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Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

Argyle Street, West End, Glasgow, G3 8AG

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About this venue

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is Scotland's most visited free attraction. With 22 themed, state-of-the-art galleries displaying an astonishing 8000 objects, the collections are extensive, wide-ranging and internationally-significant.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a natural history museum and over 20 galleries, including exhibitions of decorative art, Salvador Dali, Glasgow Boys, Dutch and French art, gift shop and cafés.

Opening Hours

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Partick.
  • The nearest underground station is Kelvinhall.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • There are parking charges for standard parking.
    • The car park is located to the rear of the venue, off Kelvin Way.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 390cm x 460cm (12ft 10in x 15ft 1in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 42m (45yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop off point.
    • The drop off point is located at the front side of the building.
  • Comments View
    • The car park is managed by Glasgow City Council, and at the time of survey in July 2021 charged £1.60 per hour for standard parking.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 132cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading up to the entrance.
    • There is/are 13 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Outside Access (Main Entrance Lift Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the main entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 79cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading up to 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.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the left of the slope.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 5cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Lift (Main Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you face the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 97cm x 140cm (3ft 2in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.
  • Comments View
    • This lift takes you up to the main entrance doors bypassing the steps.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 152cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located leading up to the entrance.
    • There is/are 15+ step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are 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.
  • Comments View
    • There are steps leading up from either side.
    • The central accessible entrance to the ground floor below is clearly signed.

Outside Access (Accessible Rear Entrance - Lower Ground Floor)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building, near the car park.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • Second set of doors View
    • The automatic doors are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm (3ft).
  • Comments View
    • The details given are for the right hand door as you face the entrance.
    • There is a manual door on the left, and revolving doors in the middle.
    • This entrance sits back from view for anyone approaching the rear entrances from either side of the building.
    • It is clearly signed at the steps to the entrance above.

Reception (Accessible Rear Entrance)

  • The desk/counter is 3m (3yd 10in) from the accessible rear entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Reception (Main)

  • The desk/counter is 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is 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.

Restaurant Bar Internal (KG Café - Lower Ground Floor)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Full table service is available.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the café entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • 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.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are 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 on the left past the enquiry desk.
  • 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 27m (29yd 1ft) from the rear entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 122cm x 158cm (4ft x 5ft 2in).
  • 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar lift at the opposite side of the building.

Museum

  • Exhibits can be audio described.
  • Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
  • Touch tours are available.
  • The availability of touch tours depends on exhibition.
  • Video tours are not available.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • Concessions are available.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow the wheelchair, please ask at the enquiry desk.

Level Change (First Floor Steps)

  • There is a/are step(s) located on the first floor.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access further exhibits.
  • There is/are 5 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
  • The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
  • 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 second lower handrail.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are further steps to access this area at the opposite end side which do not offer a handrail, as shown in photographs 5 and 6.

Lift (First Floor Steps)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the first floor.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, U1.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 89cm x 139cm (2ft 11in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Restaurant Bar Internal (KG Coffee Shop - First Floor)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 1m (3ft 3in) from the café entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 68cm (2ft 3in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 68cm (2ft 3in).
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold snacks.

Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the accessible rear entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 238cm x 248cm (7ft 10in x 8ft 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 120cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 78cm.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 and open waste paper 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • The sink is height adjustable.

Accessible Toilet (Expression Court)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear right of the staircase in the Expression Court gallery.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 121cm (3ft 12in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 286cm x 325cm (9ft 5in x 10ft 8in).
    • 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 130cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 120cm.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm did not sound when tested.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a 180cm changing bench available.
    • The changing bench is wall mounted with a fixed height of 71cm as the height adjustment control was not functional at the time of survey.
    • There is a further accessible toilet offering transfer space to the left at the opposite side of the museum, as shown in photographs 11-15.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the right past the enquiries desk.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the ground floor standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
    • This is by lift.
  • Comments View
    • There are further female and male standard toilets with baby changing facilities on the ground floor, as shown in photographs 9 to 20.

Additional Info

  • Documents are available in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located to the rear of the car park.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.