Access to the building

Wheelchair access to the Main Building (PDF)

Wheelchair access to the York Gate building (PDF)

An audio CD of the ‘Access guide for visitors’ is available — please enquire at the Front Desk or General Office, or email disabilities@ram.ac.uk.

Guide for Prospective and Current Academy Students with Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties (2010, PDF)

Wheelchair users can access the Academy’s buildings via the side entrance of the York Gate building, between the building and the David Josefowitz Recital Hall. Access to this entrance is through the gate to the York Gate building on Marylebone Road and is signposted. Wheelchair access is via a ramp at the side entrance to the York Gate building and there is an entry phone there linked to the Reception Desks in the museum and the Main Building. The entry phone allows the visitor to speak to Security staff in order to gain access but the phone does not at present allow for two-way conversation. It is advisable to phone or email the Academy before visiting, if you require access to the Academy via the ramp. You can do this by telephoning on 020 7873 7370/7371 or email: frontdesk@ram.ac.uk.

A wheelchair lift in the basement of the York Gate building gives access to the Recital Hall and to the basement area of the main building including restaurant and bar.

The Main Building lift has not yet been adapted to give wheelchair users independent access, but with assistance this lift gives access to the seven floors at the front of the Main Building including the Duke’s Hall and most offices and teaching rooms. Staff are always on hand to give assistance if required.

We regret that it is not possible to offer parking facilities for disabled visitors. Within the City of Westminster, Blue Badge Holders can park free of charge in designated Disabled Parking Bays. See Your Visit for more information.

Concert Halls and Theatre

The Academy has five concert venues.

• David Josefowitz Recital Hall – there is ramped access via the side entrance alongside the York Gate building and wheelchairs can be easily accommodated in the Hall.
• Duke’s Hall – wheelchair access is also through the side entrance alongside the York Gate building. The current project aiming to create independent access via the Main Entrance should enable easier access to the Duke’s Hall.
• The Concert Room, Recital Room and Sir Jack Lyons Theatre - these are all accessed by staircases and disabled people may require assistance.

The Museum

It is advisable to phone or email the Academy before visiting if you require wheelchair access to the museum via the ramp. There are accessible toilets on each floor in the museum building. When you are in the museum, staff are available if assistance is required.

Emergency Evacuation

Disabled refuge areas are provided in the York Gate building, and in the event of an evacuation of the building there is a dedicated marshal to check the refuges and take whatever action is necessary to ensure that people are taken safely out of the building.