Accessible and interesting
Visit date:
Overview
I spent a good few hours looking around the Wellcome Collection. There was loads of interesting things to see as well as great spaces to sit and relax or grab a bite to eat. There were lots of people there but it only felt busy in the cafe and restaurant as all the other spaces are large enough to feel spacious.
Transport & Parking
I arrived into London Euston train station and it was only a short walk to Wellcome. The nearest underground stations are Euston Square, Euston and Warren Street.
Access
There are multiple lifts to take people to every floor and a platform lift when you first enter the building. I liked the mix of video, visual, written and audio materials in each exhibition. All of the exhibitions had large print guides. There were some great tactile objects in the 'Medicine Man' and the 'Being Human' exhibitions. I only spotted portable seats and digital guides at the start of the 'Medicine Man' exhibition. There are seats throughout Wellcome and I'd definitely recommend visiting the Reading Room on the second floor (interesting things to see and read and a nice mix of seating options)! The 'Play Well' exhibition had interpretation at a great hight for wheelchair users, however, I did feel that some of the items and interactive elements in the 'Medicine Man' exhibit were too high for most wheelchair users. I did also spot a sign to say that audio descriptions, BSL guides and tactile materials will be added to the 'Being Human' exhibition.
Toilets
I believe there are accessible toilets on every floor. They each had a different look and the one on the second floor had a sliding door. On the ground floor there is a Changing Places toilet that can be accessed with a RADAR key. The accessible toilets I look at looked like there was enough space to manoeuvre and had the appropriate grab rails and red emergency cords (with Euan's Guide's Red Cord Cards attached). The flush on each was located on the wall behind the toilet, which might not be the best location for everyone. It was great to see that two of the three accessible toilets I looked in also had a shelf next to the toilet.
Staff
I had minimal interactions with staff during my visit, but the ones I did speak to in the cafe were very efficient and happy to help.
Anything else you wish to tell us?
I liked how every space had a different look and feel. The corridor and space between the displays feels generous compared to some other museums, which helps to make the space accessible and feel spacious. There are also lots of events going on here so make sure you check them out. I was pleased to discover that they are they are open until 9pm on Thursdays.
Comments
You have to be signed in to leave a comment.
Login / Signup