Accessibility
We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit.
On this page you will find information on accessibility and facilities at the museum.
Our full access guide can be found on the AccessAble website. You can also find access information on Euan's Guide.
Important notice - Lift access
The Terrace Lift is out of service from 4 November to 6 December for essential maintenance.
The Roof Terrace is still open and can be accessed using alternative lifts to level 5 and then a staircase to level 7, Roof Terrace. However, we are unable to provide un-stepped access to the Roof Terrace during this period.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please speak to the Visitor Experience team for further guidance.
On this page
Contact us
If you require any further accessibility information, please contact us:
- Email: info@nms.ac.uk
Deaf BSL (British Sign Language) users can make contact by using the free ContactSCOTLAND-BSL service.
Getting to the museum
Museum entrances
The museum has two entrances on Chambers Street, the Tower Entrance and the Main Entrance. Entering by the Tower Entrance avoids the busy Entrance Hall by the Main Entrance and provides levels access to the main part of the museum.
For out of hour events the back entrance on Lothian Street is used.
There are automatic doors at all entrances of the museum.
Image gallery
Accessible parking and drop-off points
There are four designated public parking spaces for disabled visitors on Chambers Street. There is no charge for these spaces and they cannot be booked in advance.
There is a coach drop-off point outside the Main Entrance to the museum on Chambers Street.
Accessibility around the museum
Information desks
There are information desks in the Entrance Hall on Level 0 and as you enter via the Tower Entrance on Level 1. Here you can access museum maps, wheelchair loans, and sensory backpacks.
Our Visitor Experience staff will be on hand to answer any questions you may have upon arrival.
Induction loops and hearing helpers
Induction loops
There are induction loops throughout the museum. They can be found at:
• Information desks at the Main Entrance and Tower Entrance
• The Auditorium
• The Dunfermline Room lecture theatre
Hearing helpers
If you are here for a workshop, staff leading them are happy to wear microphones provided.
We also have a set of hearing helpers which staff can use during a session.
Loan a wheelchair
Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge whilst visiting the museum. They cannot be booked in advance. Please ask about availability at one of the information desks on arrival.
Cloakroom and storage
Self-service lockers are located in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. The lockers come in three sizes which accommodate coats and small bags right up to small flight cases.
The dimensions (height x width x depth) of the lockers are:
- Small: 35 x 30 x 43cm
- Medium: 44 x 33 x 41cm
- Large: 58 x 44 x 66cm.
You will need a smart phone and mobile payment or credit card to access the lockers. If you’d rather pay cash just visit our shop to purchase a voucher. Charges for all day storage start from £3 and all profits made go towards the work of National Museums Scotland.
There is buggy storage available in the museum. It is located on Level 1 of the Scotland Galleries, behind the Kingdom of the Scots gallery.
Toilets and changing facilities
There are toilets and baby changing facilities on all levels of the museum. Accessible toilets are available on all floors. There is a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0.
Please check the museum map for the nearest toilets.
Lifts and escalators
Lifts are available to all floors. You can check the museum map or ask a member of staff for the nearest lifts.
Information on lift dimensions is available on the AccessAble website.
Terrace Lift access
The Terrace Lift is out of service from 4 November to 6 December for essential maintenance.
The Roof Terrace is still open and can be accessed using alternative lifts to level 5 and then a staircase to level 7, Roof Terrace. However, we are unable to provide un-stepped access to the Roof Terrace during this period.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused. Please speak to the Visitor Experience team for further guidance.
Seating
There is seating throughout the museum, and portable stools that you can borrow on every level.
Please ask a member of the Visitor Experience team for the nearest seats.
Breastfeeding
You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the museum. There is seating on every level. Please ask our staff to show you the nearest seating or quiet space if you would prefer more privacy.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome in the museum.
Noise levels
There are a number of exhibits that feature noises. Particular things to note include:
- The Millennium Clock – this goes off on the hour (from 11am) and includes music, lights and moving parts.
- The Ritchie clock in the Grand Gallery will make a sound every 15 minutes but it’s not too loud.
- The hand dryers in the toilets are quite loud so please be aware if you are using these facilities.
- The Performance and Lives gallery has musical instruments which can be played.
- There are a number of audio-visual displays (videos) within the museum – the sensory map will highlight any galleries that are noisy or more likely to be busy.
- In general, the Scottish galleries and the Art and Design galleries are calmer spaces.
Quiet spaces
If at any time you or someone you are visiting with finds the visit overwhelming, a member of staff can direct you to quieter areas in the museum. The sensory map also identifies the quieter spaces.
Accessibility resources
Visual stories
The Museum has developed a visual story with pictures of the museum and information about what to expect when you visit. There is a visual story for each entrance available for download.
Sensory map
We have created a sensory map to show all the different sensory experiences in different parts of the museum. Download a sensory map to help you find the areas best suited to you.
Sensory backpacks
Sensory backpacks are available to borrow from the information desks at the Tower Entrance and the Main Entrance. These contain lots of sensory aids including:
- Ear defenders
- Torches
- Sunglasses
- Fidget toys
Adult-sized ear defenders are also available.
Communication cards
Download our picture communication cards of some of the museum’s most popular objects, which include information about their location.
Large print guides
Large print guides can be found in most galleries of the museum. The Scottish History and Archaeology galleries do not have large print guides.
Please remember to return the guides after use so that other visitors can use them.
Tours and events
Access tours
Audio-described, BSL, and object handling tours can be arranged on request. To arrange a tour, please contact us at:
• Email: info@nms.ac.uk
• Phone: 0131 347 4313
Please allow 4 weeks notice for tour bookings.
Relaxed and access events
We hold a variety of relaxed and access events throughout the year. For upcoming events, please take a look at our What’s On page.