Freud Museum Access Policy 2016

The Freud Museum is committed to maximising access for everyone. Access is made possible when physical, cultural, social, financial, intellectual, psychological and emotional barriers to learning from and enjoyment of the museum are reduced or overcome. We want people, regardless of ability, age, gender, cultural or social background, sexual orientation, faith, language, location or wealth, to engage with the museum, its collections, services, facilities and website as fully as possible.

We aim to continually improve access as resources permit.

This policy relates to access by our users and does not cover access in relation to staff, contractors, freelancers or volunteers.

Our commitment to accessibility

1. Our policy is to build accessibility into everything that we do to develop and improve the museum.

We consider: Physical access – the ability of people with physical disabilities to reach and appreciate every part of the museum. The needs of the elderly and of people caring for young children are considered as physical access issues.

 Blue badge holders can book a parking space at the museum in advance by calling the museum on 020 7435 2002.  The ground floor with the key room, Freud’s study, is fully accessible by wheelchair. The first floor (with the Anna Freud Room, Video Room and Exhibition Room) is not currently accessible as there is no lift. Visitors who cannot access the first floor can request a laptop from the front desk, and can view the film, as well as reading all of the text panels upstairs, and photographs of objects if required (also available online)  Seating is available by the front door, next to the coffee machine.  Baby change facilities are in the ground floor toilet.

Sensory access – whether those with impaired vision or hearing can enjoy and appreciate the museum’s building, exhibitions and collection.

 Visitors with impaired vision can use the audio guide and request additional information from our visitor assistants.  Large print text is available.

Intellectual access – whether people with learning disabilities can engage with and enjoy the museum and its exhibitions.

 We can provide tailored tours for specific groups. Individuals can request assistance from our visitor assistants.  The website can be a helpful first stop to find out about the museum and its collections before visiting.  Visitors are welcome to call or to email with queries.

Cultural access – the needs of people for whom English is not a first language, or whose background knowledge of English history and culture may be limited.

 The Audio guide is available in English, French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and German.  The introduction leaflet with floor plans is available in all of the above languages as well as Japanese.  Portuguese, French, German, Polish, Latvian are spoken at the museum by current staff.

Emotional and attitudinal access – whether the museum environment and the museum staff are welcoming to visitors from all sections of the community  Our staff are trained and supported to make the museum the most welcoming it can be.  We aim to create environments in which people can feel comfortable, valued and able to learn at their own pace in their own style.  We have a well-established and respected education programme for secondary schools and specialist groups.

Geographical access – whether the museum and its services are available to users outside of London  We aim to provide a rich online experience for everyone.  We loan objects to exhibitions across the world  There are a range of books available about the Freud Museum and its collections.  A film series is available free of charge online and podcasts of most talks and seminars are available.  Museum staff travel to give talks and lectures about the museum, Freud and psychoanalysis and the museum’s collections.

2. The museum’s admission charges are maintained at an affordable level with concessions where possible. The museum shop stocks a range of low cost items.

3. We pay due regard to intergenerational equality. The rights of future generations to enjoy access to our present collection are safeguarded by high standards of collection care and where necessary by restrictions on handling, or exposure to light, moisture or other harmful environmental conditions.

4. The museum’s website complies with accessibility standards.

5. The museum is open to the public five days a week, Tuesday to Sunday, 12 to 5, and at other times for private hire events or educational tours.

6. We regularly review our achievements and make plans for further progress.

Written October 2011, Reviewed October 2013, Revised February 2016 Review date: February 2019