Hi Everyone,
This is just a short, but really interesting end-of-week post from Access London, before we launch a series of posts next week on our recommended hotel for 2011.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity of a short Q&A session with the Box Office Manager from The Gielgud Theatre and below is how the transcript read. For more information on The Gielgud and its' productions, please see my previous post.
The Gielgud Theatre Q&A
Who are you and what is your role at The Gielgud Theatre?
I am Rob Smith, Box Office Manager of The Gielgud Theatre, Delfont Mackintosh Theatres
Can you explain how the theatre is accessible to those with disabilities/mobility problems?
We have a dedicated Access number for enquiries and cater for all those who need specific access to our venue. To make arrangements for your visit, call 0844 482 5137. The telephone number is for all seven theatres in the Delfont Mackintosh group and is charged at a local rate. Simply select the theatre you need to contact and you'll be transferred through to the Box Office directly at that theatre. The Box Office will advise you on the best available seats, according to your needs, and will provide as much information as necessary to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Do you have a special offer currently on that is accessible to those with disabilities?
The theatre is currently dark until 5th March 2011 when it opens its new production, The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
Do you have any concessions for disabled visitors and/or their carers?
The next production will be 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' which previews from March 5th 2011. DMT's policy is that the cheapest clear view seat for each production is also the price of the Access/Disabled concession. The price is £29.50 for the next production. One carer is also welcome to accompany you at the same price.
Please sum up in 5 words The Gielgud Theatre experience
Welcoming, Friendly and Hassle-Free!
I would just like to say a big thank you to Rob Smith for that interview and to all at The Gielgud theatre for being so helpful and friendly and for an amazing night out - I will definitely be back soon.
NEXT WEEK: Access London's recommended hotel for 2011 - The Cavendish
Please feel free to leave a comment and to follow this blog.
Friday, 21 January 2011
Monday, 17 January 2011
The Gielgud Theatre & Yes Prime Minister
Hi Everyone. This post will be on the first theatre I have reviewed so far on this blog and also a bit about the play I saw there.
The Gielgud theatre is located on Shaftesbury Avenue in London, a really central location and a road that has many theatres on it, including The Queens Theatre right next door to The Gielgud. The Gielgud theatre is one of the many London theatres that has its stalls at basement level, therefore the dress circle is the tier that is on street level.
If you are in a wheelchair or use a mobility scooter (or have any trouble using stairs) then the dress circle is where you will need to book tickets for. Contact the theatre booking line on 0844 482 5137 for more information on tickets and seating. For those with mobility problems, there is an entrance on Rupert Street, to the left of the theatre, that has a ramped access, instead of stairs (again, please notify the theatre beforehand so that a member of staff can open this entrance for you).
The theatre foyer is relatively small but has a bar and cloakroom and disabled toilets nearby. There is also another bar upstairs. The theatre looks to have been fairly recently decorated as it is clean and fresh and dripping with period features. All of the staff were extremely helpful - from the booking office staff to the ushers - one of which was the most helpful usher I have ever met. He was waiting for us to arrive, opened the side entrance door for us, took us to our seats, checked on us during the interval and came back to collect us at the end - an absolute star!
Inside the theatre, the decor is luxurious with a grand chandelier commanding full attention from above. The chairs are very comfy and appeared somewhat larger than other theatres I have visited. There is pretty generous leg room in most aisles too.
The performance I saw was Yes Prime Minister, staring David Haig and Henry Goodman. It was a brilliantly written piece, very funny and was performed with great timing by all the cast. Unfortunately this show has now come to the end of its run as we saw it on its final night. However, if you get the chance to see it on tour, I would definitely recommend it for an excellent night out for all. The writers (from the original TV show) have brought it right up to date - with a coalition Government, global warming, expenses scalndals and a financial crisis.
The video shows some of the theatre and the set from Yes Prime Minister.
