Access Guide
National Museum of Scotland
Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1JF
Tel: 0131 247 4422
Fax: 0131 220 4819
Textphone: 18001 0131 2474219
Email: info@nms.ac.uk
Web: http://www.nms.ac.uk
Opening Times
| Day | Opening Times |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Location
The venue is situated within the centre of the town or city.
This venue is situated in Edinburgh.
The venue is not on a road with a steep gradient.
The nearest mainline Railway Station is Edinburgh Waverley.
The Museum consists of two buildings – one Victorian, the other a modern building opened in 1998.
For level access please use the Tower entrance in the modern building on the corner of Chambers Street and Forrest Road.
Parking
This venue does not have its own car park.
On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
On street Blue Badge parking is located in Chambers Street.
The convenient dropoff point is located to the rear of the venue (Lothian Street)
The photograph shows the convenient drop-off point.
Outside Access (Tower Entrance - Main Visitor Entrance)
There is level access to the service.
The main doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The door opening is 175cm (5ft 8in) wide.
There is a second set of doors.
The doors open automatically.
The doors are double width.
The door opening is 175cm (5ft 8in) wide.
Outside Access (Chambers Street - Stepped Entrance)
There is not level access to the service.
The main doors open by revolving.
No Level Access (Chambers Street - Stepped Entrance)
There are steps to access this area/service.
There are 15 steps to the area/service.
The lighting levels at the steps are bright.
The steps are not clearly marked.
The steps are deep.
The steps do have handrails.
The handrails are on both sides.
Although the main entrance doors are revolving, there are 2 double doors either side that can be used.
It would be necessary for a member of staff to open these doors.
Immediately beyond the doors there are 8 steps leading up to the Information Desk in the Main Hall.
Outside Access (Lothian Street)
There is not level access to the service.
The intercom is in a position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
The main doors open towards you (pull).
The doors are double width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 104cm (3ft 4in) wide.
No Level Access (Lothian Street)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
The width of the ramp or slope is 125cm (4ft 1in).
Immediately beyond the door there is a moderate ramp (120 cm wide) leading to the Main Hall and the Information Desk.
Reception (Reception - Tower Entrance)
The reception desk is 4m (13ft 1in) from the front entrance.
There is level access to reception from the entrance.
The reception desk is low.
Lighting levels are bright.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
Reception (from Stepped Entrance)
The reception desk is 25m (27yd) from the front entrance.
There is level access to reception from the entrance.
The reception desk is medium height.
Lighting levels are bright.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
Inside Access (from Tower Entrance)
There is not level access to the service.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
This venue does not play background music.
The lighting levels are bright.
No Level Access (from Tower Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located on the ground floor (North Gallery).
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
The width of the ramp or slope is 140cm (4ft 7in).
The photograph shows the moderate ramp in the North Gallery.
Inside Access (Main Hall (from Lothian Street & Stepped Entrance))
There is level access to the service.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
This venue does not play background music.
The lighting levels are bright.
There is a moderate ramp (120cm wide) immediately beyond the Lothian Street Entrance.
Other Floors
The floors which are accessible by stairs are G - 2.
There are 15+ steps between floors.
The lighting level is bright.
The steps are clearly marked.
The steps are medium height.
The steps do have handrails.
The steps have a handrail on both sides.
There is a landing.
Other Floors
The floors which are accessible by stairs are G - M in Bird Hall.
There are 15+ steps between floors.
The lighting level is bright.
The steps are clearly marked.
The steps are medium height.
The steps do have handrails.
The steps have a handrail on the right side going up.
There is a landing.
The services on the floors which are not accessible are the mezzanine level of the Bird Hall.
Other Floors
The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0-7.
There are 15+ steps between floors.
The lighting level is bright.
The steps are clearly marked.
The steps are deep.
The steps do have handrails.
The steps have a handrail on both sides.
There is a landing.
Lift (G-2)
There is a lift for public use.
The lift is a standard lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are G - 2.
The lift is 50m (55yd) from the accessible entrance.
Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
The dimensions of the lift are 1.08m x 1.3m (3ft 6in x 4ft 3in).
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 lighting level in the lift is bright.
The lift does not have Braille markings.
The lift does not have tactile markings.
Lift (Basement)
There is a lift for public use.
The lift is located Level 0 (Basement Floor).
The lift is a platform lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are the lower section of the basement floor.
The lift is 70m (76yd) from the accessible entrance.
The dimensions of the lift are 0.95m x 1.5m (3ft 1in x 4ft 11in).
This lift overcomes a level change of 6 medium steps.
Lift (Hawthornden Court)
There is a lift for public use.
The lift is located in Hawthornden Court.
The lift is a standard lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0-2-4-6.
The lift is 60m (65yd) from the accessible entrance.
Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
The dimensions of the lift are 3.8m x 1.4m (12ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
The lift does have an audible announcer.
The lighting level in the lift is bright.
The lift does not have Braille markings.
The lift does have tactile markings.
Lift (Terrace)
There is a lift for public use.
The lift is located at the rear of the venue.
The lift is a standard lift.
The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0-7.
The lift is 100m (109yd) from the accessible entrance.
Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
The dimensions of the lift are 2.18m x 1.6m (7ft 1in x 5ft 2in).
There is not 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 lighting level in the lift is bright.
The lift does have Braille markings.
The lift does not have tactile markings.
Adapted Toilet (Connect Gallery)
There are adapted toilets within this venue designated for public use.
Location of and access to adapted toilets
The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
The adapted toilet is 100m (109yd) from the accessible entrance.
The adapted toilet is located off the Connect Gallery.
Features and dimensions of adapted toilets
This is a unisex toilet.
