Access at Wakefield Museum

Wakefield 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 just off Burton Street, WF1 2EB. Take the first right at the far corner of the Wakefield One building. There is one disabled parking space available here.

• The next nearest Blue Badge parking is at the Merchant Gate car park. It is a short two-minute walk from Wakefield Museum, including a slight incline.

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

Please note the lift inside the museum up to Wakefield Library is currently out of order. Staff can help you find the alternative lift.

• view our visual story at Wakefield Museum
• we have an Easy Read guide to the main galleries - you can find this on the shelf of the Pick and Mix station in the Welcome Space
• there are three exhibition areas and they are all on a level surface accessed from the entrance on Cliff Lane. You can download a floor plan of the museum here.
• some of our exhibition spaces have low light levels to protect delicate objects on display
• sometimes our exhibitions include audio
• the museum is level access throughout
• 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 of our new Seeing Double exhibition here
• the learning space can be found within the library which is one floor above the museum and can be accessed by a lift or stairs
• we can provide chairs if you need to sit down during your visit
• we have Makaton signage next to our star objects

Fire alarm testing

The fire alarms in Wakefield One are tested every Thursday at 11am.

Relaxed openings

Every Thursday from 4pm to 6.30pm at Wakefield 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 a pop-up tent 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.

Choose from a range of items from the Explore, Touch, See and Sound drawers.

You can fill up a backpack with your choice of items and take with you around the galleries.

Toilets and baby changing

• public toilets can be found on the floor above the museum and can be accessed via a lift or stairs.
• we do not have changing places facilities. The nearest changing place facility is in The Ridings Shopping Centre, WF2 1DS, which 0.5 miles away.