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I would definitely recommend a night out to The Gielgud - its next production, opening in March, is Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
Up next: Our recommended hotel for 2011 - The Cavendish
Please feel free to leave a comment or follow Access London to keep up to date with what's going on in the capital.
The Gielgud theatre is located on Shaftesbury Avenue in London, a really central location and a road that has many theatres on it, including The Queens Theatre right next door to The Gielgud. The Gielgud theatre is one of the many London theatres that has its stalls at basement level, therefore the dress circle is the tier that is on street level.
If you are in a wheelchair or use a mobility scooter (or have any trouble using stairs) then the dress circle is where you will need to book tickets for. Contact the theatre booking line on 0844 482 5137 for more information on tickets and seating. For those with mobility problems, there is an entrance on Rupert Street, to the left of the theatre, that has a ramped access, instead of stairs (again, please notify the theatre beforehand so that a member of staff can open this entrance for you).
The theatre foyer is relatively small but has a bar and cloakroom and disabled toilets nearby. There is also another bar upstairs. The theatre looks to have been fairly recently decorated as it is clean and fresh and dripping with period features. All of the staff were extremely helpful - from the booking office staff to the ushers - one of which was the most helpful usher I have ever met. He was waiting for us to arrive, opened the side entrance door for us, took us to our seats, checked on us during the interval and came back to collect us at the end - an absolute star!
Inside the theatre, the decor is luxurious with a grand chandelier commanding full attention from above. The chairs are very comfy and appeared somewhat larger than other theatres I have visited. There is pretty generous leg room in most aisles too.
The performance I saw was Yes Prime Minister, staring David Haig and Henry Goodman. It was a brilliantly written piece, very funny and was performed with great timing by all the cast. Unfortunately this show has now come to the end of its run as we saw it on its final night. However, if you get the chance to see it on tour, I would definitely recommend it for an excellent night out for all. The writers (from the original TV show) have brought it right up to date - with a coalition Government, global warming, expenses scalndals and a financial crisis.
The video shows some of the theatre and the set from Yes Prime Minister.
">
I would definitely recommend a night out to The Gielgud - its next production, opening in March, is Umbrellas of Cherbourg.
Up next: Our recommended hotel for 2011 - The Cavendish
Please feel free to leave a comment or follow Access London to keep up to date with what's going on in the capital.
Sunday, 9 January 2011
Brazilian Restaurant 'Rodizio Rico' - A Feast For All!
Firstly, I just wanted to say Happy New Year to everyone, I hope 2011 will be a good one for all. After the break from posting over Christmas and New Year, my first post for 2011 will be about a fantastic Brazilian Restaurant that I have been lucky enough to visit a couple of times, the most recent being at the beginning of January.
Rodizio Rico is a fantastic and lively Brazilian Restaruant. There is a small chain of 3 restaurants in London: one at the O2, one in Westbourne Grove and the other, which is shown in the video below, in Islington.
The restaurants are based on the traditional Brazilian grills. There are a wide variety of meats (some cuts which will be unfamiliar to many British customers) that are brought round to the tables on skewers and the waiters will carve off slices straight to your plate. To accompany this (and for the veggies among you) there is an huge salad bar and hot dish counter that you can visit as often as you like to fill up on all the goodies. Every person is given a drink mat size disc that is green on one side, red on the other. If you want the waiters to keep coming with the meat, just leave the disc on green, when you have had enough (or need a little break) just turn it over to red.
The pricing is very simple at Ridizio Rico: 1 price for meat eaters, 1 price for veggies and 1 price for children. There is a wide variety of wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks on offer too.
The Islington branch is very accessible. There is a fairly easy slope from the street and then the restaurant is all on the one level with access to a disabled toilet. To make sure you get a table with enough room for a wheelchair or scooter, simply ask when you book. The Islington branch can be contacted on: 020 7354 1076. For other branches, see their website at the end of this post.
The restaurant is able to seat large groups/parties if you are celebrating a special event.
