Plenty to see at the Fitzwilliam - and access throughout
4
4
Date of visit: August 2014
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
Overall Rating
Good
The Fitzwilliam Museum, founded in the nineteenth century, is an important museum situated in the centre of Cambridge, housing important historical artefacts, art collections and a variety of exhibitions, which change throughout the year. There is level access at one of the entrances, and a lift to all floors. Wheelchairs and an induction loop are available for the use of visitors, and assistance dogs are welcome. With a cafe and shop too, the Fitzwilliam is well worth a visit.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Level access is through the Courtyard Entrance, which has automatic double doors. Near this entrance, a lift is available to all floors of the museum. Wheelchairs and an induction loop are available for the use of visitors. Assistance dogs are welcome. Seating is available in most of the galleries. Some of the doors between galleries are heavy, and assistance may be required with these. The cafe and shop have level access on the ground floor, and table service at the cafe is available if required.
Parking & Transport
Poor
There is no parking at the museum. Limited on-street pay-and-display parking is available on Trumpington Street. The museum is approximately 10 minutes' walk from the city centre, where the Grand Arcade car park has accessible blue badge spaces, and accessible bus services pass down Trumpington Street.
Accessible Toilets
Good
There is one accessible toilet, situated near the lift on the lower ground floor. It's reasonably well designed, with drop-down rails, and a door that opens both ways. However, on our last visit we found the accessible toilet being used at length by an able-bodied cyclist to change his clothes - having RADAR-key access would be an improvement!
Staff
Average
We found some staff to be very helpful, and to offer assistance especially with heavy doors. Others, however, seemed unaware of access needs, and were content to sit and watch when we were struggling with this.
Additional Information
An excellent museum, with good access overall.
