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National Museum of Scotland - Level 1

Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Services/facilities within the venue include a Museum.

Opening Times (National Museum of Scotland)

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

Public Parking

  • 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).

Getting Here

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.

Other Floors (Gallery)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Levels 0 and 1.
    • The stairs are located to the rear of the level 0.
    • The stairs are approximately 12m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is not a landing.
  • Comments View
    • The bottom 3 steps do not offer a handrail.
    • There is a similar staircase to the left, as shown in photographs 9 to 16.

Other Floors (Gallery)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Levels 1, 3 and 5.
    • The stairs are located at either end of the Gallery.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • The handrails on the stairs vary.
    • There are identical staircases on the other side of the Gallery.

Lift (Gallery)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of Level 0.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) 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 0, 1, 3 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 not 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 130cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 3in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The controls for the lift are within 82cm - 106cm of 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.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 lifts at the rear wall, one to the left and one to the right.

Other Floors (Galleries 3 and 4)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located in Galleries 3 and 4 on Level 1.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Levels 1, 3 and 5.
    • 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 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 not 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • There are two similar staircases; one in Gallery 3 and one in Gallery 4.

Lift (Galleries 3 and 4)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in Galleries 3 and 4.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the Gallery lift.
  • 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, 3 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 112cm (3ft 8in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 142cm x 132cm (4ft 8in x 4ft 4in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 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.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
  • Comments View
    • There are two separate similar lifts; one in Gallery 3 and one in Gallery 4.

Escalators (Levels 1, 3 and 5)

  • Clear overhead/bold signage is only available for the escalator/s going up.
  • The floors which are accessible by escalator/s are Levels 1, 3 and 5.
  • The escalator steps are not clearly marked.
  • The foot and head of the escalator/s are clearly marked.
  • Clear signage for the lift is not available at the escalator/s.
  • Comments View
    • Up to 16.45 daily, the escalators are used for going up.
    • After this time they are used for going down to help with exiting the building.

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.

Attraction / Exhibit (Gallery)

  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • There is some flooring 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 areas.
    • 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 format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.

Attraction / Exhibit (Animal World / Earth in Space)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.

Attraction / Exhibit (Living Lands / Patterns of Life)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • During busy periods this area can become congested.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.

Attraction / Exhibit (Discoveries / Imagine)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and no format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
  • Comments View
    • Imagine is a play and create area to the rear.
    • There are storytelling, play and sensory type areas.
    • These are shown in photographs 7-12.

Attraction / Exhibit (Fashion World)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in this area.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are low to moderate.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.

Attraction / Exhibit (Science and Technology)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
  • Attraction / Exhibit View
    • There is step-free level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some areas.
    • This area does not play background music/sound.
    • There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • Exit View
    • Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
    • The exit is not clearly signed internally.

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

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • The accessible toilet was out of use at the time of the survey.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located off the Gallery, near the entrance to the Animal World Area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Gallery 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 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 162cm x 200cm (5ft 4in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has not got 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 148cm.
    • 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 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 non-infectious waste and female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 113cm and 182cm 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 88cm (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 99cm.
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 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 80cm (2ft 7in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Level 1)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located to the front left and front right of the Gallery on Level 1.
    • The shared toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Gallery Lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the shared toilet(s).
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels in the shared toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the standard toilet cubicle.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

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