Here is just a taster of what you can expect at Ridizio Rico:
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All in all, I definitely recommend a trip to Rodizio Rico for a night out with a difference. For more information on the chain and to make a booking, check out: http://www.rodiziorico.com
COMING SOON: Phantom of the Opera and Yes Prime Minister.
Please feel free to leave a comment and follow the blog.
Rodizio Rico is a fantastic and lively Brazilian Restaruant. There is a small chain of 3 restaurants in London: one at the O2, one in Westbourne Grove and the other, which is shown in the video below, in Islington.
The restaurants are based on the traditional Brazilian grills. There are a wide variety of meats (some cuts which will be unfamiliar to many British customers) that are brought round to the tables on skewers and the waiters will carve off slices straight to your plate. To accompany this (and for the veggies among you) there is an huge salad bar and hot dish counter that you can visit as often as you like to fill up on all the goodies. Every person is given a drink mat size disc that is green on one side, red on the other. If you want the waiters to keep coming with the meat, just leave the disc on green, when you have had enough (or need a little break) just turn it over to red.
The pricing is very simple at Ridizio Rico: 1 price for meat eaters, 1 price for veggies and 1 price for children. There is a wide variety of wines, beers, cocktails and soft drinks on offer too.
The Islington branch is very accessible. There is a fairly easy slope from the street and then the restaurant is all on the one level with access to a disabled toilet. To make sure you get a table with enough room for a wheelchair or scooter, simply ask when you book. The Islington branch can be contacted on: 020 7354 1076. For other branches, see their website at the end of this post.
The restaurant is able to seat large groups/parties if you are celebrating a special event.
Here is just a taster of what you can expect at Ridizio Rico:
">
All in all, I definitely recommend a trip to Rodizio Rico for a night out with a difference. For more information on the chain and to make a booking, check out: http://www.rodiziorico.com
COMING SOON: Phantom of the Opera and Yes Prime Minister.
Please feel free to leave a comment and follow the blog.
Friday, 24 December 2010
Festive Afternoon Tea - Lanesborough Hotel
Firstly, I just wanted to wish all readers a very Happy Christmas, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
To celebrate the Christmas season, this blog is about a festive afternoon tea I enjoyed this week at the Lanesborough Hotel, London. The hotel is located on Hyde Park Corner and is a striking building.
If travelling by car, the doorman are happy to park your car for you at an hourly rate of £6 (pretty good, considering some London parking prices). The doorman are extremely helpful and friendly, including assisting with wheelchairs and scooters. The entrance is level access from the street into the foyer and you are greeted by delightful surroundings and helpful staff inside. At this time of year, fires have been lit and the hotel is decorated in a traditional Victorian style. The video below shows some of the ground floor, decorations and highlights from the tea.
There are accessible toilets, although I would recommend that if you are in a wheelchair, that there be someone to help you open the door as they are very large and heavy (in keeping with the style of the building). The room serving afternoon tea is located on the ground floor and is very spacious in order to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. The reception and waiting staff are all very attentive, accommodating and friendly. As with most London hotels offering afternoon tea, I would recommend booking well in advance and letting the staff know of any individual requirements, they are very happy to help (including providing for different dietary requirements).
As I went to the Lanesborough for festive afternoon tea, the menu will differ slightly to what is provided all year round. I would however say that the food, choices and selection was one of the best I have experienced in London. The choice of tea is vast and you can choose to accompany it with Champagne. The pastries, cakes, scones and tarts are all magnificent, both in taste and appearance. During the festive afternoon tea there was a pianist playing in the corner, although you would need to check if this is something that happens everyday of the year. The dress code is smart casual and children are most definitely welcome.
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As you can see, the hotel provides an excellent location for a special occasion in town or for the chance to catch up with friends and spend time with family.
Overall, I would definitely recommend The Lanesborough Hotel as somewhere to visit for afternoon tea. For more information, they can be contacted on: 020 7333 7254.
