Is the National Film & Sci-Fi Museum suitable for visitors of all abilities?
The National Film & Sci-Fi Museum team is committed to making sure that all our visitors have an amazing experience. We want the widest range of people to enjoy the building, collection, exhibits and events.
There is a lot to see across many displays within the museum and so visiting involves a bit of movement around the building. There would be some periods of standing if attending one of our special events (for autographs and photo shoots). Please consider your individual needs when deciding whether to visit the museum but we will fulfil all reasonable requests to make sure it goes as smoothly as it can.
What is the accessibility of the venue?
With both stairs and lift access to beam you up to the first floor we offer access to all. The flooring throughout the Museum and shop area is all level permitting wheelchair and stroller access.
Is there dedicated parking for disabled visitors?
We have two dedicated Blue Badge bays right outside the entrance, and many more positioned around Lloyds Court. All parking zones in Milton Keynes are Free when a Blue Badge is displayed.
Are service animals permitted?
Registered assistance animals are welcome. Unfortunately, no other animals are permitted on site to ensure the preservation of the items in the museum. Please note that the National Film & Sci-Fi Museum have the right to refuse access to any animal visitor at their discretion.
Am I able to rent mobility aids?
We do not offer this service.
Are any of the displays accessible to visually impaired visitors?
We are not able to offer this on all exhibits but please contact us in advance of your visit to see if we are able to facilitate something for you.
Do you provide an audio track for visually impaired visitors?
We do not have a pre-recorded option at the moment, but we do offer a free carers ticket for someone who can talk you through the exhibits.
Do you provide interpreters at your events for the hearing impaired?
This will be offered on an event by event basis. If you require an interpreter, please contact us in advance of your visit to see if we are able to facilitate this at your chosen event for you.
Is there a seated rest area?
We have very limited seating in our lobby. Please note this is a high bench and may not be suitable for all visitors. Seats have been included throughout the museum exhibits should these be required at any point.
Are there disabled toilet facilities?
Yes, we have an accessible toilet on the ground floor.
I have an issue on the day who can I talk to?
If at any point during the day you have any issues, your first port of call would be to speak to our staff at the front desk or the crew members during an event. If for some reason they are unable to assist then please ask to speak to the Duty Manager. Please note that it is very hard for us to rectify any issues you have after your visit so please do highlight these at the time so we can assist in making your trip to the National Film & Sci-Fi Museum as enjoyable as possible.
I require extra assistance during my visit. What are my options?
- Carers Entry – We offer one free carers entry when accompanying any visitor that requires extra help. This permits access to the museum for the sole purpose to assist with the full paying ticket holder to facilitate their visit.
- Extra Help pass (only available during special events) – this is a wristband that identifies you to the crew as someone who needs assistance during the event.
What does the extra help pass do?
Entrance – If you require extra help there will be a registration point where you will receive your wristband.
Please note there is very limited seating available at the entrance so if you have difficulty standing for long periods, we recommend you delay your arrival until the event is open.
On arrival make yourselves known to the front desk staff. You will then receive your extra help and carers (if applicable) wristband on presentation of the your documents. Please have these ready to present, along with your ticket in order to then be able to enter the museum.
Photo shoots – You must have a valid ticket for the shoot you are attending but if you make yourself known to the crew member in the area and they will expedite your queuing time. Your carer can assist you right up to the shoot inside the booth and standing out of shot whilst the photo is taken. Our photo printing is instant and you can collect your print before exiting the booth.
Lecture/Talk/Presentation areas – Where possible we will mark disabled seating but please bear in mind that all seating is on a first come first served basis. Please ask to speak to the crew who will direct wheelchair positioning or will try to accommodate an aisle seat if possible. We may operate both free and paid lectures during specific events and any paid activities will be advertised beforehand and require a separate paid for ticket. Your carer can accompany you for free to any lectures you have access to.
Autograph lines – In most cases we operate a Virtual Queuing system for busy guests. This means that you do not need to queue for long periods. You (or your carer) collect a numbered ticket at the beginning of the event in the signing area and return any time after that number has been called. As an attendee identified as requiring extra help due to being unable to stand for long periods, once your VQ ticket has been called you will be put towards the front of the queue to reduce your actual queuing time. As a rough guide your actual queuing time should be no more than 10 minutes.
Who is eligible for an Extra Help wristband?
Individuals who have mobility, physical, vision, hearing, cognitive, psychological, invisible or other types of disabilities are all taken into consideration for extra help. We hope you can understand that we have to ensure that the right people are able to receive help during their visit so we require evidence in the format of one of the below documents to be shown upon entrance with your valid entry ticket.
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA) award letter
- Attendance Allowance (AA) award letter
- Blind Persons Registration
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
- A medical letter from your doctor or consultant explaining your reasons for needing extra assistance
Please note that the National Film & Sci-Fi Museum have the right to refuse access or additional help at their discretion.