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Lifts, breaks and visitor facilities

Use the Great Court as a place to pause and find visitor support. Room numbers and levels help staff direct you to lifts, toilets, seating and food facilities.

Lifts, breaks and visitor facilities

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Pause in the Great Court when you need to reset your visit. The circular Reading Room gives you a clear landmark to return to, and visitor desks can help you choose the next gallery or reach a facility. The building has several named lift systems. Choose by the floor and destination you need, rather than assuming that any lift serves every gallery. The North lift runs between Levels -1 and 5, the West lift between 0 and 5, and the Great Court and South lifts between -2 and 3.

Ask about the destination

Tell staff the room number and level you want to reach. A gallery may have a particular access condition even though lifts exist elsewhere in the building. Step-free access to Room 21 is currently unavailable. Ask the Information Desk about alternatives if that room is part of your plans.

Take a break within the visit

The Museum has cafés, shops, toilets, seating and a cloakroom. The Great Court Restaurant and Coffee Lounge are on Level 3. Use the current facility signs for service times and the nearest option. Membership facilities have their own eligibility, so check that before choosing one for a pause.

Resume from a clear landmark

Allow time to return from a break to the collection level you need. Refind the Reading Room or the named lift, then use the room signs for your destination. If you want to avoid human remains or need a quieter route, explain that at the Information Desk before entering the relevant gallery.

Official visit information ↗

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Lifts, breaks and visitor facilities · 1/1
Lifts, breaks and visitor facilities · 1

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Your own selection. Follow the route instructions and on-site signs between stops; custom combinations have no verified transfer time.

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