Thank you once again to all readers and I hope you all enjoy a fantastic Christmas and New Year. Up next: Phantom of the Opera and The Cavendish Hotel
To celebrate the Christmas season, this blog is about a festive afternoon tea I enjoyed this week at the Lanesborough Hotel, London. The hotel is located on Hyde Park Corner and is a striking building.
If travelling by car, the doorman are happy to park your car for you at an hourly rate of £6 (pretty good, considering some London parking prices). The doorman are extremely helpful and friendly, including assisting with wheelchairs and scooters. The entrance is level access from the street into the foyer and you are greeted by delightful surroundings and helpful staff inside. At this time of year, fires have been lit and the hotel is decorated in a traditional Victorian style. The video below shows some of the ground floor, decorations and highlights from the tea.
There are accessible toilets, although I would recommend that if you are in a wheelchair, that there be someone to help you open the door as they are very large and heavy (in keeping with the style of the building). The room serving afternoon tea is located on the ground floor and is very spacious in order to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. The reception and waiting staff are all very attentive, accommodating and friendly. As with most London hotels offering afternoon tea, I would recommend booking well in advance and letting the staff know of any individual requirements, they are very happy to help (including providing for different dietary requirements).
As I went to the Lanesborough for festive afternoon tea, the menu will differ slightly to what is provided all year round. I would however say that the food, choices and selection was one of the best I have experienced in London. The choice of tea is vast and you can choose to accompany it with Champagne. The pastries, cakes, scones and tarts are all magnificent, both in taste and appearance. During the festive afternoon tea there was a pianist playing in the corner, although you would need to check if this is something that happens everyday of the year. The dress code is smart casual and children are most definitely welcome.
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As you can see, the hotel provides an excellent location for a special occasion in town or for the chance to catch up with friends and spend time with family.
Overall, I would definitely recommend The Lanesborough Hotel as somewhere to visit for afternoon tea. For more information, they can be contacted on: 020 7333 7254.
Thank you once again to all readers and I hope you all enjoy a fantastic Christmas and New Year. Up next: Phantom of the Opera and The Cavendish Hotel
Sunday, 19 December 2010
The Royal Academy and Access
Firstly, I just want to say a quick thank you to everyone who has been supporting this blog and Access London.
Today's post is on the Royal Academy of Arts and one of its current exhibitions - The Glasgow Boys.
The Academy is located in Burlington House, Piccadilly. It is open 10am-6pm everyday with late night opening on Fridays (until 10pm). The pavement outside on Piccadilly is particularly wide and accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. When entering the courtyard at Burlington House, there is a choice: either the smaller archway to the right that takes you onto the pavement that circles the courtyard (there is a lowered access onto the courtyard halfway round). Or, through the large main arch and across the cobbled courtyard, just watch out for the fountains that come up from the ground. Watch the video below to see more!
There is both ramped and staired access to the gallery. If using a wheelchair or scooter, head to the left and use the large door, rather than the revolving one. Inside the foyer, there is level access to the cloakroom, ticket desk, toilets and cafe. For the lift, head behind the main staircase where an operator works the glass lift to all floors. I recommend booking tickets in advance for paid exhibitions.
The Academy offers the following for those with disabilities: touch facilities, access guides, tour guides, large print lists, thermoforms, ability to bring in guide dogs and BSL and lipspeaking tours. The gallery also has 5 wheelchairs which are available to hire and 2 parking spaces (for badge holders) which can be booked in advance. For enquiries use: 020 7300 8028 or access@royalacademy.org.uk
The exhibition, Pioneering Painters: The Glasgow Boys 1880-1900 is on until the 23rd January 2011. The gallery describes the exhibition as: "the first major exhibition in London for over 40 years to celebrate the achievement of the Glasgow Boys, the loosely knit group of young painters who created a stir at both home and abroad in the final decades of the nineteenth century".
