Access
Bag searches and large luggage: for everyone’s safety all bags, rucksacks, packages and personal items may be searched before entry. Wheeled cases and large items of luggage are not allowed on British Museum premises. Storage for luggage is available at major rail stations, including Euston, King’s Cross and Charing Cross.
Museum entrances & security
The Great Russell Street entrance has 12 steps with a handrail.
There are self-operable lifts on both sides of the steps.
There is level access at the Montague Place entrance.
Easy access routes are available for visitors, including those with buggies, wheelchairs and guide dogs.
If you have any additional needs and require assistance, please let our uniformed staff know.
Lifts and access to galleries
The majority of galleries and all special exhibitions are fully accessible.
Free plans of the Museum are available in the Great Court, these show the location of lifts.
Parking for disabled people
There are a limited number of parking spaces available for disabled visitors to the Museum. These need to be booked in advance.
To request a space, please e-mail tickets@britishmuseum.org at least 48 hours in advance.You will need to provide your name and contact details; the vehicle registration number, make and model and the date and time of your visit. You will need to bring identification to prove your booking on the day.
We strongly recommend booking via email because our phone lines can be very busy. However, if you would like to book over the phone you can do so by calling +44 (0)20 7323 8181.
Due to space restrictions a 20-seater minibus is the maximum vehicle size bookable. For safety and security vehicles may be searched before entry.
Accessible toilets
There are accessible toilets in the Great Court, the Ford Centre for Young Visitors, the Clore Education Centre and to the north of Room 66.
Ask at the Information Desk in the Great Court.
Borrow a wheelchair
A limited number of wheelchairs are available at both entrances to borrow for your visit.
If you would like to book a wheelchair, please e-mail tickets@britishmuseum.org at least 48 hours in advance.
We strongly recommend booking via email because our phone lines can be very busy. However, if you would like to book over the phone you can do so by calling +44 (0)20 7323 8181.
Unfortunately the Museum cannot provide assistance around the Museum for wheelchair users.
Guide and assistance dogs
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome. Dog bowls are available.
Ask at the Information Desk in the Great Court.
Seating
There are benches and stools in the Great Court. Seating is available in selected galleries.
Ask at the Information Desk in the Great Court.
Concessions for exhibitions
Concessions for paying exhibitions and special morning tours are available for disabled visitors. A companion ticket is also provided free of charge
Audio guide
260 expert commentaries on highlight objects from the Museum,
available in 10 languages.
Sponsored by Korean Air
Available from the audio guide desk in the Great Court
British Sign Language Guide
The British Sign Language (BSL) guide is available free of charge for deaf or hard of hearing visitors. Four dynamic presenters interpret the objects in the collection, introduce tours and provide context based on curators’ commentaries – all on a high resolution screen.
Available from the audio guide desk in the Great Court
British Sign Language tours
Deaf-led BSL tours are provided for some special exhibitions
Sound enhancement system / Induction loops
Induction loops operate in the Clore Centre and Information Desk.
A sound enhancement system with portable induction loops is available for most gallery talks and highlights tours.
Audio descriptive guide
The audio descriptive guide is available free of charge for blind or partially sighted visitors and others who find audio description helpful. It contains detailed description of objects along with curators’ commentaries. It is available on a touchpad device.
Available from the audio guide desk in the Great Court
Handling sessions
The Museum runs daily hands on sessions in selected galleries
Touch tours
A touch tour is available for the Egyptian Sculpture Gallery (Room 4).
Large print guides
Large print guides for selected galleries and some temporary exhibitions are available. Email: access@britishmuseum.org for more information.
Magnifying glasses
Magnifying glasses are available to borrow; a £5 deposit is required.