A key is not required for the adapted toilet.
The door opens outwards.
The door is locked by a twist lock.
The dimensions of the adapted toilet are 180cm x 205cm (5ft 10in x 6ft 8in).
There is a lateral transfer space.
As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
The lateral transfer space is 105cm (3ft 5in).
The tap type is push.
There is a functional emergency alarm available.
Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
There is not a coat hook.
Position of fixtures in adapted toilets
Wall mounted rails are available.
As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
There are mirrors in the adapted toilet.
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 42cm (1ft 4in).
There is not a hand dryer.
There is a towel dispenser.
The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm.
The towel dispenser is 106cm (3ft 5in) high.
There is a toilet roll holder.
The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a sink.
The sink is not placed higher than 74cm.
Colour contrast and lighting in adapted toilets
The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
Lighting levels are bright.
Wall mounted and drop down rails are available.
There are baby changing facilities in the adapted toilet.
The nearest accessible entrance to the toilets is the Tower Entrance in Chambers Street.
Adapted Toilet (Tower Entrance)
There are adapted toilets within this venue designated for public use.
Location of and access to adapted toilets
The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
The adapted toilet is 25m (27yd) from the accessible entrance.
The adapted toilet is located to the rear of reception.
Features and dimensions of adapted toilets
This is a unisex toilet.
A key is not required for the adapted toilet.
The door opens outwards.
The door is locked by a twist lock.
The dimensions of the adapted toilet are 210cm x 260cm (6ft 10in x 8ft 6in).
There is a lateral transfer space.
As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
The lateral transfer space is 62cm (2ft ).
The tap type is lever.
There is a functional emergency alarm available.
Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
There is a coat hook.
The coat hook is not within 120cm (3ft 11in) from floor level.
Position of fixtures in adapted toilets
Wall mounted rails are available.
As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
There are not mirrors in the adapted toilet.
The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 6in).
There is not a hand dryer.
There is a towel dispenser.
The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a toilet roll holder.
The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a sink.
The sink is placed higher than 74cm.
The sink is 75cm (2ft 5in) high.
Colour contrast and lighting in adapted toilets
The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
Lighting levels are bright.
Wall mounted and drop down rails are available.
There are baby changing facilities in the adapted toilet.
Standard Toilet (Connect Gallery)
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
Standard toilets are available.
Access to Standard Female Toilets
The female toilets are located off the Connect Gallery.
The female toilets are 100m (109yd) from the accessible entrance.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
Lighting levels are low.
Access to Standard Male Toilets
The male toilets are located off the Connect Gallery.
The male toilets are 100m (109yd) from the accessible entrance.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
Lighting levels are bright.
Baby Change Facilities
Baby change facilities are not located within the standard toilet.
The nearest accessible entrance to the toilets is the Tower Entrance in Chambers Street.
Standard Toilet (Tower Entrance)
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
Standard toilets are available.
Access to Standard Female Toilets
The female toilets are located to the rear of reception.
The female toilets are 25m (27yd) from the accessible entrance.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
Lighting levels are bright.
Access to Standard Male Toilets
The male toilets are located off the Connect Gallery.
The male toilets are 100m (109yd) from the accessible entrance.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
Lighting levels are bright.
Baby Change Facilities
Baby change facilities are not located within the standard toilet.
Restaurant / Bar (CAFé DeLOS)
Once inside, there is level access to the service.
Full table service is available.
There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
No tables are permanently fixed.
No chairs are permanently fixed.
The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 74cm (2ft 5in) cm.
Menus are hand held.
Menus are not available in Braille.
Menus are not available in large print.
Menus are clearly written.
Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
The type of food served here is light meals and snacks.
Restaurant / Bar (Soupson)
Once inside, there is level access to the service.
Full table service is not available.
Food or drinks are ordered from the service 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.
The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 75cm (2ft 5in) cm.
Menus are .
Menus are not available in large print.
Menus are clearly written.
Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
The type of food served here is hot and cold snacks.
Restaurant / Bar (Tower Restaurant)
Once inside, there is level access to the service.
Full table service is available.
There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
No tables are permanently fixed.
Some chairs are permanently fixed.
The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 75cm (2ft 5in) cm.
Menus are hand held.
Menus are not available in Braille.
Menus are not available in large print.
Menus are clearly written.
Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
The type of food served here is modern Scottish cuisine.
The restaurant is located on level 5.
Museum
Tactile signage for exhibits is available.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
Concessions are available.
There is a wheelchair to borrow.
To borrow the wheelchair any member of staff.
There are a number of wheelchairs available to borrow.
To borrow the wheelchairs, please ask a member of staff at the entrance.
'Whats On' information is available on audio tape and in Braille and large print on request.
Admission to the museum is free except for special exhibitions.
Free sound guides, in various languages, are available for all visitors to the Museum.
Additional Information
Staff do receive disability awareness training.
Documents are available in Braille.
Documents are available in large print.
Registered assistance dogs are welcomed.
Plastic cups are available.
Plastic cutlery is available.
Drinking straws are available on request.
'Hearing Helper' radio aids are available for loan at no charge from the cloakroom for guided tours and talks to help visitors, with or without a hearing impairment, to hear the guide.
For those who have difficulty seeing the exhibits or reading the information about them, a Personal Access Guide can be booked by telephoning 0131 2474206. There is no charge for this service. At least two weeks' notice is appreciated.
To arrange a special tour with handling sessions for visitors with visual impairments, please call 0131 2474206.
If you wish to book a BSL interpreter for any tours or other events, please e-mail f.ferguson@nms.ac.uk, giving at least two weeks notice.
The photograph shows the exhibit area. Staff are trained to take TypeTalk calls.