The exhibition is spread through 6 rooms and showcases pictures from almost a dozen artists. Although each quite distinct in their own style, they painted with a mixture of impressionist influences and realist touches in their landscapes and portraits. The paintings show landscapes and cultures as diverse as Scotland, mainland Europe, Northern Africa and Japan. The majority use bright colours and a combination of brush strokes. The exhibition showcases work from the Glasgow Boys as a group and also some of their later works when they split up to persue their own interests and specialisms. I would thoroughly recommend this exhibition which runs for another month. Afterwards, don't forget to check out what else the Academy has to offer.
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For more information on the Royal Academy and to book tickets to see the Glasgow Boys and other exhibitions, go to:
COMING SOON: Her Majesty's Theatre and Phantom of the Opera
Today's post is on the Royal Academy of Arts and one of its current exhibitions - The Glasgow Boys.
The Academy is located in Burlington House, Piccadilly. It is open 10am-6pm everyday with late night opening on Fridays (until 10pm). The pavement outside on Piccadilly is particularly wide and accessible for wheelchairs and scooters. When entering the courtyard at Burlington House, there is a choice: either the smaller archway to the right that takes you onto the pavement that circles the courtyard (there is a lowered access onto the courtyard halfway round). Or, through the large main arch and across the cobbled courtyard, just watch out for the fountains that come up from the ground. Watch the video below to see more!
There is both ramped and staired access to the gallery. If using a wheelchair or scooter, head to the left and use the large door, rather than the revolving one. Inside the foyer, there is level access to the cloakroom, ticket desk, toilets and cafe. For the lift, head behind the main staircase where an operator works the glass lift to all floors. I recommend booking tickets in advance for paid exhibitions.
The Academy offers the following for those with disabilities: touch facilities, access guides, tour guides, large print lists, thermoforms, ability to bring in guide dogs and BSL and lipspeaking tours. The gallery also has 5 wheelchairs which are available to hire and 2 parking spaces (for badge holders) which can be booked in advance. For enquiries use: 020 7300 8028 or access@royalacademy.org.uk
The exhibition, Pioneering Painters: The Glasgow Boys 1880-1900 is on until the 23rd January 2011. The gallery describes the exhibition as: "the first major exhibition in London for over 40 years to celebrate the achievement of the Glasgow Boys, the loosely knit group of young painters who created a stir at both home and abroad in the final decades of the nineteenth century".
The exhibition is spread through 6 rooms and showcases pictures from almost a dozen artists. Although each quite distinct in their own style, they painted with a mixture of impressionist influences and realist touches in their landscapes and portraits. The paintings show landscapes and cultures as diverse as Scotland, mainland Europe, Northern Africa and Japan. The majority use bright colours and a combination of brush strokes. The exhibition showcases work from the Glasgow Boys as a group and also some of their later works when they split up to persue their own interests and specialisms. I would thoroughly recommend this exhibition which runs for another month. Afterwards, don't forget to check out what else the Academy has to offer.
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For more information on the Royal Academy and to book tickets to see the Glasgow Boys and other exhibitions, go to:
COMING SOON: Her Majesty's Theatre and Phantom of the Opera
Monday, 6 December 2010
The British Museum and Access - part 2
If you have been following this blog, you will already know that I am a fan of The British Museum's Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead exhibition that is currently showing. If you missed my review of the exhibition you can find it below this latest post, just scroll down. If you did read it, then here are the Q & A session with The British Museum's Access and Equality Manager and my sneak peek video from the exhibition that I promised.
Access London's Q & A
Who are you and what is your role at The British Museum?
My name is Jane Samuels and I am the Access and Equality Manager at The British Museum.
Can you briefly explain how the museum is accessible to those with mobility problems and other disabilities?
We offer many services for our disabled visitors, including: BSL talks, audio descriptions, handling sessions, Egyptian touch tour, handling desks, inclusive exhibition design, tactile/Braille books, large print information and free wheelchair loan to our visitors. All of these services are free to our disabled visitors. For more information on the services we provide, please see the museum's Access page (link can be found at the bottom of this post).
