Tate Liverpool

Tate Liverpool is located in the Albert Dock complex, which includes period features such as cobbles and original Yorkstone paving.

• There are no steep gradients on approaches to Tate Liverpool
• There is level access to the gallery
• The main revolving doors are operated manually
• The two side doors open automatically and are push pad operated. The doors are single width. The door opening is 110cm wide

Five wheelchairs are available to borrow during your gallery visit.

You must book prior to your arrival.

To book:

• Email visiting.liverpool@tate.org.uk
• Call +44 (0)151 702 7400

We welcome assistance dogs in the gallery. Drinking bowls are available – just ask a member of staff.

To help plan your visit to Tate Liverpool, have a look at our visual story. It includes photographs and information of what you can expect from a visit to the gallery.

• Ear defenders can be borrowed from the front desk
• We can provide a quiet space, please ask a member of staff

Loud noises, flashing lights, smoke effects and strobe lighting feature in some artworks.

• Email visiting.liverpool@tate.org.uk
• Call + 44 (0)151 702 7400

Visitors with a disability pay a concessionary rate, and carers’ entrance is free. Details are available on each exhibition page.

Large print

Tate Liverpool provides a range of interpretative material including information panels, labels and leaflets.

• All artwork labels are available in large print at the entrance to each exhibition or display
• Exhibition booklets are also available in large print. Please ask a member of staff
• Light-weight, high-definition magnifiers are available in our gallery spaces, as well as cerium overlays in a variety of colours. Please ask a member of staff

Access events such as Audio described tours are not currently being offered.

Due to the need for everyone to keep a safe distance in the galleries, we are not currently running any events. We’re continuing to review provision and programmes and hope to recommence events as soon as we can.

The following areas of Tate Liverpool are fitted with a hearing loop:

• Foyer
• Group reception room
• Auditorium

Access events such as BSL talks are not currently being offered.

Due to the need for everyone to keep a safe distance in the galleries, we are not currently running any events. We’re continuing to review provision and programmes and hope to recommence events as soon as we can.

• We can provide various colours of transparent overlays, which may benefit some visitors with dyslexia when reading black-on-white text captions and leaflets.
• All artwork labels are available in large print at the entrance to each exhibition or display.
• Exhibition booklets are also available in large print. Please ask a member of staff.

Just ask at the Information desk.

Information desk

The Information desk at Tate Liverpool is located three metres from the front entrance. Staff are happy to help with any questions you have about the artworks, building and facilities.

• There is level access to the Information desk from the entrance
• Lighting levels are bright
• Seating is available in the foyer

Toilets

Female and males toilets are located next to the lift in the basement, 15 and 16 metres from the entrance respectively.
There is level access to both toilets and the lighting levels are bright.

Adapted toilets

There are adapted toilets at Tate Liverpool, which all visitors can use. Adapted toilets are situated:

• 10.5 metres from the accessible entrance on the ground floor
• in the basement next to the lift
• between the rooms at the north end of the gallery on the first and second floors.

All adapted toilets are unisex. A key is not required for these toilets except for the toilet on the ground floor, which requires a RADAR key. RADAR keys are available from staff in our foyer and at our information desk.
The door to the ground floor adapted toilet opens inwards and is locked by a locking handle. As you face the toilet pan there is lateral transfer space of one metre on the left.
The tap type is lever. There is a functional emergency alarm. Wall mounted grab rails are on both sides of the toilet.

• Other features are placed at the following heights above floor level:
• Coat hook: less than 120 cm
• Toilet seat: 45 cm.
• Hand dryer: less than 130 cm.
• Toilet roll holder: less than100 cm.
• Sink: less than 74 cm.

The contrast between the walls and floor is good. Wall mounted and drop down rails are available.

Changing Places toilet

There is a Changing Places toilet​ at Tate Liverpool, located in the ground floor foyer. You can access the toilet using a RADAR key. RADAR keys are available from staff in our foyer and at our information desk.

Changing Places toilets are also available at the Merseyside Maritime Museum which is within a 5 minute walk from the gallery. Information is available on the Maritime Museum website. Changing places toilets are also available at the Museum of Liverpool which is within a 15 minute walk from the gallery, and in Liverpool One which is within a 20 minute walk from the gallery. The facility is located in the Liverpool One Information Centre.

Baby care facilities

There are three baby care rooms at Tate Liverpool, with a full range of facilities. They are located:

• in the basement next to the standard female toilet
• in the adapted toilet on the 1st floor gallery
• in the adapted toilet on the 2nd floor gallery

Levels and lifts

The basement, ground, first, second and fourth floors are accessible to the public.

• There are over 15 steps between floors
• The steps are clearly marked
• The lighting level is bright
• There are handrails on both sides
• There is a landing on each floor

Lifts

There are two standard passenger lifts located opposite the main entrance. The right hand lift provides access to all levels; the left hand lift provides access to the ground, first, second and fourth floor.

These lifts are being prioritised for people who are not able to use the stairs.

• The lifts are 12 metres from the entrance
• The dimensions of the lifts are 1.24 metres x 1.23 metres
• There is a mirror in each lift to aid reversing out
• The lifts have a visual floor indicator, Braille markings and an audible announcer
• The external call buttons are at a low level
• The lighting level in the lifts is bright

Lockers

We have free lockers to store bags and/or coats whilst you visit the gallery.

For reasons of safety and security the following are not permitted:

• bags larger than cabin bag size (55cm x 40cm x 20cm)
• sports or recreational equipment (musical instruments)
• large wheelie bags or boxes

Skateboards, scooters, and folding bike policy

Electric skateboards, scooters and folding bikes are not permitted in the building. Non-electric skateboards, scooters and folding bikes are permitted but must be stored in the lockers. The number of lockers is limited, so we regret that at busy times we may not be able to accept these items.

Seating

Seating is available in the galleries.

Portable folding stools are available on request – ask a member of staff or at the information desks. You will be asked to clean the stool before and after use using the allocated cleaning station.

Café

There is level access to the Café at Tate Liverpool.

• Assisted service is available
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre
• No tables or chairs are permanently fixed
• The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 70 cm
• Menus are clearly written and presented in contrasting colours
• They are hand held and available in large print
• The type of food served is hot and cold meals, and snacks

Shop

There is level access to the Shop at Tate Liverpool and ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.

Communication cards provide a means of visual, or nonverbal, communication.

You can use our communication cards to ask for directions to facilities in the gallery. These include toilet, café, seating, shop, quiet room, and exit. Show one of the cards to a member of Tate staff if you need to be shown to one of these places.

You can download these cards and print at home or save as a PDF on your portable device. There are two colour versions, with white or yellow background. Use whichever version you find easiest to read.

• Print at home communication cards (white) 36.22 Kb
• Print at home communication cards (yellow) 35.96 Kb
• Digital communication cards (white) 36.65 Kb
• Digital communication cards (yellow) 39.41 Kb

Tate is grateful to Anna Farley who initiated and championed the development of these communication cards. Anna is an autistic artist who makes work exploring her autism, UK disability culture and inclusion.

View upcoming access events at Tate Liverpool.

BSL interpretation, captioning and audio descriptions are also offered where possible.

Please read our accessibility statement for our website

Email visiting.liverpool@tate.org.uk
Call 0151 702 7400