Access at South Kensington

Visitors with access requirements and their accompanying family members and personal carers can skip the queues to enter the Museum. Talk to our staff at the entrance for assistance when you arrive.

We offer free companion tickets to paid exhibitions. Find out what’s on.

Getting here

You can enter through any of our three main entrances.

• Central Entrance on Cromwell Road what3words: ///chose.wonderfully.star
  
• East Entrance on Exhibition Road what3words: ///limit.take.admits
• West Entrance on Queen’s Gate what3words: ///plenty.voter.late

For more information on entrances, public transportation and parking, visit our getting here page.

Luggage and cloakroom

Both cloakrooms are open for the full range of services, including coats.

The cloakroom at the main entrance on Cromwell Road is available for large bags and suitcases only.

Large and wheeled suitcases that can’t be carried must be left in the cloakrooms (see prices below). This is subject to availability of space, so we recommend to avoid bringing such items if possible.

Luggage is charged according to weight.

Prices per item:

Umbrella: £3
Coat: £4
Bag weighing less than 4kg: £5
Bag weighing more than 4kg: £6
Folded bike: £5
Scooter: £3
Pushchair: £5

Members can use the cloakrooms free of charge. The same restrictions apply.  

Toilets, lifts and wheelchair hire

Toilets

The toilets and baby changing facilities at the back of Hintze Hall will be closed between January – March 2026 for refurbishments. During this time the nearest facilities are opposite the Shake Bar, just past the Images of Nature gallery. We’re sorry for any inconvenience this causes.

All other toilets are open. The restrooms are cleaned regularly.

Accessible toilets

Wheelchair-accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities are clearly marked on the Museum map.

Lifts

Lifts are marked on the Museum map.  Use the stairs where possible to ensure lifts are available for those who need them.

Wheelchair hire

You can borrow manual wheelchairs or transit chairs for free from the cloakrooms just inside the main entrance on Cromwell Road and the Exhibition Road entrance.

Neurodiversity

We have resources and events to support children and families with neurodiverse conditions.

Quiet spaces

These spaces usually have lower noise levels and fewer people than the rest of the Museum. They all provide seating and are marked on the Museum map.

• Lasting Impressions (Red Zone): an uncluttered space with specimens to touch
• Minerals gallery (Green Zone): an airy space with natural light
• Images of Nature (Blue Zone): a quiet space with low lighting
• Contemplation Room (Blue Zone): a quiet, naturally lit room used for prayer and reflection
• Cocoon (Orange Zone): a quiet, open space with a wide spiral bath leading down two levels
• Zoology spirit building (Orange Zone): a quiet, tucked-away space for reflection. It's also home to a range of specimens stored in alcohol in the spirit collection.

Read more about these spaces in our quiet spaces and galleries guide. Pick up a hard copy of the guide from the information desks when you arrive.

Audio guides

Audio-described guides are available for: Hintze Hall, our Gardens, Human Evolution and Volcanoes and Earthquakes.

We also have audio-described guides for our exhibitions: Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth? and Wildlife Photographer of the Year.

Visually impaired visitors

Large print gallery guides

Large-print gallery guides are available for some of our temporary exhibitions and can be collected in-gallery.

If you need any other assistance during your visit, our staff will be happy to help you.

Guide dogs

We welcome guide dogs and other types of assistance dogs at the Museum. However, they aren’t allowed on our Spirit Collection Tours. If you need help with access, talk to staff at the information desks or call us on +44 (0)207 942 5000.

D/deaf and hard of hearing

Hearing loops

Hearing loops are built in at our information desks, and at various points in the Darwin Centre and Images of Nature gallery.

Deaf Messaging Service (DMS)

We have Deaf Messaging Services (DMS) installed. The DMS are linked to our fire alarm system and can notify DMS subscribers to a fire alarm activation via their mobile phone. Three DMS zones cover our public buildings. Find information on how to sign up or unsubscribe to the DMS.

Gallery closures and maintenance works

Sometimes we need to close galleries and spaces to allow for essential maintenance or events.

Accessible Events