starts: 06 August 2010
ends: 02 January 2011
Category: Community, Exhibition, Family
Admission: Free
Tel: 01792 653763
Website: http://www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseamuseum
The 19th century saw the beginning of motoring and our new exhibition tells the story of the miles and the milestones on two and four wheels in this region. From ancient to modern, fossil fuels to green energy, racing to relaxation, travel to trade. Sir Stirling Moss, Ford Motor Company, BP Oil, and many other great names were here – now you can share those times.
Swansea Museum
Victoria Road, Maritime Quarter, Swansea, SA1 1SN
tel: 01792 653763
website: http://www.swansea.gov.uk/swanseamuseum
Swansea Museum, the oldest in Wales, presents local history, archaeology, and heritage in a lively and entertaining way. Discover the story of Swansea, its people and their impact on the world. Marvel the ancient Egyptian Mummy, visit the 'Cabinet of Curiosities' gallery, or admire the superb display of Swansea ceramics. Swansea Museum has a fascinating range of permanent displays, and an ever-changing scene of special exhibitions. Nearby there are floating exhibits, including Tug, Lightship and Pilot Cutter, along with the Mumbles Tramway Centre. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10.00am - 5.00pm, plus Bank Holiday Mondays. Admission free.
Access statement: Although the building is impressive, it is not user-friendly to people with impaired mobility.
Work continues to be undertaken to come up with a contemporary plan for improving access, building on a comprehensive Access audit undertaken with the assistance of the Swansea Access Group and the Technical Services Department.
ACCESS FACILITIES
Until money can be allocated to create a new entrance, the following strategies have been put in place to make life easier for all our visitors.
The display galleries at the back of the Museum are at ground level, and can be accessed from the staff car park in the garden. These include the China Gallery and the Main Exhibition Gallery. Staff are available to facilitate access for you. Please contact us in advance.
Although the public toilets in the Museum are not wheelchair accessible, the staff toilets in the Rovacabin are accessible - please ask the staff.
Chairs are available in each display gallery for the use of visitors.
Internal bi-lingual directional signs are shown in large clear print. The newest galleries have text written in clear 18 point print and are bi-lingual.
Texts written by the staff are created to be easy to read and understand whilst still being packed with information.
RESEARCH POSSIBILITIES
Although it is difficult to get to the Research Library in Swansea museum arrangements can be made for researchers to work in the staff office in the Rovacabin in the garden. The Rovacabin has full wheelchair access up a ramp, an accessible toilet, and can be reached from the staff car park at the back of the building. People wanting to use this research facility should telephone us for details.
A virtual tour of the upper floor is presently being prepared to include the Archaeology Gallery, the Cabinet of Curiosities and the Egyptian Gallery.
Talks Members of staff from the Collections Access Team regularly go out and give talks to interested groups. One of these talks includes a "guided tour" of the museum with slides. Please phone for details.
The Education Officer has Prehistoric and Victorian Handling Objects for use with school groups. Adult groups who feel they would enjoy such a session can book such a Handling Session through the Education Officer.
FUTURE
£4,000 has been allocated towards improving DDA interpretation and accessing the displays in the coming year.
All past plans for improving access to Swansea Museum are being re-visited and the best ideas compiled into a new plan to seek funding.
The new web site www.swanseaheritage.net is currently being updated to comply with DDA guidelines for accessibility.
Comments are welcomed from visitors regarding access issues.
If you require any additional information, please phone 01792 653763.