Disability Resource Centre (DRC)

Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Address

Downing Street,
Cambridge, CB2 3DZ

Tel.

01223 333 516

Web

maa.cam.ac.uk

Access Issues

Contact

Museum Administrator

Tel.

01223 333 510

Fax

01223 333 517

Email

wmb24@cam.ac.uk

General Information

Founded in 1883, the Museum houses the University's collections of local antiquities and archaeological and ethnographic artefacts from all continents. As a research and teaching centre it continues to collect contemporary material and local archaeology. The permanent galleries for archaeology and anthropology provide an overview of material from around the world, one gallery is devoted to changing exhibitions and there are annual student exhibitions and rotating displays.

Opening hours

10.30am–4.30pm Tuesday to Saturday. Free entry.

Location

Downing Site. See separate entry for Downing Site.

Parking

No visitor parking. It is best to park in Lion Yard and walk up the red walkway and over the (busy) road. For visitors with impaired mobility parking can be arranged on-site given sufficient notice.

Physical Access

Entrances

Entrance to the Downing Site is through big iron gates on Downing Street. Sometimes the ramped gates are locked on Saturdays, so it's best to call and check if you can't manage steps. Steep wooden ramps to entrance, but doors are wide.

Number of floors

Three floors in total, including ground floor.

Lifts and stairs

Large lift to all floors.

Toilets

Disabled toilets accessible by lift — ladies' toilet on first floor, men's on second floor.

General access

Inside, it is mostly flat, and very spacious, with a thinly carpeted floor on the ground floor and wooden flooring on the first and second floors.

There is a small raised section with two marked steps, and steps down to one further display area but everything can be seen from ground level.

Visual Impairments

Assistance dogs welcome. Very well lit exhibits and displays, in a bright and airy room. The stairs up to the upper floors are unmarked, but well lit. Other steps are usually marked where they exist.

Most of the signage is fairly large and clear, although often the detail is small. Large print leaflets are available.

Hearing Impairments

An induction loop is available at the front desk.

The Museum is a rather large space, with hard furnishings, but generally not too busy or noisy.

Other Useful Information

• Children welcome. Special children's information sheets, clipboards and pencils are available.