Access
Plan a visit that works for you.
Step-free throughout, quiet hour every Thursday, free sensory bags at the welcome desk, and a downloadable social story for first-time visitors.
From street to dome without a single step.
The step-free entrance is on Observatory Lane (the south side). All six floors are reached by two 21-person lifts. The dome entrance is on the same level as the planetarium foyer.
- 01
Observatory Lane entrance
Level threshold, automatic doors, 1.5m clear opening.
- 02
Welcome desk
Hearing loop, lowered counter section, sensory bags.
- 03
Lifts A & B
Atrium centre, voice announcements, braille panels.
- 04
Planetarium dome
Four wheelchair spaces per show, transfer seats.
- 05
Accessible WCs
Every floor, plus a Changing Places facility on Floor 1.
Quiet hour
Thursdays · 09:00 — 10:00
Music off. House lights at 60%. Capped at 80 visitors. Loud interactive exhibits paused. Sensory map handed out at the door.
Free with a Quiet Hour ticket · no booking required for members.
Sensory bags
Free at the welcome desk
- · Ear defenders (adult & child sizes)
- · Fidget tools and tactile cards
- · A printed visual schedule for the day
- · Sunglasses for bright gallery sections
BSL tours
First Saturday of the month, 11:00 from the Atrium.
Audio-described tours
Every Wednesday at 13:00, with tactile handling objects.
Large-print guides
All exhibition labels, available at the welcome desk.
Braille labels
On all permanent gallery introductions.
Service animals
Welcome throughout, with water bowls at the welcome desk.
Blue badge parking
Six on-site bays on Observatory Lane, free for 4 hours.
Before you arrive
Social story & visual schedule
A photo-led walkthrough of arrival, the welcome desk, the lifts, the toilets and the dome. Useful for first-time visitors and for anyone who likes to know what's next.
Download the social story (PDF) →Talk to the access team
access@meridian.museum
+44 (0)20 7946 0218 · SMS welcome
We can arrange pre-visit walk-throughs outside opening hours, dedicated quiet sessions for community groups, and BSL bookings for any planetarium show with 7 days' notice.