Barbican Centre

Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS, United Kingdom | 02076384141 | Website

TinaHodgkinson

London

535

320

One of the most accessible venues in London - Visit on Disabled Access Day

Visit date: March 2019

This review is especially helpful for those who have or use the following: Walking Aid

Overview

The Barbican Centre is an arts venue which contains cinema, theatre, 2 art galleries, exhibition halls, conservatory, library and restaurants. This review is specifically about my visit on Disabled Access Day 2019 where there were disabled musicians performing throughout the day and the day ended with a panel discussion.

Transport & Parking

The Barbican Centre is located in the City of London so is very central. The nearest step free tube is Farringdon. There are several buses that stop close by. There is disabled parking. The Barbican Centre is a large complex with several levels. Their website provides good information about how to get to the centre and there are excellent pictorial maps which show you step free routes from the nearest tube stations. Unfortunately the tube stations featured don't have step free access. It would be good if they updated their maps to include a step free route from Farringdon which is accessible.

Access

The Centre has step free access from the main entrance on Silk Street. There a lifts to all floors, and at the time of writing a new lift for the art gallery is being installed. Access is excellent. The panel discussion had speech to text and there was also a BSL interpreter. There was also a demonstration of how to play music using eye movement, see photo.

Toilets

There is a Changing Places toilet with hoist, movable bench and shower, see photos, within their Beech Street Cinema complex. In the main Barbican building there are spacious, accessible toilets with grab rails and emergency cords.

Staff

Staff were very approachable, friendly and helpful. The staff are very committed to improving access and including disabled performers on their events programme.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

There’s lots of different things to enjoy at the Barbican, it is extremely accessible plus it is still one of the few places in central London with a Changing Places toilet. Thanks to the Barbican Centre for taking part in Disabled Access Day and being so welcoming and accessible.