Overview

I last visited in May 2021, just after Wellcome had re-opened. This review is about the 2 new temporary exhibitions Joy and Tranquillity which just opened this month. They are both on until 27 February 2022. Delighted to see that although the government has ended all covid restrictions Wellcome are keeping covid safety measures in place. I'd like to give them a huge thank you for this, as it makes me as a clinically vulnerable person confident to visit them.

Transport & Parking

The Wellcome Collection is centrally located on Euston Road and almost opposite Euston Station. Also nearby are Euston Square and Warren Street Tube Stations. The nearest step free tube station is King's Cross. There are a number of buses that stop very close by. I travelled on public transport to get there and it was only a 2 minute walk from getting off the bus.

Access

I've done a recent review so this is just an update. The covid safety restrictions which were in place at last visit are still in place, so people are asked to pre-book as timed entry continues, wear face masks unless except, socially distance, wash their hands. To the left of the top of the stairs/ lift at the entrance there are 4 seats with back support. I had raised it last time that the sofa with no back support was too low and I was happy/ touched that when I returned that the staff had listened to what I had said and had replaced the seating for something much more accessible. Thank you so much Wellcome. The cafe is still spaced out and the shop is still closed. There are 2 new temporary exhibitions Tranquillity on Level 0 and Joy on Level 1. The topics feel very timely as we all could do with peace and joy in our lives given the last 18 months we've all had. Tranquillity is a very peaceful gallery with soothing background music. The exhibition is in 3 parts. The first My Body is a Temple of Gloom section and the third and final section Regarding Forests are dimly lit and the middle section called Balancing Act is brighter. The exhibition is spacious and well designed. We went on a Friday afternoon and it wasn't busy. It was very easy to social distance. There is seating throughout the gallery, which shows that accessible furniture can be contemporary and creative. There is one exhibition, which is a digital photo gallery and to turn the pages you wave your hand in front of the screen. We felt very mellow and chilled going through the gallery. It was nice to stop and ponder. It's definitely one of my favourites of their temporary exhibitions. Joy is very visual. The first section depicts people dancing, the second section has a number of smaller and fun exhibits and the third and final section is called Procession of Eighteen. The gallery is again well spaced out and there is plenty of seating. Neither of the 2 temporary were too busy and the spaced out layout means that it was easy to social distance. It was a very relaxing and stress free visit. In between the galleries we went to the cafe on Level 0. It was not too busy when we arrived and tables are spaced out. We both had a veggie lunch box. Really delicious and wonderful combo of textures and flavours. The food is pre-packaged but it is still freshly made and the quality is excellent. It was nice sitting there and catching up after having not seen each other since early 2020. Then we became aware that next to us a table became occupied by a group of about 8-9 people. At that point we decided to cut out visit to the cafe short and we left. I raised it with staff, see staff comments below. We went back to the cafe later, when it was quiet for cake. We had a really lovely and apart from the large group in the cafe, the rest of the time we both felt very safe.

Toilets

The automatic flush- dry toilet in the Changing Rooms toilet is now operational. Clean, spacious, emergency cords with Euan's Guide cards, everything perfect.

Staff

Staff were very helpful and welcoming. There is still security bag search in place and you sign in with staff when you arrive. The service in the cafe was again exceptional, the staff are always proactive in offering help. When we left the cafe early I spoke to one of the members of staff to check their policy regarding groups. I was told that they were keeping to smaller sizes. I suggested that maybe as the cafe is so spacious there could be a designated area for people who are wanting to sit in larger groups and those who want to maintain social distancing/ are clinically vulnerable. I'm sure that Wellcome will address this, as they were very concerned that we were feeling uncomfortable about the large group.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Don't miss the Updating Happiness wall by Stefanie Posavec, where you can create your own image on your phone. Mine's was predictably "True happiness comes from reading Agatha Christie". Thank you so much Wellcome for maintaining covid precautions and enabling us to feel safe during our visit. Thanks too for the new seating on Level 0 opposite the information desk, it was very much appreciated when I arrived. The flush-dry toilet in the Changing Places toilet is fabulous. Also thanks for 2 lovely new exhibitions and delicious food. Your staff are a credit to you.

Photos