Built in 2002, this modern building has been designed with access in mind. There are five levels in the Museum, all of which are accessible by lift or ramp. All staff have been provided with deaf and disability and autism awareness training. You should allow at least 1.5 – 3 hours for your visit.
Visiting during Coronavirus
Due to Coronavirus we have had to make a number of changes to the Museum to help keep everyone in our building safe. Ahead of visiting us it is important to know how these changes may impact your visit.
One-way route
A new one-way route has been implemented to help visitors observe social distancing. The route has been designed to enable visitors to see all areas of the Museum. If you follow the route you will encounter stairs. All floors of the Museum are accessible using lifts and ramps – we have created a handout to help those who can’t access the building by using the stairs to navigate their way round. The handout is available from the admissions desk.
Sensory needs
For films with sound we normally provide headphones for visitors to use. This is now not possible and we have removed the headphones for the time being. It may mean that noise and music will be played when selected on the touch screens.
Large print guides
Large print guides have been removed from the exhibition spaces. If you require a large print guide, please ask a member of staff.
Face coverings
Wearing a face covering is now mandatory in museums. You may be asked if you need a face mask at the entrance to the Museum. Our team understand that wearing a mask is not possible if you have a medical condition and we will not challenge you if you decline the offer.
Facilities at National Maritime Museum Cornwall
Lifts and ramps
The lifts and ramps at National Maritime Museum Cornwall provide access to all floors and galleries. Using the lift will mean you have to take a slightly different route to the one-way system.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located on the first and second floors and there are larger facilities available if required. An ADi Room Mate is installed in the accessible toilet near to the Waterside Cafe – ADi is an audio device for our blind and visually impaired visitors.
Baby changing facilities
The baby changing facilities are found in the accessible toilets on the first and second floors.
Changing Places
Currently National Maritime Museum Cornwall does not have a Changing Places. We really understand the importance of facilities such as these being available, and whilst we seek the necessary funding to build a Changing Place, we instead hire the services of Mobiloo.
Mobiloo’s are mobile accessible toilets with an adult-sized changing bench and hoist.
We will have Mobiloo facilities on site at National Maritime Museum Cornwall as follows:
- Wednesday 30 December 2020
- Saturday 13 February 2021
Find out more about Mobiloo at NMMC.
Wheelchairs
The Museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. There is:
- level access to the entrance
- lift and ramp access available to all floors
- First floor wheelchair accessible toilets
A small number of self-propelled wheelchairs are available for loan free of charge.
Blind and visually impaired visitors
Guide dogs
We welcome trained assistance dogs. A water bowl is available at the main entrance/exit for them.
Large print and braille guides
Large print and Braille guides are available free of charge from the admission desk.
Deaf and hearing impaired visitors
British Sign Language Tablet Tour
The British Sign Language (BSL) tablet tour is designed to help deaf BSL users gain a better understanding of the unique story of the museum and get more from their visit. The tablet is available from the admissions desk.
Subtitles
Subtitles are provided on all audio visual exhibits and films with speech in them.
Hearing loops
There are various hearing loops throughout the building. These can be identified by the hearing loop symbol.
Sensory needs
Access guide Social Story Sensory Map
Sensory bags
The sensory bags and ear defenders are available to anyone who may need them throughout the year and can be found at the admissions desk.
Relaxed Sessions
On certain days throughout the year the Museum offers Relaxed Sessions where noise is reduced, quiet spaces are allocated and sensory bags and ear defenders are available.
Find out more about National Maritime Museum Cornwall’s Relaxed Sessions.
Parking
The nearest public car park is one hundred metres away, across the square (a level, but cobbled surface). The car park has a number of designated accessible parking spaces.
Companion’s concession
Companions who are required to assist disabled visitors are admitted free of charge with a full paying visitor. To book please call 01326 313388.
If you require any further information of if, after your visit, you have any suggestions of other changes we might make, please let us know.
If, after your visit, you have any suggestions of other changes we might make, please let us know.
Contact us
For access information contact
Tel: 01326 313388
Email: enquiries@nmmc.co.uk
