British Museum Accessibility

The British Museum is committed to welcoming all visitors

Accessibility at the British Museum

The British Museum is fully committed to accessibility and welcomes all visitors. The museum has invested significantly in ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone.

Wheelchair access: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Lifts provide access to all floors, and most galleries have wide doorways and level access. The main entrance on Great Russell Street has step-free access, as does the Montague Place entrance at the rear.

Wheelchair loans: Free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Ask at the information desk in the Great Court.

BSL tours: The museum offers British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted gallery tours and talks. These are scheduled regularly — check the events calendar on the official website for dates and booking.

Audio description tours: Audio description tours are available for blind and partially sighted visitors, providing detailed verbal descriptions of key objects and galleries.

Tactile tours: Touch tours allow visitors to handle replica objects and explore tactile resources, providing a hands-on experience of the collection.

Changing Places facility: The museum has a Changing Places toilet with a hoist, height-adjustable changing bench, and adequate space for carers. Located on the lower ground floor.

Assistance dogs: Guide dogs and other assistance dogs are welcome throughout all areas of the museum.

Accessibility FAQ

Questions about accessible visits to the British Museum

Is the British Museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the British Museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Lifts serve all floors and most galleries have level access. Both the main entrance on Great Russell Street and the Montague Place entrance offer step-free access. Free wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis from the information desk.
Are there tours for deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors?
Yes, the British Museum offers BSL (British Sign Language) interpreted gallery tours and talks on a regular schedule. Check the events calendar on the official website for upcoming BSL events. Some events also have live captioning. The audio guide also has visual content that can complement the experience.
What resources are available for visually impaired visitors?
The museum offers audio description tours providing detailed verbal descriptions of key objects. Touch tours allow visitors to handle replica objects. Guide dogs are welcome throughout the museum. Large-print gallery guides are available. Staff at the information desk can provide assistance with orientation and navigation.
Is there a Changing Places toilet?
Yes, the British Museum has a Changing Places toilet facility on the lower ground floor. It is equipped with a ceiling hoist, a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, and sufficient space for up to two carers. Standard accessible toilets are also available on multiple floors throughout the museum.

The British Museum Welcomes Everyone

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