Accessibility guide

Introduction

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. You should allow at least 1.5 hours for your visit. Large print and Braille guides are available free of charge from reception. A small number of wheelchairs are available for loan free of charge.

Access guide

If you have any access queries or require any assistance please phone 01326 313388 or email enquiries@nmmc.co.uk

Our access guide in full Social Story Easy Read Social Story Sensory Map

Additional Information

All of our staff receive regular training including disability awareness training. We welcome trained assistance dogs. A water bowl is available at the main entrance/exit for them. Companions who are required to assist disabled visitors are admitted free of charge.

Changing Places

Changing Places facilities increase access for those who need the extra space, hoists and changing tables provided in these toilet facilities.

After the Changing Places group raised the issue with us, we have explored creating a more permanent offering within our building. However, the structural implications of such a project require significant investment. National Maritime Museum Cornwall believes in the importance of making Changing Places facilities available to visitors who require them. 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 19th June 2019
Wednesday 21st August 2019

Find out more about Mobiloo at NMMC.

Our changing places statement in full

Please contact our Visitor Services Manager Matt Lee by email or telephone: 01326 214 552 for further information.

Wheelchairs

The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. There is:

level access to the entrance
lift and ramp access available to all floors including the Tower and Tidal galleries
1st and 2nd floor wheelchair accessible toilets

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.

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. The sensory bags and ear defenders are always available from the admissions desk.

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.

Guide dogs

Dogs are not permitted inside the museum, however we do welcome visitors with guide dogs and assistance dogs. A dog ‘lounge’ is available outside the museum in a sheltered and protected location near the entrance with a dog bed, lead tie up and water bowl.

‘Hands-on’ exhibits throughout the museum

Many galleries include interactive exhibits and objects on open display, as well as music and oral history, which is of benefit to those with sensory impairment. The Museum is working towards ensuring that our exhibits are accessible to all visitors and has a development plan for this work. We make every effort to ensure that staff throughout the museum are sensitive to the particular needs that visitors may have.

If, after your visit, you have any suggestions of other changes we might make, please let us know.