Venue Description

Located in the heart of London at Somerset House, The Courtauld Gallery is home to an outstanding collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces (including works by Van Gogh, Cézanne, and Manet), and a wide range of works from Medieval art to 20th Century. As part of The Courtauld Institute of Art, it also plays a key role in art education and research. Following a major renovation, the gallery now features beautifully restored spaces, that combine intimate viewing spaces with world-class art, engaging exhibitions, and a strong commitment to public access and learning.

Accessibility

There are 5 steps from the Entrance Hall to the main lift, which goes to all other floors in the gallery. There is a small platform lift nearby in the Ticket Hall for those who cannot use the steps. There is a main gallery lift which is accessible to wheelchair users and it provides access to all levels, including all galleries, as well as locker facilities, toilets and shop which are all located on the lower ground floor. The lift also provides access to the unisex accessible toilet, located on the lower ground floor. If our lift is out of service, we will add a message to our website to inform visitors. Please note we have alternative lift provision but it does not serve level 1 and therefore the Medieval gallery and The Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Drawings Gallery are not accessible if the main gallery lift is out of service. If you have access needs, when you book your ticket you will be asked if you would like to receive an e-mail informing you of any accessibility issues on the day of your visit. For step free access to the Art Café, visitors can enter via The Courtauld Institute reception doors, which is located next to the entrance to the Art Café. A member of The Courtauld team will be able to guide you to the Art Café via a separate access door. For visitors who may require additional mobility assistance, The Courtauld Gallery has three wheelchairs available to borrow for the duration of your visit (subject to availability). We have one Walker walking aid with seat/wheels onsite (subject to availability). You don’t need to book these in advance — simply speak to a member of staff at the Ticket Desk upon arrival. Folding portable stools are available to visitors. Fixed seating is also available around the Gallery and in the foyer of The Courtauld building. We have a number of lightweight hand-held magnifying glasses available to borrow for the duration of your visit, if required. Please speak to a member of staff at the Ticket Desk. Large Prints available. Working guide and assistance animals are welcome at the gallery. Hearing Loops are installed at our ticket office, shop and Art Café. We also have adjustable ear defenders at our Ticket Desk, available to borrow for the duration of your visit. Please do ask a member of staff for support.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://courtauld.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/BBGC_Courtauld_BCH_0126-OUTLINED.pdf

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://courtauld.ac.uk/accessibility/

Awards List

Time-Out London Best Museum 2021 following the post-refurbishment reopening in 2021. RIBA London Award 2023 and RIBA National Award 2023 for our Courtauld Connects transformation project. Members of the Art Fund, ICOM, University of London, Cultural Enterprises UK, Samuel Courtauld Trust, IIIF.

Toilets

Unisex accessible toilet is available on the lower ground floor, with step free access via platform and main lifts. The door is 73cm (2ft 5in) wide and fits most wheelchairs. The toilet has a functional emergency alarm, coat hook and high-contrast wall-mounted rails. The toilet seat has a high contrasted colour. There is a wash basin with a single-lever mixer. The accessible toilet space is about 150cm x 220cm (5ft11in x 7ft3in) in total and does have a minimum unobstructed turning space of 150cm x 150cm. There is a mirror, and a slip-down baby change table within the accessible toilet.

Staff

There is a full-time member of staff trained in BSL (level 2 certification). All our security and managers are First Aid trained. Several members of staff and managers have Mental Health First Aid training too. Most of our staff have received dementia awareness training via Dementia Friends.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

The Courtauld is located in Somerset House which has a big courtyard for dogs to exercise if needed, as well as a pedestrian area via the Strand entrance.

Other assistance dog facilities

Please ask the staff for assistance if you require a water bowl for your guide/assistance dog.