You are on Summary. Skip to the next section.

Summary

• Services/facilities within the venue include Museum Exhibitions.

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

Getting Here

Collapse all Expand all

• 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

Collapse all Expand all

• 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 Opening Times (National Museum of Scotland). Skip to the next section.

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.

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

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.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • There are 2 lifts at the rear wall, one to the left and one to the right.

You are on Other Floors (Gallery). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Gallery)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Other Floors (Galleries 3 and 4). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Galleries 3 and 4)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

You are on Lift (Galleries 3 and 4). Skip to the next section.

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.

Collapse all Expand all

• Comments View
  • There are two separate similar lifts; one in Gallery 3 and one in Gallery 4.

You are on Escalators (Levels 1, 3 and 5). Skip to the next section.

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.

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.

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 Attraction / Exhibit (Survival / Adventure Planet). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (Survival / Adventure Planet)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.
• 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 and laminate.
  • 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 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.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (Inspired by Nature / Artistic Legacies). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (Inspired by Nature / Artistic Legacies)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.
• 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.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are 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 pictorial 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.
  • The exit is not clearly signed internally.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (Art and Design / Design for Living). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (Art and Design / Design for Living)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.
• 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.
  • 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 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.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (Enquire / Energise). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (Enquire / Energise)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.
• 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 wood and laminate.
  • 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 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.
  • The exit is not clearly signed internally.

You are on Attraction / Exhibit (Traditions in Sculpture). Skip to the next section.

Attraction / Exhibit (Traditions in Sculpture)

Collapse all Expand all

• 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.
• 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 provided in this area.
  • 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 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.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Balcony / Survival - Level 5 - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Balcony / Survival - Level 5 - Left Hand Transfer)

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

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located on the balcony, next to the Survival area on Level 5.
  • 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 134cm x 244cm (4ft 5in x 8ft).
  • 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 left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 124cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by the non-infectious waste bin.
  • There is a flush 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 and female sanitary disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 111cm and 184cm 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 44cm (1ft 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).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (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 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 95cm.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 103cm (3ft 5in).
• 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 86cm (2ft 10in).

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Balcony / Enquire - Level 5 - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Balcony / Enquire - Level 5 - Right Hand Transfer)

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

Collapse all Expand all

• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located on the balcony, near the entrance to Enquire.
  • 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 140cm x 220cm (4ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does not 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 100cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by the non-infectious waste 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 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 female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 114cm and 183cm 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 44cm (1ft 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).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • 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 90cm.
  • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4in).
• 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 Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

• The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located on Level 3.

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 - Learning Centre link (new tab) - click here
• National Museum of Scotland - Tower link (new tab) - click here