Quieter times and quiet space
- When arriving at the museum, the Info Desk area and Processional Way can be busy. If you need support around this, please ask a member of staff.
- We recommend quieter hours between 3.00pm and 5.00pm Monday to Friday, and between 10.00am and 12.00pm on Sunday mornings.
- Fridays can be quieter, as we don’t book groups on this day. Please note that some groups may still visit on a Friday.
- We have a quiet space available, if you need to use this during your visit ask any member of staff.
Sensory tools
- Ear defenders and sensory fidgets are available on request from the Info Desk.
- Paper, colouring pencils, and pencils are available on request from the Info Desk.
Public events
- A traffic light system will be used during public events. Attendees can display a coloured dot to signify how they would like to communicate with others during the event.
- Ear defenders, sensory fidgets, paper, and colouring pencils are available for public events.
Engaging with the galleries
- The main galleries are designed to provide a range of sensory experiences, including several different audio, visual, and touch elements. All touchpoints are regularly cleaned.
- Interpretation is mainly via text panels. Interpretation boards in the main galleries include Large Print text, pictures and illustrations.
- We use the Ekarv method for our labels and interpretation boards in the main galleries. This method aims to make text more easily read. Sentences are kept short, with ideas communicated clearly and concisely.
- Colour overlays area available in the Changing Exhibition Gallery and from the Info Desk.
Background noise and flashing lights
- There is background music and sounds in all of the galleries. In the Changing Exhibition Gallery there are occasionally TVs playing short films and sound installations. In the main galleries there are interactive parts of the displays which make sounds when you interact with them.
- In the Changing Exhibition Gallery there is background noise from the air conditioning.
- Background noises are turned off for events where necessary.
- No flashing lights are used in the main galleries. For the Changing Exhibition Gallery the museum will provide signage and warning should there be any flashing lights used.
- Some activities that take place in the Mini Theatre space in Main Gallery One may have flashing or changing coloured lights. Please ask staff on your arrival if any of these activities will be taking place during your visit.
Visual story
Hearing Aid Induction Loop
- An induction loop is available in the foyer and at the archive desk.
- Infrared hearing loop facilities are available on request in the Engine Hall, Coal Store Conference Room, Learning Studio, and Mini Theatre.
- If you are attending a public event or Venue Hire event and need to use the hearing loop, please contact access@phm.org.uk or 0161 838 9190 in advance of your visit.
Kindly supported by Manchester City Council’s Disabled Access Grant Scheme.
British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation
- We provide some BSL interpreted public events; visit the What’s On page for details.
- If you require BSL interpretation for a public event please contact access@phm.org.uk or 0161 838 9190 in advance of your visit. This is subject to availability.