Lancaster City Museum

Overall rating

About

The impressive City Museum is housed in Lancaster’s former town hall, right on the edge of the busy Market Square. The elegant Georgian building was constructed between 1781-3 to the designs of Major Thomas Jarrett and Thomas Harrison. The museum itself was founded in 1923 and its varied collection and dioramas lead visitors through the social and industrial history and archaeology of Lancaster, and the stories of the people who have made the city what it is today. Don't miss our fine art collection or the programme of changing exhibitions in our ground floor gallery. The City Museum building is also home to the King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum, a fascinating insight into the military heritage of the city’s own regiment from 1680 onwards.

Reviews

Overall rating

(2 reviews)

Overall rating breakdown

5 2
4 0
3 0
2 0
1 0

Access (avg.)

Parking (avg.)

Toilets (avg.)

2.5

Staff (avg.)

4.25

jimmypageuk

Nov 2021

In the heart of the city centre

There is disabled parking in the pedestrianised parts of Lancaster very close to the museum. There is ramp access for those that cannot make the 5 steps up to the main entrance. The museum bare so secret artefacts found in 2005 as well as the Kings Own Royal regiments Museum. If you have visited the Castle and the priory church then this is close by to visit too and there are some great coffee shops in the vicinity too

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bclancaster

Nov 2019

Christmas at the museum

Good Christmas and World War exhibition

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Disabled Access Information Provided by Lancaster City Museum

Disabled Access at Lancaster City Museum

The entrance to the museum is located in Market Square. Visitors can either walk up the 3 steps to the front doors, or, alternatively, there is a ramp located on the right-hand side of the building which leads to the entrance. The front doors are always propped open and are wide enough for a wheelchair to fit through. Upon arrival, visitors should go to the admission desk, where a colleague will issue them a ticket. This is located in the shop area. A Hearing Loop is installed, and staff can give assistance where required. The shop space is level throughout, as is the majority of the ground floor (including the temporary exhibition gallery). We have sensory backpacks available at the front desk for individuals to borrow during their visit. These packs are ideal for children and young people on the autism spectrum. The backpacks include ear protectors, communication cards, fiddle toys and more. To access the first floor, 2 steps lead to a raised area next to the main staircase. If required, there is a ramp in the shop area that visitors can use to reach the main staircase. On the raised level, we also have one of our ‘Touch and See’ units. This lithophane is a raised, 3D printed version of a painting in our collection. Alongside the panel, there is a set of headphones that provides an audio description of the artwork. This unit is designed to allow visitors with sight loss or other visual impairments the opportunity to connect with our collection. We do not have an elevator to reach the first floor, but we do have a platform lift (rated for 250kg). This is suitable for manual wheelchairs only. It has a built-in seat for non-wheelchair users who require it to reach the upper floor. It regrettably cannot hold electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters. In the event of an evacuation, wheelchair users will be evacuated using an Evac Chair by a trained member of staff. For this reason, only one wheelchair can be permitted on the first floor at any one time. Once on the first floor, the local history gallery is level access. The King’s Own Royal Regiment Museum is partially level access, except for its mezzanine level. A small stair lift is available, which has a seat and cannot accommodate a wheelchair. Visitors who use this stair lift must be able to climb down the stairs independently in the event of an emergency. For visitors who may require the use of a wheelchair, we have one available to borrow. Please just speak to staff. We do not have accessible toilets in the City Museum. The nearest one is located in Marketgate Shopping Centre. The nearest 'Changing Places' toilet is located in the railway station.

Seating at regular intervals

Seating is available at regular intervals.

Lift to some areas

The venue is on multiple levels, with lifts available to some areas.

Step-free route with firm surface from car park to entrance

There is a step-free route with a firm surface from the parking to the main entrance or an alternative step-free entrance.

Accessible retail space

The retail space is accessible, with step-free access and space to move around easily.

Step-free entrance

There is step-free access at the main entrance or an alternative entrance.

Accessible parking at Lancaster City Museum

There is Blue Badge parking in New Street, behind the museum. There are two available spaces.

Dedicated off-site parking

Transport nearby Lancaster City Museum

The City Museum is in the pedestrian area of the city centre, prominently positioned in Market Square. It is within easy walking distance of both the train and bus stations, both of which are less than a mile away. Look out for the finger post signs around the city, which will help you to find us.

Train station

There is an accessible train station nearby with suitable facilities and assistance available for disabled passengers.

Bus station or stop

There is an accessible bus station or stop nearby with suitable boarding areas and facilities for disabled passengers.

Accessible services at Lancaster City Museum

We do not have a toileting area for assistance dogs at the museum, as it is located in a pedestrian area. We have a water bowl available. Just ask at reception. The majority of staff have received general accessibility training.

Wheelchair hire

Wheelchairs are available for visitors to hire or borrow.

Disability awareness/equality training

Staff have received disability awareness or equality training.

Emergency evacuation plan for disabled people

Personal or general emergency evacuation plans are in place for disabled customers.

Emergency evacuation chair

An evacuation chair is available in case of emergency.