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Making SENse

Frequently Asked Questions

To help families with an autistic child plan their visit to the V&A Museum of Childhood.

Q. When is the Museum open?

A. The V&A Museum of Childhood is open seven days a week, 10.00-17.45. We are closed on

the 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January.

Q. Can I park at the Museum?A. The Museum doesnt have a public car park; however visitors with access difficulties can

contact the Museum in advance to request a parking space in the staff car park (off

Victoria Park Square). Parking spaces are dependent upon availability.

Q. What are the nearest transport links?

A. Underground, Zone 2 Bethnal Green (1 min walk). No lift, escalator access only.Bus D6, 106, 254, 309 and 388 stop nearby.

Rail Cambridge Heath (10 min walk) and Bethnal Green (20 min walk). Stair access only.

Q. Do I need to book my visit in advance?

A. No, you can visit any time during our opening hours. The quietest times to visit are

weekdays, 14.30-17.45 and weekends, 10.00-11.15. If you would like to reserve any of our

Making SENse Family Packs, or have any questions about your visit, please call our

Information Desk on 0208 983 5200, or the Learning Manager on 0208 983 5220.

Q. My child gets distracted by the Shop and Caf. Can I avoid the Shop and Caf when I visitthe Museum?

A. Yes, it is possible to avoid the Shop and Caf when you arrive at the Museum. Turn right

after you come through the main entrance doors and you will see a flight of stairs going

down to the Lower Ground Floor. From there you can take the lift to the First Floor,

avoiding the Shop and Caf.

Q. Are there any activities available for my child in the Museum?

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A. Yes, there are a range of activities available to enjoy before, during and after your visit to

the Museum.

Before your visit

Preparing your child in advance will enable you to make the most of your visit to theMuseum. You can download the Making SENse Pre-Visit Booklet at

www.museumofchildhood.org.uk. If you dont have access to a computer, call 0208 983

5220 and we will post a copy to you.

During your visit

There are many interactives you can use for free throughout the Museum, including a

sandpit, Duplo table, computers, rocking horses and dressing up costumes.

Making SENse Family Packs can be borrowed from the Information Desk. The pack

contains tactile items for your child to touch, as well as a suggested route map and

themed activities. You will need to leave a piece of identification or a credit card at the

Information Desk when borrowing the pack.

The Museum runs free family activities every day, including arts & crafts and storytelling.

For more information visit www.museumofchildhood.org.uk or ask at the InformationDesk. Activities take place on weekdays, 14.00-16.00 and weekends, 10.15, 11.00, 12.00 &

14.00-16.00. Just drop-in, no booking required.

After your visit

The Making SENse Family Pack contains colouring sheets to take home, and there are also

lots of activities on our website.

Q. Is the Museum noisy and crowded?A. Sometimes. The quietest times to visit the Museum are weekday afternoons, 14.30-17.45

and weekends, 10.00-11.15. The Museum can be quite noisy during the school holidays and

in the morning during term-time. The Museum has ear mufflers available; please call in

advance to reserve a pair.

Q. Is there a place to go if my child is distressed?

A. Yes, if at any time your child finds the visit overwhelming, a member of staff can direct

you to the Quiet Room. The Quiet Room is on the Lower Ground Floor near the toilets. If

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the Quiet Room is not available, a member of staff will find an alternative room for you in

the Clore Learning Centre.

Q. Can we bring our own food to the Museum?

A. Yes, packed lunches can usually be eaten in the Summerly Room (Lower Ground Floor). Ifthe Summerly Room is unavailable, a member of staff can recommend an alternative

area. There is also an outdoor picnic area. Please note that food and drink are not

permitted in the Galleries.

Q. Where are the toilets? Are there family facilities as I dont want my child to go into the

toilet on his / her own?

A. The toilets and Quiet Room are on the Lower Ground Floor, directly under the main

entrance, which can be accessed via the stairs in the Front Room Gallery or the lift. There

is an en-suite family-sized toilet in the Quiet Room. The Male and Female toilets are

equipped with a larger cubicle at the far end of the room. Our Accessible Toilet is locked

by RADAR key. To access the toilet, ask a member of staff at the main entrance or

Information Desk.

Q. The Museum is on a busy road, and my child is liable to run off. Is there an alternative exit

I can use?A. Yes, if you are worried about leaving the Museum via the main entrance, ask a member of

staff to escort you to an alternative exit.

Q. Do I have to pay for admission?

A. No, admission to the Museum is free. However, there are coin-operated machines (a train

set, wave machine and jukebox as well as other automata) which usually require 20p or

50p to use. Change is available at the Information Desk.