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Body Worlds

London Pavilion, 1 Piccadilly Circus, London, W1J 0DA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Body Worlds is an exhibition of dead bodies preserved using a technique called Plastination.
  • The technique turns human remains into exhibits that uncover the workings of the human body.
  • The Plastination process replaces fat and water in the body with plastics enabling visitors to explore the nervous, reproductive, cardiovascular and locomotive systems.
  • London Pavilion Studio is an event space available to hire on level 2.
  • There are standard shared toilets within the studio.
  • For more information on Piccadilly Circus please click here.

Getting Here (Piccadilly Circus)

Opening Times

  • Monday 10:00 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 19:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 19:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 19:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 19:00.

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a team member available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a team member trained in British Sign Language.
  • British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: audio.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact a team member at the ticket counter.

Exhibition

  • Access to the exhibition is from the ground level via lift to level 5.
  • Progress through the exhibition is around level 5 down stairs to level four, through level 4 down stairs to level 3 and exit via lift from level 3 to ground level. Exit from the building is by the main entrance. If lift access is required between the exhibition levels team members will escort visitors to the lift giving access to the next lower level.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Piccadilly.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Body Worlds Attraction'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Counter (Tickets)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located in the foyer opposite the entrance.
    • The counter is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided near the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • Comments View
    • This counter is for purchasing tickets or picking up pre-ordered tickets.

Lift (Entrance Foyer)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the foyer opposite the entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
  • 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 G, 5.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 poor.
  • 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 100cm x 210cm (3ft 3in x 6ft 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 not 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
  • Comments View
    • There are two similar lifts side by side.
    • If the London Pavilion Studio Event Space has been hired access is via these lifts, accompanied by a team member to level 2.
    • Only the ground and fifth levels can be accessed by lift for the exhibition.

Attraction / Exhibit (Level 5)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
    • All exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from the audio point as you exit the lift at the start of the exhibition.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The exhibition is of low lighting making some areas quite dark.
      There are moving images on screens throughout the exhibition.
    • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is clearly signed internally.
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.
  • Comments View
    • Level 5 houses the Coordination and Circulation Galleries.

Other Floors (5-4)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 5 and 4.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are 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 not 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.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are varied.

Attraction / Exhibit (Level 4)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening, via lift.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
    • All exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • Headsets can be obtained from the audio point as you exit the lift at the start of the exhibition.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is clearly signed internally.
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.
  • Comments View
    • Level 4 houses the Respiration and Metabolism Galleries.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Exhibition)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the bottom of the stairs and near the lifts on the 4th floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • 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 contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 167cm x 226cm (5ft 6in x 7ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal 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.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, general waste (with no lid) and nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 86cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Exhibition)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located at the bottom of the stairs near the lifts on level 4.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 90cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Other Floors (4-3)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 4 and 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are 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 not 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.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.

Attraction / Exhibit (Level 3)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening, via lift.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
    • All exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described by using a headset.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors exit via a lift.
    • The exit is clearly signed internally.
    • There is a lift with an opening door width of 75cm+ when exiting this area/attraction.
    • The exit is step-free.
  • Comments View
    • Level 3 houses the Reproductive and Locomotive Galleries.

Lift (Exit)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the end of the exhibition on Level 3.
  • The lift is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the end of the exhibition.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are Level 3 and ground.
  • 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 138cm (4ft 11in x 4ft 6in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • Comments View
    • This lift is on the third floor at the end of the exhibition and can only take visitors to the ground level for exit from the venue.

Shop

  • On exiting the lift at ground level on leaving the exhibition there is a gift shop with level access throughout.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (London Pavilion Studio)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The space surveyed was London Pavilion Studio.
    • London Pavilion Studio is located on Level 2.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • There is step-free access.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.
    • The studio is a multi-use space for hire. Access is via lift from ground level and staff must accompany visitors.
      The minimum width in the space between the lift and the studio is 110cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (London Pavilion Studio)

  • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located off the event space.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is poor.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 90cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • Lighting levels are good.