A great museum with a some access issues
3
3
Date of visit: January 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Average
I hadn’t visited the museum since I was a teenager, so my memory of it was quite hazy. Twenty-five years later, I returned to take a second look at its accessibility features and to see how it has changed over the years. I found the museum an enjoyable place to visit, with plenty of interesting exhibits and a welcoming atmosphere, but in many ways it feels a bit behind the times when it comes to accessibility. During my visit, I shared some feedback on ways the venue could improve, which was gladly received. The museum focuses on religion as a whole rather than on a single faith, making iit a unique offering that provides a welcoming way to learn about different beliefs.
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
If you follow the route from Castle Street down towards the High Street, there is a stretch of cobblestones which might be uncomfortable for some people to cross. There are traffic lights across from the entrance outside Provand's Lordship, and if you cross at the lights you will find dropped kerbs on both sides. From there you can either take the steps up to the entrance or use a short concrete ramp. On entering the museum, the doors should open automatically but seemed to be deactivated during my visit. Staff were quick to open the door for me and directed me to the loos and lifts. I used the lift to reach the upper floors. It has a perimeter rail and enough space for a powerchair user, but there is no mirror, which may make reversing difficult for some visitors. On the third floor you will find the Scottish Gallery. It has paintings and displays on the rear wall along with views out to the Necropolis and Glasgow Cathedral. The window overlooking the Necropolis was quite dirty during my visit. In the centre of the gallery there is a large square seating area and a storytelling station with recordings on a screen. There is plenty of space to move around with a mobility aid. If you are using the stairs, please note that the stair edges are not clearly marked. The second floor has an angels exhibit, and the door was open and wide enough for a powerchair user. On the first floor I spent time looking at the exhibits and spoke to Ross, who was very friendly and took quick notes on my feedback. This included the lack of a hearing loop and the absence of a safety device inside the lift. He told me the museum has sensory packs for visitors and mentioned that a hearing loop is available at reception, although it is rarely requested. I suggested that clearer signage might help people know it exists and encourage its use. At the back of the museum on the ground floor there is a small Zen Garden with level paving throughout. There are a few outdoor seats, although they were folded up during my visit. The gift shop is also on the ground floor and was easy to navigate. The café on the ground floow was closed, but the route to it has manual doors which staff helped me with. There are wooden tables and chairs, in this area and plenty of room for most mobility devices. When leaving, I went out through the Zen Garden. The path is smoothly paved but narrows at the gate. My wheelchair fitted through, although some larger powerchairs may find it tight. Portable stools are available for use and free wheelchair hire is offered. I've rated a little lower here due to the lack of braille and hearing loop in the lift and the absence of additional alternative formats.
Accessible facilities: Lift to all areas, Step-free entrance, Seating at regular intervals
Parking & Transport
Poor
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
Parking was not particularly good. There is a group of standard spaces beside Cathedral Park, which suited my needs, and three electric car charging bays are available in the public pay-and-display car park accessed off Collins Street. The nearest train station is Queen Street, approximately 1,130 metres from the museum. Buchanan Bus Station is a similar distance away. The closest bus stop is on Castle Street, around 80 metres from the museum.
Accessible facilities: Public or on street parking
Accessible Toilets
Average
On the ground floor there is an accessible toilet. The door is manual and opens inwards. The toilet is quite small but could accommodate a powerchair user and another person, although turning may be a challenge. The toilet pan has silver rails on both sides, which stand out against the white wall, and a soft backrest. The flush is on the same side as the transfer space, which allows a right side transfer, although a large nappy bin makes this a little trickier. The sink is small with a lever-style tap and a single silver grab rail on the right. The red cord is on the right when seated and hangs all the way to the floor.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
Staff
Excellent
I spoke to Ross at the assistance desk who was very friendly and keen to answer my questions as well as take on board any feedback.
