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Oriental Museum

Mill Hill Lane, Elvet Hill, South Road, Durham , DH1 3TH

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; a museum of Oriental exhibits, including the Thacker Gallery and Wolfson Gallery of Ancient Egypt, China, Himalayas, South and Southeast Asia, Korea, Japan and Temporary Exhibitions. There is also a refreshment area, staff offices and toilet facilities.
    • Services / Facilities within the grounds include; a picnic table refreshment seating area by the main entrance.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on level 4 off the reception area.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on level 4 off the reception area.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on level 4 off the reception area.
    • Baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet facility on level 4 off the reception area.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by visitors and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located at the front of the museum off Mill Hill Lane.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted and have markings which are faded.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 440cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 100cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Elvet Hill Car Park.
    • The car park is located on Elvet Hill Road.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building off the car park.
    • This entrance gives access to the reception area on level 4.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Museum'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • 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 141cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • The door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm.
  • 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 a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 116cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 80cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/06/2021.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
    • There is wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • The museum is on 4 levels.
      Exhibitions include:
      Level 1 - Malcolm MacDonald Gallery and China;
      Level 2 - Himalayas, South Asia and Southeast Asia;
      Level 3 - Korea and Japan;
      Level 4 - Marvels of China, West Asia, Thacker Gallery (Ancient Egypt) and Wolfson Gallery (Ancient Egypt).
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is bench and sofa seating at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • The portable loop is located at reception.
    • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 18/06/2021.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
    • A wheelchair and walk and rest foldable stools are available to borrow from the reception.

Other Floors (Left Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left of the reception desk as you face it.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    • There are 12 steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not 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 not 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 not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.
  • Other Information View
    • There are two lifts to overcome the stairs.

Other Floors (Right Stairs - Spiral)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right rear of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 40m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are Levels 1, 2 and 4.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not 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 not easy to grip.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are low to moderate.
  • Other Information View
    • This staircase bypasses level 3.

Lift (Lift 1)

  • The lift is located to the far right as you enter.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform 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 2, 3 and 4.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400Kg 5 Persons.
  • 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 high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm.
  • There are 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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 not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • Lift 2 gives access from level 2 to level 1. There is a slight ramp on entry on level 2.

Lift (Lift 2)

  • The lift is located on the left hand side on levels 2 and 1.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift 1.
  • The lift is a platform 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 and 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400Kg 5 persons.
  • 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 high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm.
  • There are 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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 not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.
  • Lift 1 gives access from level 2 to levels 3 and 4. There is a slight ramp on entry on level 1.

Exhibition(s) (Oriental Museum)

  • Circulation View
    • There is level access throughout this area.
    • The Oriental Museum is on four levels with stairs or lifts to all levels: Level 1 - Malcolm MacDonald Gallery and China Level 2 - Himalayas, South Asia and Southeast Asia Level 3 - Korea and Japan Level 4 - Marvels of China, West Asia.
    • Clear directional signage is provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Background music is not played.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
  • Exhibition(s) View
    • There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • Lighting is low with spotlights on exhibits.
    • No exhibits can be audio described.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • The availability of tactile signage depends on exhibition.
    • The availability of Braille signage does not depend on exhibition.
    • Touch tours are not available.
    • The availability of touch tours depends on exhibition.
    • Tours are available in alternative formats.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system is a portable loop.
    • The portable loop is located at the reception.
    • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
    • To borrow the wheelchair, please ask at the reception.
    • Additional information for exhibits may be obtained through the use of QR codes on smartphones, tablets. Portable walk and rest stools are available. Flash photography is not permitted.

Exhibition(s) (Wolfson Gallery)

  • 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 clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Circulation View
    • There is level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Background music is not played.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
  • Exhibition(s) View
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 16cm.
    • Lighting is low with spotlights and cabinet lighting.
    • All exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described in person.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
    • The availability of Braille signage does not depend on exhibition.
    • Touch tours are not available.
    • Tours are available in alternative formats.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system is a portable loop.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
    • To borrow the wheelchair, please ask at reception.
    • Audio description can only be done by prior arrangement. Additional information for exhibits may be obtained through the use of QR codes on smartphones, tablets. Portable walk and rest stools are available. Flash photography is not permitted.

Exhibition(s) (Thaker Gallery)

  • Entrance / Opening View
    • There is a single, permanently held open door with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
    • The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Circulation View
    • There is level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Background music is not played.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
  • Exhibition(s) View
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 32cm.
    • Lighting is low with spotlights and cabinet lighting.
    • All exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described in person.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • The availability of tactile signage does not depend on exhibition.
    • The availability of Braille signage does not depend on exhibition.
    • Touch tours are not available.
    • Tours are available in alternative formats.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system is a portable loop.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
    • To borrow the wheelchair, please ask at reception.
    • Audio description can only be done by prior arrangement. Additional information for exhibits may be obtained through the use of QR codes on smartphones, tablets. Portable walk and rest stools are available. Flash photography is not permitted.

Exhibition(s) (Temporary Exhibitions Room)

  • 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
  • Circulation View
    • There is level access throughout this area.
    • Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There are resting/seating areas within this area.
    • Background music is not played.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
    • The lighting levels in this area are varied.
  • Exhibition(s) View
    • There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
    • The distance between the lowest exhibit and the floor is 70cm.
    • Exhibits may change on a regular basis in this area.
    • All exhibits can be audio described.
    • Exhibits are audio described in person.
    • Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board format.
    • The availability of tactile signage depends on exhibition.
    • The availability of Braille signage does not depend on exhibition.
    • Touch tours are not available.
    • The availability of touch tours depends on exhibition.
    • Tours are available in alternative formats.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system is a portable loop.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
    • To borrow the wheelchair, please ask at reception.
    • Audio description can only be done by prior arrangement. Additional information for exhibits may be obtained through the use of QR codes on smartphones, tablets. Portable walk and rest stools are available. Flash photography is not permitted.

Eating and Drinking

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the self-service area.
    • The self-service area is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is step-free access to the self-service area.
    • Payment is made at the reception. Internal seating and tables have been temporarily removed. There is an external seating area in front of the main entrance.
  • Service and Menus View
    • There is a self service counter.
    • Staff cannot bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • The type of food served here is snacks and hot and cold drinks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does not play background music.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There are some tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 71cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 72cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is concrete.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Access to the additional seating area is via the main entrance.
    • There was no internal seating or tables at the time of survey (June 2021).

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 4 to the left as you enter the museum.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
    • 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, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 94cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • 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 199cm x 245cm (6ft 6in x 8ft).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is 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 the left.
    • There is not 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) to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 143cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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 within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 good.
    • 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 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 91cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on level 4 to the left as you enter the museum.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • 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 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on level 4 to the left as you enter the museum.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • 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 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.