Beautiful – inclusive – spaces for art lovers
Tate Modern, London
World-famous, the Tate Modern’s awe-inspiring collection of contemporary and modern artwork attracts millions of visitors annually. Positioned alongside the Thames, it offers 12 accessible parking spaces – not bad bearing in mind its busy location.
Lifts are available on each level, as are accessible toilets. All entrances are accessible for wheelchairs, which are free to borrow along with mobility scooters.
As well as seating and benches throughout the gallery, folding seats can be obtained from members of staff… or just pick one up from the racks.
Top tip: book parking, scooters and wheelchairs in advance.
Visit www.tate.org.uk or tel 020 7887 8888.
Penwith Gallery, Cornwall
Formerly a pilchard packing factory, Penwith Gallery has a remarkable complex of buildings. Three public galleries, a printmaker’s workshop, 10 artists’ studios, and a sculpture courtyard make for an inspiring programme of exhibitions.
The entire gallery is wheelchair-accessible; the few small steps can be navigated with a wheelchair ramp. A small sculpture courtyard with glass sliding doors and a small lip is the only exception; the entire space can be clearly seen from inside the gallery.
Take note that there are no public toilets within the gallery, but two minutes away an accessible toilet can be found in the Sloop car park.
Visit www.penwithgallery.com or tel 01736 795579.
Aberdeen Art Gallery
The collection at Aberdeen Art Gallery spans 700 years and includes a staggering range of works by local, national and international artists, designers and makers.
Significant recent funding led to redevelopment to improve facilities, including accessibility, and today it boats a wonderfully inclusive space in the heart of the city.
Blue Badge parking spaces are located outside the gallery. Two wheelchairs are available to borrow. Once visitors are on the move they enjoy level access, which combined with a Changing Places Toilet on level 2, makes for a comfortable few hours.
Visit www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/AAGM or tel 0300 020 0293.
The Museum of Modern Art, Wales
MOMA Machynlleth is an arts centre and gallery in a market town in Powys. Home to seven art galleries and a concert hall in a converted chapel, the space promotes inspirational Welsh and international arts and cultural events. From visual arts to comedy and classical music festivals, there is plenty on offer.
Contact MOMA Machynlleth in advance with any specific questions. Meanwhile, Blue Badge car parking spaces are found at the back of the centre but should be pre-booked.
A wheelchair can be borrowed and an accessible toilet is located on the ground floor. Lifts to all floors and level access to gallery spaces, the café and shop, result in an inclusive destination not to be missed.
Visit www.moma.cymru/en or tel 01654 703355.
Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery
One of the largest contemporary art galleries in the UK, Nottingham Contemporary offers wonderful free exhibitions, special events and family activities.
Although there is no on-site parking, there is limited street parking for Blue Badge holders for a maximum of three hours. The building is accessible with lifts on all floors. Two disabled toilets can be found on the lowest floor, including a Changing Places Toilet with a changing bed.
A wheelchair can be borrowed along with portable fold-up stools to use if feet get weary. Both the shop and café are spacious, and the latter provides table service. Super friendly staff are on hand to help.
Visit www.nottinghamcontemporary.org or tel 0115 948 9750.
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