Do you have a special offer/exhibition on that is accessible to disabled visitors?
Yes, our Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead exhibition is accessible to disabled visitors.
Do you have any concessions for disabled visitors and/or their carers?
Yes, there are concessions for all paid exhibitions and 1 carer per disabled visitor can enter for free. (Please note that many of the museum's permanent collections can be entered for free for everyone)
Can you sum up in 5-10 words the 'British Museum Experience'?
'A museum of the world, for the world'
Access London would like to say a special thank you to Jane Samuels for taking the time to answer our questions and also, thank you to all the staff at The British Museum for being so helpful and friendly.
Below is a short, sneak peek video of what you can expect at the exhibition, which runs until 6th March 2011.
'>http://www.youtube.com/v/COa1foluS2U?fs=1&hl=en_GB&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6">
COMING SOON: Reviews of The Royal Academy and The Cavendish Hotel.
Thank you to all our followers. If you aren't already following, then please sign up now for more reviews, interviews and videos to come.
You can find more information about The British Museum's access at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/access.aspx
Access London's Q & A
Who are you and what is your role at The British Museum?
My name is Jane Samuels and I am the Access and Equality Manager at The British Museum.
Can you briefly explain how the museum is accessible to those with mobility problems and other disabilities?
We offer many services for our disabled visitors, including: BSL talks, audio descriptions, handling sessions, Egyptian touch tour, handling desks, inclusive exhibition design, tactile/Braille books, large print information and free wheelchair loan to our visitors. All of these services are free to our disabled visitors. For more information on the services we provide, please see the museum's Access page (link can be found at the bottom of this post).
Do you have a special offer/exhibition on that is accessible to disabled visitors?
Yes, our Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead exhibition is accessible to disabled visitors.
Do you have any concessions for disabled visitors and/or their carers?
Yes, there are concessions for all paid exhibitions and 1 carer per disabled visitor can enter for free. (Please note that many of the museum's permanent collections can be entered for free for everyone)
Can you sum up in 5-10 words the 'British Museum Experience'?
'A museum of the world, for the world'
Access London would like to say a special thank you to Jane Samuels for taking the time to answer our questions and also, thank you to all the staff at The British Museum for being so helpful and friendly.
Below is a short, sneak peek video of what you can expect at the exhibition, which runs until 6th March 2011.
'>http://www.youtube.com/v/COa1foluS2U?fs=1&hl=en_GB&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6">
COMING SOON: Reviews of The Royal Academy and The Cavendish Hotel.
Thank you to all our followers. If you aren't already following, then please sign up now for more reviews, interviews and videos to come.
You can find more information about The British Museum's access at: http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/access.aspx
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
The British Museum and Access - part 1
I am going to begin Access London's journey with information and a review of a current exhibition on at The British Museum: Ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead (Journey Through the Afterlife).
The museum itself is located on Great Russell Street in London and is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. It can be accessed by its main entrance on Great Russell Street where there are 2 self operable lifts on either side of the stepped entrance (with the option to call for assistance) or else there is a level access entrance located on Montague Place. Once inside, the majority of the exhibitions and galleries are fully wheelchair accessible - there is also the option to borrow one of the wheelchairs that is owned by the museum. Assistance dogs are welcome inside the museum and there are fully accessible disabled toliets and the gallery's cafes can also be accessed easily. There is a limited amount of disbaled parking spaces (blue badge holders) availbled on the museum forecourt - these need to be booked in advance by phoning +44 (0)20 7323 8299.
For further details of the museum's facilties for disabled visitors, see the link at the bottom of this post.
I visited the museum and Book of the Dead exhibition two weeks ago and had a fabulous time. The museum describes the exhibition as: "Follow the ancient Egyptian's journey from death to the afterlife in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition focussing on the Book of the Dead." It really does feel like a journey. The exhbition is housed in the old reading room in the centre of the museum and can be accessed using wheelchair lifts, operated by really helpful and friendly staff.
