How can I get to the exhibition from public transport?
The nearest step-free underground station is Knightsbridge Station (0.6 mi). London Victoria train station is also step-free (1.3 miles). Taxi ranks are situated on both Cromwell Road and Exhibition Road. For more information on how to get here by public transport, see our Visit page or plan your journey with Transport For London.
Is there Blue Badge parking available?
There are 12 Blue Badge parking spaces on Exhibition Road managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. These can't be booked in advance. You can park for up to four hours between 08.30 and 18.30. These parking bays are free to all outside of these hours.
Does the exhibition have level access?
Yes, the exhibition is on the ground floor of the museum and has level access.
How close is the nearest accessible toilet to the exhibition? Where is the nearest Changing Places toilet?
The nearest accessible toilet is close to the exhibition on the ground floor. There are 13 accessible toilets around the museum.
The nearest Changing Places toilet can be found at the Science Museum.
Can I borrow a wheelchair / walking stick when I’m in the exhibition?
Wheelchairs and walking sticks are available at the information desk in the Grand Entrance. We recommend booking at least 24 hours in advance.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
We welcome suitably trained assistance dogs. They must be under your control during your visit. Ideally they should remain on a lead and wear a relevant tabard or harness.
What access provisions will there be in place for me if I am blind or visually impaired?
In the exhibition there is a QR code that links to access information on our website. This features an audio-descriptive page narrating key moments and objects on display. A member of staff will be happy to assist.
Design and Disability begins with a welcome and rest space for visitors to orientate themselves and address any access needs. In this section you will find both a large print of all object labels, as well as a sensory map of the exhibition.
What access provisions will there be in place for me if I am Deaf or hard of hearing?
Design and Disability begins with a welcome and rest space for visitors to orientate themselves and address any access needs. In this section you will find a BSL welcome video as well as a QR code that links to access information on our website. This features a BSL video tour narrating key moments and objects on display. A member of staff will be happy to assist.
What access provisions will there be in place for me if I am neurodivergent?
We encourage visitors to take their time in the exhibition and go at their own pace. There are resting and decompression zones at the beginning and end of the exhibition, which can be used for resting, orientation and addressing any access needs.
I can’t stand for a long time – are there any seats in the exhibition?
There are a variety of different seating options throughout the exhibition for visitors to use.
I have sensory issues, what provisions are there for me?
The exhibition has been designed without a soundscape or music playing so that as many people can enjoy the exhibition as possible. We have ear defenders available to anyone who needs them.
Please note that during our Friday Late evenings, the museum will be busier, and there will be a live DJ close to the exhibition. For visitors who prefer a quieter, more relaxed experience we would suggest visiting before 17:30 on these days.
Will there be large print guides available in person / online?
The exhibition will have audio description, BSL, large print and plain English guides.
How long will it take me to go around the exhibition?
We encourage visitors to enjoy the exhibition at their own pace. Typically, it takes around an hour to explore the exhibition.
If I feel tired, or want to leave and come back another day, can I?
Yes, please contact us by phone on +44 (0)20 7942 2000 or email at hello@vam.ac.uk and we’ll do our best to help.
If I don’t feel well on the day of my visit and I can’t attend, can I come another day instead?
Yes, please contact us by phone on +44 (0)20 7942 2000 or email at hello@vam.ac.uk and we’ll do our best to help.
Is there any printed exhibition literature that I can take home?
An accompanying publication edited by exhibition curator Natalie Kane can be found in our shop priced at £20 (RRP £25). A range of films and articles related to the themes of the exhibition can also be found on our website.
If I’m unable to attend the exhibition, is there a book about the exhibition?
Yes, we have a publication related to the exhibition Design and Disability, edited by Natalie Kane, with Reuben Liebeskind. The book can be purchased in our online shop or from bookshops worldwide.
The book has been designed for greater accessibility with features including:
- Lay-flat binding and lighter format allowing the book to be handled easily and read hands-free
- Ivory paper which reduces glare, improves visual focus, and overall reading comfort by minimising distracting visual elements
- Accessible font Zed by Typotheque
- Increased legibility with large font size, generous line spacing and black text on ivory background
- Coloured borders enabling easy navigation between sections
I can’t travel to the exhibition due to my disability, how can I take part?
We know that some of our visitors will not be able to visit Design and Disability in person. We are working to ensure the exhibition can be enjoyed by the widest possible audience, and this includes a range of digital features on our website that explore the themes of the exhibition. These will be added to our website throughout the run of the exhibition. In addition to this, our access page includes a plain English access guide featuring 10 highlights.
Will related events/talks be available online as well as in person?
We will be hosting several events related to the exhibition, which will be livestreamed for those who can’t attend in person. All upcoming events can be found on the Design and Disability web page.
Will there be accessible tours of the exhibition?
Yes, we will be hosting a number of accesible tours of the exhibition, including BSL tours, Audio Description tours and touch tours. We will publish the dates of these tours when confirmed.
Will you require proof of disability to book a disabled person ticket?
Free tickets are available for Disabled people, with the option to bring a companion with no entry charge. Disabled visitors will not need to show proof of disability.