Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA)

jaymiesherwood

20 Sep 2014

Nice place to visit and very accessible

4.5

4.5

Date of visit: September 2014

I have experience of challenges around: moving around

Overall Rating

Excellent

There are two entrances to MIMA with automatic doors with a wide opening space that would more than allow any wheelchair to access. The ground floor is a very open space with a clear access throughout, the cafe is situated close to the entrance and is accessible throughout. The disabled toilet is very accessible. There is a hearing loop available to persons with hearing difficulties. Some exhibitions also have audio guides available but you must telephone MIMA ahead of your visit to enquire about this.. There is a lift to enable access to all floors for disabled visitors. The gallery entrance doors themselves are a difficulty, there are two sets of double doors on each gallery with a total width of 64 inches, you have to ask for help in order to access the exibitions.

Disabled Access In and Around

Average

The building provides such fantastic accessibility at the entrances, cafe, disabled toilet, education space and activities and events held on the ground floor including a weekly free "art trolley" for children. However access to exhibitions is difficult. Each gallery has two sets of double doors to overcome which are not automatic or equipped with a disabled push buttons to open them. The staff are very willing to open the doors for disabled visitors and have a radio system which can swiftly contact a free member of staff to assist with difficulties anywhere in the building.

Parking & Transport

Excellent

There are six disabled parking spaces in MIMA's car park and also more on the road next to the car park, the access between disabled spaces and the building is all level besides a one and a half inch lip at the floor of the back doors, the front entrance is more accessible and only requires you to go a short distance through the garden

Accessible Toilets

Excellent

The disabled toilet is on the ground floor near the cafe, all access is level, the toilet door is wide enough to accommodate any wheelchair. Inside the toilet is spacious, one of the most spacious disabled toilet facilities I have seen. There are grab rails, an emergency red pull cord, lowered sink, soap dispenser, yellow waste bin, hand dryer and also hand towels.

Staff

Excellent

All of the staff in MIMA are bright mannered and very happy to help, they are clearly distinguishable due to their staff t shirts and lanyard around their neck. Cafe staff are also easy to recognise as they all wear lighter coloured t shirts. Cafe staff have helped my by bringing food i have ordered to me at a table or carrying my tray. The reception staff are easy to approach and very knowledgeable about the exhibitions. If a disabled person is having difficulty they help in any way they can very swiftly.

Additional Information

I am going to contact the relevant team at MIMA to discuss the possibility of equipping gallery door with disabled push buttons.