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The Beaney has an accessible entrance at Best Lane, with step free access into the building, a platform lift and a flight of ‘easy going’ steps that can be seen in the photograph at the top of this page.  

Full lift access is available. Visitors can access a platform lift at the Best Lane entrance which provides access to the ground floor. A short distance from the platform lift is the passenger lift that provides access to the mezzanine level (library) and first floor (museum galleries).  

There is comfortable seating in most of our galleries. Portable seating is also available to pick up from the Atrium on the first floor. Visitors will need to carry their seat around with them and return them to staff at the end of their visit. 

For those who would like to visit the museum at less busy times, we recommend the first and last hour of each day as the quietest times. See our full opening hours.

Two toilets are located between the Visitor Information Centre and the Garden Room on the ground floor. Two further toilets are available in the Colour & Camouflage Gallery on the first floor. All toilets at The Beaney are self-contained individual facilities with a toilet, sink, hand dryer, baby change unit and are wheelchair accessible.  

Guide dogs and assistance dogs

Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome at The Beaney.  

Braille Signage 

Braille interpretation books are available in the Garden Room, Study and People & Places gallery.  

Listen Here, Listen Anywhere provides free audio descriptions with insights into interesting artefacts and artworks in the museum collection. Audio Descriptions are used to communicate visual information and are one of the best ways for blind and partially sighted visitors to access museum collections.

The resources are also a great way to enhance your experience at The Beaney or explore the collection from somewhere else. They can be accessed via QR codes at the museum or remotely on the museum website.

We have a collection of original and replica objects and artworks that are available for visitors to explore through touch.  

• Garden Room: Tactile replica ‘Separated but not divorced’ 

• Materials & Masters: Tactile replica of ‘Mary and Child’ and a decorative wooden sideboard 

• People & Places: Touchable Jacob Epstein bronze bust  (please ask a member of staff for gloves) 

• Explorers & Collectors: Hold some history table (access to a range of items from the museum handling collection facilitated by our friendly staff)

Please notify a member of staff that you would like to access the Touchable Beaney collection and we will be happy to provide gloves and guidance to help you find each item. 

The Beaney has hearing loops (sometimes called an audio induction loops) to support visitors with hearing aids.

For resources, advice and information for people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) visiting The Beaney, please visit SEND at The Beaney