Visitor Access Guide
Here at MK Gallery, we are committed to making our artistic and events programme accessible to all visitors. This access guide offers details of our building, facilities and services for people with different access needs. We hope it will help you plan your visit.
MK Gallery main entrance in Margaret Powell Square, beside Milton Keynes Theatre.
MK Gallery 900 Midsummer Blvd Milton Keynes MK9 3QA T +44 (0)1908 676 900 info@mkgallery.org
Information Desk On arrival you will be greeted by a staff member at our Information Desk in the Foyer. The Information Desk is at a level suitable for use by visitors or staff using a wheelchair. Our Gallery Assistants are happy to do all they can to support your visit.
Visitors with Limited Mobility MK Gallery is fully accessible to visitors with limited mobility including wheelchair users. At the main entrance on Margaret Powell Square, there is level access via automatic sliding doors, leading to a wide foyer giving access to the three main galleries, the Information Desk and small Shop. The first floor Events Room, where occasional talks, workshops and film screenings are held, can be accessed by lift. Door openings in the gallery are over two metres wide, but are sometimes modified when blackout conditions are needed for film or new media displays. In these circumstances our Gallery Assistants will inform you on arrival, and offer access assistance as required.
Visitors with Visual Impairment We provide large print copies of our exhibition guides at the Information Desk. Alternatively they can be posted to you in advance by telephoning 01908 676 900. An audio-described exhibition tour occurs during each exhibition. Contact Emma Fry, efry@mkgallery.org / 01908 558 305 for the date of our next tour.
Visitors with Hearing Impairment We have a portable induction loop system for the Information Desk, and a high quality Access Audio system (wide band radio hearing system) for on and offsite workshops, panel discussions, exhibition tours and community engagement projects. This has been made possible through a grant from the Milton Keynes Community Foundation.
A BSL interpreted exhibition tour occurs during each exhibition. Contact Emma Fry, efry@mkgallery.org / 01908 558 305 for the date of our next tour.
Guide and Hearing Dogs Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome at MK Gallery. If you wish to bring your dog with you to a ticketed talk or event, please let us know when booking so that we can reserve an aisle seat for you. Alternatively a member of staff will care for your dog during the event. We can also provide drinking water for your dog on request.
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Toilet Facilities On the ground floor, to the left of the main entrance, there are male and female toilets and an adapted toilet including a standard baby change facility. On the first floor, there is one adapted and one unisex toilet outside the Events Room, accessible by lift.
Public Seating Public seating in the galleries varies depending on the display or installation requirements and cannot always be guaranteed. If you need seating, one of our Gallery Assistants will be happy to find you a simple chair or folding stool on request
Parking If you have an orange or blue badge you can park free of charge in nearby ‘Pay and Display’ spaces. Parking bays (seven spaces) for people with disabilities are also available at the entrance to Margaret Powell Square outside the Gallery, serving both theatre and gallery visitors. Click here to view the city’s parking map
Open Access Tours
Once during every exhibition the Gallery programmes an Open Access Tour specifically for people with additional access needs. The displays being discussed are audio described for the visually impaired and a BSL signer is present to interpret for the deaf or hearing impaired. Contact Emma Fry, Head of Learning for the date of our next free Open Access Tour. T: 01908 558 305 / E: efry@mkgallery.org
Disability Access Steering Group
MK Gallery and Milton Keynes Theatre jointly run a Disability Access Steering Group. The Steering Group comprises Theatre and Gallery staff and Steering Group members who are representative of people with different access needs. The Group explores ways of enhancing or improving the Theatre and Gallery’s access services and facilities, ranging from signage to events. The Steering Group provide the Theatre and Gallery with valuable feedback and advice. To find out more about the Group’s work, or to express an interest in joining, please contact: Emma Fry, Head of Learning T: 01908 558 305 / E: efry@mkgallery.org
Funding
Contact us
Milton Keynes Theatre & Gallery Company received a grant of £500,000 from The Powell Foundation to support the provision of facilities for older people and people with disabilities of all ages.
Emma Fry Head of Learning T: 01908 558 305 E: efry@mkgallery.org www.mkgallery.org