Venue Description

Our award-winning corner of the West Midlands is now one of the finest and largest open-air museums in the United Kingdom. After very humble beginnings, a bright idea and 40 years of inspiration, this is twenty-six acres worth exploring. Amazing as it may seem, we have created a ‘place’ – a real and lively place, where once there was nothing and nobody. With a village and charismatic residents to chat with. Trams to ride. Games to play. Things being made. Stories to hear. People - their triumphs to admire and troubles to be thankful that are not ours. Time to be well spent.

Accessibility

Access is available to the majority of buildings although, as they are authentic historic exhibits, many require the use of temporary, portable ramps. A map of the Museum is available at reception which will help you to navigate the site or you can download the Access Map before your visit. Manual Wheelchairs – the Museum has a number of manual wheelchairs ( rated 18 stone / 115 kilos weight ) which can be used on the day subject to availability or which can be booked in advance via 0121 520 8054 or email bookings@bclm.com. There is no charge for the use of the wheelchairs. All of our staff will be pleased to help you to get the most from your visit so please ask if you have any special requirements or need additional support. Unfortunately, the underground mine experience is not accessible for wheelchairs or people with limited mobility. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Transport The Museum has a vintage style vehicle, 'DORIS' named after the mother of one of the original donors of the vehicle. Doris is the Museum’s accessibility vehicle, she has a tail lift to enable visitors in wheelchairs and those with mobility issues easy access. Doris is able to carry manual wheelchairs and pushchairs, but not motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters. Signs with information about this service are located near the tram stops. At any time you can call for Doris the Museum’s accessibility vehicle either by asking any of the transport drivers at a designated stop or by calling the Duty Manager on 07788 666161. Toilets There are plenty of easily located adapted and accessible toilets located around the Museum. There is no need to bring a radar key with you on your visit, as the only toilet in need of a radar key is located at the Bottle and Glass Inn, where a key is available on request. Our nearest Changing Places toilets are located at Dudley Archive and Local History Centre, just 5 minutes walk from our main visitor reception. If you would like more details please call 01384 812771 (lines open from Tues - Sat)

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.bclm.co.uk/visiting/accessibility/24.htmk

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.bclm.co.uk/media/visiting/library/access-guide-2017_1.pdf

Accessible Performances

The Black Country Living Museum has deaf friendly and audio descriptive tours once a month on a Saturday. Check website for dates https://www.bclm.co.uk/whats-on.htm

Awards List

Young Person or Apprentice of the Year Award at the Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards Best Museum Visit in the School Travel Awards 16/17- Winner. West Midlands Volunteer Group Awards 2016 - Runner up Museums + Heritage Award for Trading & Enterprise - Winner Best Midlands Visitor Attraction , What’s On Readers’ Awards 2016 - Winner And Best Visitor Attraction – Wolverhampton and Black Country, What’s On Readers’ Awards 2016 - Winner Hemelryk Award, the Historic Narrow Boat Club - Winner WW1 Greengrocers project, the best Project on a Limited Budget in the UK, at the National Museums & Heritage Awards for Excellence.

Toilets

Our nearest Changing Places toilets are located at Dudley Archives and Local History Centre, just 5 minutes' walk from our main visitor reception. Changing Places opening times: Closed Monday Tue 09:30 - 17:00 Wed 10:30 - 16:00 Thu 10:30 - 16:00 Fri 10:30 - 16:00 Sat 10.00 - 16.30 Closed Sunday

Staff

Our staff will help you to get the most from your visit so please ask them if you have any special requirements or need additional support. Our deaf friendly tours are facilitated by a qualified British Sign Language interpreter alongside our historical characters who will support the tour. Experience our Audio Descriptive tours with one of our trained historic characters exploring Black Country history through touch and handling experiences.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the site. Our Dog Amenities areas are located on site. Download access map to locate the specific areas. Water bowls are also available.

Other assistance dog facilities

Please see attached link to the Access map, please be adviced to check the website before your visit, due to the Forging Ahead development project; Link to Access Map https://www.bclm.co.uk/media/visiting/library/access-map-web-version.pdf Link to Forging Ahead Development project https://www.bclm.co.uk/forging-ahead.htm