Access and facilities
Museum entrances
The Main entrance to the Museum on Great Russell Street has 12
steps with handrails at each side. There are self-operable lifts on
both sides of the steps, with bells for visitors to call for
assistance if required.
There is a level entrance to the Museum on Montague Place and a
lift to the different floors in the Museum.
Information Desk
The Information Desk is in the Great Court
+44 (0)20 7323 8299
information@britishmuseum.org
Access information
Lifts
There are lifts throughout the Museum and the vast majority of
galleries, and all special exhibitions are fully accessible. You
can find out the location of the lifts and how to get to the
galleries by picking up a free plan of the Museum from the
Information Desk in the Great Court.
Guide dogs
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome. Dog bowls are available
from the Information Desk.
Wheelchairs
Wheelchairs are available at both entrances. If you would like
to reserve a wheelchair for your visit, please contact us on +44
(0)20 7323 8299.
Large print guides
There are large print versions of What’s on, the free
plan of the Museum and selected gallery guides. These are available
from the Information Desk.
Magnifying glasses
You can borrow a magnifying glass from the Information Desk; a
£5 deposit will be required.
Sign language
Some of our talks are sign interpreted. For details, pick up
What's on from the Information Desk.
Touch tours and handling
sessions
A touch tour is available for the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery
(Room 4) and the Parthenon Sculptures (Room 18). Please ask at the
Information Desk for further details.
Sound enhancement system
A sound enhancement system with portable induction loops is
available for most gallery talks and to support sign-interpreted
tours. For more information on this service, please ask at the
Information Desk.
Parking
There is limited parking in the Museum’s forecourt for disabled
users only. You can arrange this by telephoning the Information
Desk on +44 (0)20 7323 8299. Please provide details of the
registration number, make and model of the vehicle together with
the date of your visit.
Filming
Photography with flash and video recording is permitted in most
galleries for private purposes only, using hand-held equipment. For
commercial photography and filming please see business services.
Facilities
Cloakrooms
The main cloakroom is to the west of the Main entrance. There is
another at the North entrance. £1.50 per item, 50 pence for
umbrellas, fold-up pushchairs free.
Maximum size: 40x40x50cm
Maximum weight: 8kg (except fold-up pushchairs)
Luggage restrictions
Please do not bring large bags or suitcases to the Museum. Items
larger than 40x40x50cm are not allowed on the British Museum
premises for safety and security reasons.
Wheeled cases must be carried or left in the cloakrooms.
Special exhibitions may have additional restrictions.
The Museum reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to vary
or alter these conditions without prior notice.
Lost property
Lost property is at the North entrance cloakroom.
lostproperty@britishmuseum.org
Toilets
There are toilets on every floor of the Museum. Accessible
toilets are located in the Great Court, the Ford Centre for Young
Visitors, the Clore Education Centre and to the north of Room
66.
Babies
There are baby feeding rooms in the Ford Centre for Young
Visitors and near the East stairs.
Baby changing facilities:
Ford Centre for Young Visitors
Great Court
East stairs
North stairs (level 0)
North stairs (level 3)
Bags and buggies
If you need to leave bags or other equipment while you visit,
there are lockers (£1 deposit) in the Ford Centre for Young
Visitors. Please note, this closes at 17.00 daily.
More information about visiting the Museum
with children
If you have any additional enquiries about access services at
the Museum, please contact our Information Desk on +44 (0)20
7323 8299
Download our
Disability Equality Scheme and Action Plan (pdf
92Kb)