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Arnolfini

16 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • To help keep everyone safe, a timed entry system is in place. Admission to Arnolfini is free, but all visitors need to pre-book a timed ticket.
    The venue holds spaces for drop ins throughout the day, but always try to book to secure a visit and to avoid disappointment.
  • The venue offers free tickets for companions and carers of people with additional needs for charged for events.
  • Comments View
    • Many of the regular public events are welcoming and accessible for people with a variety of needs or can easily be adapted to meet different needs. .
    • The venue also runs a number of events specifically designed for visitors with additional needs e.g. relaxed exhibition openings for blind and partially sighted people, BSL interpreters for selected events on request. .
    • The venue also organises bespoke visits for groups on request. To find out more, please contact the Programme team.

Opening Hours

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Bristol Temple Meads.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is The Grove Pay and Display Public Car Park.
    • The car park is located on The Grove, behind Arnolfini.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • 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
    • There are also 2 designated Blue Badge parking spaces within easy reach of Arnolfini in the Mud Dock City Docks car park, accessed via The Grove Car Park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 166cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 185cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Outside Access (Bristol Beer Factory Café Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • Although the venue doesn't currently have a dedicated quiet space if you need one there are a number of activity rooms which will be made available to accommodate you.

Inside Access (Bristol Beer Factory Cafe)

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played throughout the venue.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Level Change (Bristol Beer Factory Cafe)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 95cm (3ft 1in).

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located within the main lobby.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 146cm x 135cm (4ft 9in x 4ft 5in).
  • 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 controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Museum

  • Exhibits can be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are not available.
  • Video tours are available.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, please ask a member of staff.
  • Comments View
    • Large print exhibit guides are available.
    • Audio guides are available.
    • Video tours about exhibits depend upon the exhibit.

Eating and Drinking (Arnolfini Harbourside Bar (run by Bristol Beer Factory))

  • The following information is for the café/bar.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • Table service is available on request, please ask at the bar.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in the front row.
  • Wheelchairs are left with you.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit either side of the patron or behind them.
  • It is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are variable according to the layout for the performance.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair, ask a member of the Visitor Services Team.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • Access to the auditorium is level from the main entrance.
    • The seating is flexible and the layout varies depending on the type of event.
    • The photographs show the standard layout for films or lectures.
    • The seats in the front row can be removed in pairs to allow a wheelchair user access.
    • Prior arrangement to borrow a wheelchair is preferred.
    • There is a induction loop system covering most areas of the Theatre. Please contact Visitor Services for more information on the best seating.

Accessible Toilet (Female - Left Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located within the standard female toilet.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a shared toilet.
    • This is a female facility.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 136cm x 166cm (4ft 6in x 5ft 5in).
    • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • The lock was broken at the time of the survey.
    • The accessible toilet located within the standard male toilet is of similar layout.
    • Accessible toilets can be found on Floors -1, 0 and 2.

Accessible Toilet (Bristol Beer Factory Café - Right Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • 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 by the café, to the right after the main entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 280cm (5ft 2in x 9ft 2in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary, clinical waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 140cm 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 the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 88cm (2ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 manual wheelchairs available for visitors. Please contact the venue beforehand to arrange or alternatively speak to a member of the Visitor Services Team.
    • For ticketed events, a free carer ticket can be provided. Please inform the Visitor Services Team at the time of booking.
    • Discounted tickets are also available for some events for people who are in receipt of disability benefits. Proof does need to be shown in the form of a letter or statement from DWP.
    • Staff receive Autism Awareness training.
    • Assistance dogs and assistance dogs in training are welcome.