Once inside you follow the journey the ancient Egyptian's believed they would take to the afterlife - their preparations, death, their journey and their ultimate goal. Along the way there are numerous examples of the Book of the Dead, coffins, masks, offerings and plenty of oppulence and gold that you would expect to find surrounding the wealthier of the ancient Egyptians.
In order to preserve some of the artifacts, some rooms are quite dark when reading the explaining text on the walls, but all of the artifacts themselves can be clearly seen. I would definitely recommend this exhibition (which runs until March 2011) and a general visit to the museum itself which houses large permanent collections (including Eqygptian).
Although entrance to the museum itself (and its permanent collections) is free, there is a charge for its limited exhibitions. I would recommend booking ahead via the museum's online booking system that offers concessions to disbaled visitors and also offers a free carer's admission. When booking, you choose your desired time slot - this is a really popular exhibition and I would recommend going as early in the day as possible as it can get quite busy. As long as you take your time, it should be no problem navigating round in a wheelchair (or if like me, in a mobility scooter).
If you love history and want to see something different, this is definitely an exhibition for you!
The museums access page can be found at http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/access.aspx
Later this week Access London will feature a Q&A session with the museum's Disability and Equality Manager and also some video footage. Make sure you subscribe and follow to keep up to date with what's going on.
The museum itself is located on Great Russell Street in London and is open daily from 10am to 5.30pm. The museum is fully accessible to wheelchair users. It can be accessed by its main entrance on Great Russell Street where there are 2 self operable lifts on either side of the stepped entrance (with the option to call for assistance) or else there is a level access entrance located on Montague Place. Once inside, the majority of the exhibitions and galleries are fully wheelchair accessible - there is also the option to borrow one of the wheelchairs that is owned by the museum. Assistance dogs are welcome inside the museum and there are fully accessible disabled toliets and the gallery's cafes can also be accessed easily. There is a limited amount of disbaled parking spaces (blue badge holders) availbled on the museum forecourt - these need to be booked in advance by phoning +44 (0)20 7323 8299.
For further details of the museum's facilties for disabled visitors, see the link at the bottom of this post.
I visited the museum and Book of the Dead exhibition two weeks ago and had a fabulous time. The museum describes the exhibition as: "Follow the ancient Egyptian's journey from death to the afterlife in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition focussing on the Book of the Dead." It really does feel like a journey. The exhbition is housed in the old reading room in the centre of the museum and can be accessed using wheelchair lifts, operated by really helpful and friendly staff.
Once inside you follow the journey the ancient Egyptian's believed they would take to the afterlife - their preparations, death, their journey and their ultimate goal. Along the way there are numerous examples of the Book of the Dead, coffins, masks, offerings and plenty of oppulence and gold that you would expect to find surrounding the wealthier of the ancient Egyptians.
In order to preserve some of the artifacts, some rooms are quite dark when reading the explaining text on the walls, but all of the artifacts themselves can be clearly seen. I would definitely recommend this exhibition (which runs until March 2011) and a general visit to the museum itself which houses large permanent collections (including Eqygptian).
Although entrance to the museum itself (and its permanent collections) is free, there is a charge for its limited exhibitions. I would recommend booking ahead via the museum's online booking system that offers concessions to disbaled visitors and also offers a free carer's admission. When booking, you choose your desired time slot - this is a really popular exhibition and I would recommend going as early in the day as possible as it can get quite busy. As long as you take your time, it should be no problem navigating round in a wheelchair (or if like me, in a mobility scooter).
If you love history and want to see something different, this is definitely an exhibition for you!
The museums access page can be found at http://www.britishmuseum.org/visiting/access.aspx
Later this week Access London will feature a Q&A session with the museum's Disability and Equality Manager and also some video footage. Make sure you subscribe and follow to keep up to date with what's going on.
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