Facilities at the Museum

Toilets

We have many toilets, these are all marked on our Museum map, including wheelchair-accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities.

We also have a Changing Places toilet on the Ground Floor of our Blue Zone. If it’s out of order, go to the main information desk in Hintze Hall and our staff will give you access to our second one in our Nature Activity Centre.

Luggage and cloakrooms

We have two cloakrooms:

• Central Entrance cloakroom – available for large bags and suitcases only
• East Entrance cloakroom – can be used for everything, including coats

Our cloakrooms are subject to availability, so we recommend you avoid bringing luggage if possible. You can’t take large or wheeled suitcases around our building, they have to be left in our cloakrooms – these are charged according to weight.

Prices per item:

• Umbrella: £3 
• Coat: £4 
• Bag weighing less than 4kg: £5 
• Bag weighing more than 4kg: £6 
• Folded bike: £5 
• Scooter: £3 
• Pushchair: £5

Our members get to use our cloakrooms for free.

Seating

Seating is available throughout the Museum, with a variety of seating types in most galleries. If you need any assistance finding a seat, ask our staff and they’ll be happy to help.

You can borrow one of our folding stools for free from our cloakrooms. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and availability can’t be guaranteed. There are also folding stools available in our temporary exhibitions for use in those spaces, including the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

Parking

We do not have parking facilities on-site and parking around the Museum is limited. Find out other ways to get to the Museum.

Disabled parking

We have a very limited number of parking spaces on site for Blue Badge holders. Availability cannot be guaranteed. Book in advance by calling +44 (0)20 7942 5000 and asking to speak to the Security Reception team. You can access these spaces via Queen's Gate to the west of the Museum. 

There are also 12 Blue Badge parking spaces on Exhibition Road, which are managed by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and cannot be booked in advance. You can park there for four hours between 8.30-18.30. More information on the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's website.

Quiet spaces

The Museum can get very busy, but the following spaces usually have lower noise levels and fewer people than the rest of the Museum. They all provide seating and are marked on our Museum map.

• Minerals Gallery, Green Zone – an airy space with natural light
• Images of Nature Gallery, Blue Zone – a quiet space with low lighting
• Contemplation Room, Blue Zone – a quiet, naturally lit room used for prayer and reflection
• Nature Discovery Garden, Museum Gardens – an outdoor space where you can enjoy the view of our pond and the quiet company of the creatures who live there

Read more about these spaces in our quiet spaces and galleries guide. You can also pick up a hard copy of this guide from our information desks.

Cafes, restaurants and shops

We have cafes, restaurants and gift shops throughout our building. Grab a bite to eat at our family-friendly cafes and restaurants or pick up a souvenir of your visit from our shops. Visit our eat, drink and shop page to find out more about our menus, facilities and opening times.

Gallery closures and maintenance works

Sometimes we need to close galleries and spaces around the Museum to allow for essential maintenance or events.

Security notice

We may search your bags when you arrive at the Museum. Don’t bring any sharp objects, including knives and scissors, as they may be confiscated.

There’s no smoking allowed in our buildings or gardens – this includes electronic cigarettes and vaping products.

Find out more about our security and safety measures.