• There is no fixed furniture within the room.
• The clear floor space beneath tables in the room is 75cm.
• A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
• There is not a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room.
• There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
• Floor coverings in the room are even with no trip hazards.

You are on Studio 1. Skip to the next section.

Studio 1

• Directional and locational signage for the room is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
• The corridor outside the room is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
• There is step free access into the room.
• The door opening width for the room is 75cm+.
• The door for the room is not push pad activated.
• There is not a hearing assistance system for the room.
• There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room.
• There is no fixed furniture within the room.
• The clear floor space beneath tables in the room is 70cm.
• A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
• There is not a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room.
• There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
• Floor coverings in the room are even with no trip hazards.

You are on Studio 2. Skip to the next section.

Studio 2

• Directional and locational signage for the room is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
• The corridor outside the room is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
• There is step free access into the room.
• The door opening width for the room is 75cm+.
• The door for the room is not push pad activated.
• There is not a hearing assistance system for the room.
• There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room.
• There is not fixed furniture within the room.
• The clear floor space beneath tables in the room is 72cm.
• A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
• There is not a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room.
• There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
• Floor coverings in the room are even with no trip hazards.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Learning Centre - Level 1 - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Learning Centre - Level 1 - Right Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of Level 1.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Learning Centre entrance.
  • There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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 twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 94cm.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 214cm x 220cm (7ft x 7ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does 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 right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 146cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by bins.
  • 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, general domestic waste and female sanitary disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • The height of the coat hook is 114cm 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
  • 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 71cm (2ft 4in).
  • 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 109cm (3ft 7in).
• 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 89cm (2ft 11in).

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Learning Centre - Level 4 - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Learning Centre - Level 4 - Right Hand Transfer)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located on Level 4, next to Studios 1 and 2.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Learning Centre lift.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
• 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 inwards.
  • The door is heavy.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 214cm x 220cm (7ft x 7ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does 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 right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 146cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by the sanitary bin.
  • 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.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are general domestic waste, female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 112cm and 185cm 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 lid.
  • 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 89cm (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 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • 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 97cm.
  • 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 poor.
  • 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 99cm (3ft 3in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Learning Centre). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Learning Centre)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• 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 1.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Learning Centre entrance.
  • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access into the female and male toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
  • 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.
• Comments View
  • There are further standard toilets on Level 4.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• National Museum of Scotland - Level 0 Entrance Hall link (new tab) - click here
• National Museum of Scotland - Level 1 link (new tab) - click here
• National Museum of Scotland - Level 3 link (new tab) - click here
• National Museum of Scotland - Level 5 link (new tab) - click here
• National Museum of Scotland - Tower link (new tab) - click here