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Ford Centre for Young Visitors

The British Museum, Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Comments View
    • On weekdays in term time the centre is reserved for school groups 10:00-17:00.
    • At weekends and school holidays it is available for family use.
    • It is intended as a base for educational work, coat and bag storage and a place to eat picnic lunches.

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For the British Museum accessibility information page please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: different languages on request, large print on request, audio on request and Braille on request.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located in Russell Square Park.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • Manual wheelchairs are available to pre-book free of charge for your visit. These can be collected at the Great Russell Street entrance only and returned to either the Great Russell Street entrance or the Montague Place exit at the end of your visit.
    If you'd like to reserve a wheelchair, please either email [email protected] or phone 020 7323 8181.
    Please allow at least two working days' notice for reservations.
    Unfortunately, the Museum is unable to provide staff assistance around the Museum for wheelchair users.
    Wheelchairs may not be taken outside of the Museum site.
    .
  • Quieter Times and Sensory Information
    The Museum can sometimes be crowded and noisy.
    The quietest times to visit the Museum are when the galleries first open between 10.00 and 11.00 and again in the afternoon after 16.00. Please remember that the Museum closes at 17:00, except Fridays when open until 20.30.
    The middle of the day is usually the busiest time in the Museum galleries, cafés and shops.
    Please note that some Friday late openings have additional activities that can be busy and noisy.
    The busiest times are at weekends, during UK school holidays, UK bank holidays, Christmas and the New Year.
    The permanent galleries can get especially busy during the first and final weekends of a special exhibition.
    The quietest time of the year tends to be November and early December.
    For more information about the specific information about the quieter areas and a sensory map of the museum, please visit the British Museum Accessibility Page.
  • If you need assistance during your visit, staff members will be able to help you, The Visitor Services team wear blue or black shirts and a red lanyard/name badge and you can also ask for assistance at the Ticket Desk in the Great Court.
    There are sensory support back packs are available from the Families Desk in the Great Court, which is open on weekends and school holidays from 10.00–16.30.
  • Service, assistant, and emotional support animals – including assistant dogs in training – are welcome at the Museum.
    Service, assistant, and emotional support animals must be kept with you at all times and be identifiable as working. This includes a harness or lead which indicates their status and a high standard of behaviour in keeping with the animal's task and training.
    If your service, assistant or emotional support animal is not a dog, please contact the accessibility team at [email protected] prior to your visit to avoid disappointment on the day.
    .

Other Floors (Ford Centre and Clore Education Centre)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1 (Ford Centre) and -2 (Clore Centre for Education).
    • 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 15cm.
    • 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar stairs to the left and right of the Great Court as you enter from the Great Russell Street entrance foyer.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar stairs to the left and right of the Great Court as you enter from the Great Russell Street entrance foyer.

Lift (South Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the foyer after the Great Russell Street entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Great Russell Street 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 -2,-1, 0 and 3.
  • 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 not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 160cm (4ft 3in x 5ft 3in).
  • There are 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 low to moderate.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar lift on the opposite side of the foyer, to the right from the Great Russell Street entrance.

Outside Access (Ford Centre)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on level -1, to the right as you leave the right hand south lift from the Great Russell Street entrance foyer.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 156cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the right as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the centre 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 no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 100cm.
    • There is not 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 not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.

Inside Access

  • Access and Circulation View
    • There is step-free access throughout the area.
    • There is not a/are not door(s) in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring throughout is vinyl.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is bench seating at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding 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 does not play background music/sound.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • A portable loop system may be borrowed from the information desk in the Great Court and brought to this area.
  • Comments View
    • There are fixed tables and bench seats throughout the centre.
    • The table heights are 76cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ford Centre for Young Visitors East Side - Shared - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located opposite reception, ahead as you enter the centre.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Ford Centre entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • 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 light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 133cm from floor level.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm.
    • 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 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 female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 123cm and 130cm 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 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.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is 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 wall which acts as a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (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 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is push.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • 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).
  • 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 fair.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There are alternative accessible toilets available on level 0 in the Great Court and level -1 in the Clore Centre.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ford Centre for Young Visitors West Side - Shared - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of the centre.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • 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 sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 148cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • 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 87cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 94cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • 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 at the rear of the Ford Centre, opposite reception as you enter.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Ford Centre entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the baby change room, next to the accessible toilet.
    • There is step-free access into the baby change facilities.
    • 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a chair without armrests in the baby change room.
    • There are lowered sinks for children in the standard toilet areas.