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The Whitworth Art Gallery

The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6ER

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Access Guide

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Opening Times

  • Monday Closed.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 21:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • From the M56 take the A5103 into Manchester City Centre, following Oxford Road/B5117 the destination is located on the left.
      Please be aware there are bus gates in place 7 days a week from 6am to 9pm.
      Please click here for more details about the restrictions.
    • There is no parking at the venue, however there is Blue Badge parking on Denmark Road. Please adhere to the bus gate restrictions.
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop on Oxford Road, the following buses stop near to the venue, Numbers 15, 41, 42, 43, 140, 141, 142 and 143.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest Train Station is Piccadilly in Manchester city centre, you would then need to take a bus or taxi to the venue.
  • By Tram View
    • The nearest tram stop is St Peters Square, it is then a 10 minute bus ride.

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available (within approximately 50m of the building).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Denmark Road.
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph two and three shows the route to the rear entrance from the on street parking.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated when exiting.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 4 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a slight ramp at the front of the second entrance as shown in photograph 7.

Outside Access (Parkside Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 115cm (3ft 9in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • Access to the ground floor exhibitions from this entrance is via a lift.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • Main Reception is located just inside the main entrance.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Reception (Parkway Reception)

  • Parkway Reception is located at the rear of the building.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the rear entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Help, assistance and useful information

  • Light weight, portable fold out seats and wheelchairs available for use upon request.
  • Ear defenders and a quiet space are available for use if you should need it, just ask a member of the team.
  • If you require any assistance prior to your visit please call the visitor team on 0161 275 7450 or send an email at [email protected]
  • Quiet times are usually from 10:00 to 12:00 in the morning on weekdays and weekends.
  • Situated on the Lower Ground Floor are coin-operated lockers and buggy locks.
  • Free nappies and wipes are available upon request.
  • You are welcome to breastfeed in the gallery where there is plenty of seating both in public and private areas, which staff can help you access.
  • Assistance Animals:
  • You are very welcome to bring along your assistance animal for your visit. In order to protect the collection and for everyone’s comfort and safety, the venue asks politely that you observe the following guidelines:
  • • Please only feed your assistance animal at our Parkside entrance or in the cafĂ©.
  • • Your assistance animal should remain under your care and control during your visit.
  • • Please ask the cafĂ© if you requite water for your animal.
  • Please note:
  • The Whitworth houses a large collection of textiles, many of which can be bright, bold and patterned with varied designs and textures. They also have varied lighting levels throughout the space to protect the artworks, along with audio-visual displays in many of the exhibitions. If you are needing a quiet, neutral space during your visit please ask a member of staff to lead you to the Quiet Room.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the exhibition on the raised level at the rear of the ground floor..
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a steep ramp, with a handrail on the left going up, for access to the exhibition on the raised level at the rear of the ground floor.
    • The width of the ramp is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • There is a fixed loop hearing system located in the Grand Hall on the first floor.
    • The hearing system is available only on request.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe)

  • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the cafe entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 71cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is Hot and cold meals and snacks.

Opening Times (Cafe)

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 21:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1.
    • The stairs are located to the left on entering via the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 26m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There are similar staircases at the opposite end of the building, these access the Mezzanine and lower ground floors, they are clearly marked and have rails on both sides.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left on entering the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 200cm x 150cm (6ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are two further lifts within the building, one in the centre of the building to access the Mezzanine level and one next to the Parkway entrance that accesses ground and the first floor only.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left on entering via the main entrance.
    • There is also an accessible toilet on the lower ground floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 200cm (6ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, clinical waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 100cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 73cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is a push button alarm within this accessible toilet.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the lower ground floor and the ground floor.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right on entering via the main entrance.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left of the main entrance.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.