Access at Pontefract Museum

Pontefract Museum is committed to being accessible for everyone. Here you can find information about accessible facilities and resources across our site. These will help you plan your visit.

Accessible parking

• the nearest Blue Badge parking is near the rear of the museum accessed via Stuart Road.

Assistance

• staff are on hand to help in any way we can and wear a black uniform. There is always a member of staff in the museum reception

• volunteers are often in the building and are also available to help. They wear a green uniform

Moving around our spaces

• view our visual story at Pontefract Museum
• there are three exhibition areas and a reference room. They are all on a level surface accessed from the main entrance. You can download a floor plan of the museum here
• the floor surfaces are polished wood, linoleum or mosaic tile
• the museum is level access throughout
• some of our exhibition spaces have low light levels to protect delicate objects on display
• sometimes our exhibitions include audio
• this map shows the sensory environment of the museum. You can download the sensory map before your visit here. Copies of the sensory map will also be available at the front desk at the museum
• you can download a sensory map for the Ladies who Launch exhibition (Word, 320 KB) here
• we can provide chairs if you need to sit down during your visit
• we have Makaton signage next to our star objects

Relaxed Openings

Every Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm at Pontefract Museum is a relaxed opening session. You can explore the Museum in a quieter, more relaxed setting. 

Everybody is welcome!

This means that any loud noises will be turned down or turned off. It will not be busy. You can be yourself. We have fidget and sensory objects to help you relax and explore. There is an extra quiet space if you need it. You can also try our activity sheets and crafts.

Entry is still free. You do not need to book.

Email any suggestions for our Relaxed Openings to museumslearning@wakefield.gov.uk

Relaxed Object Handling - Tuesday 18 June, 2pm to 4pm

Celebrate Learning Disability Week at Pontefract Museum with a relaxed object handling session!

Join the team to touch and hold real museum objects. Look closely at them and find out what they are. The friendly staff can answer your questions.

This will happen during our weekly relaxed opening session. 

Everybody is welcome. It is free to take part. You do not need to book. It is for adults and children.

Toilets and baby changing

• the museum has an accessible toilet and baby changing room on the ground floor
• we do not have changing places facilities. The nearest changing places toilet can be found at Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village, WF10 4FR, 2.5 miles away