Venue Description

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.

Accessibility

The entrance to the museum is located in Market Square. Visitors can choose to 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 with 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, there are 2 steps that lead to a raised area next to the main staircase. If required, there is a ramp in the shop area 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 provide 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 the museum 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 take 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.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/sites/museums/city

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://www.lancaster.gov.uk/assets/attach/5409/Lancaster-City-Museum-Access-statement.pdf

Toilets

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.

Staff

The majority of staff have received accessibility training. This covers the needs and

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

The nearest space to exercise assistance dogs

Other assistance dog facilities

We do not have a toileting area for assistance dogs, as the museum is located in a pedestrian area. We have a water bowl available. Just ask at reception.