Darwin the Geologist

In this feature, Collections Assistant, Matt Riley takes us though the measures the Department of Earth Sciences and Sedgwick Museum have taken to make sure as many people as possible are able to experience the Darwin the Geologist exhibition and the rest of the museum.

When Dr John Woodward donated his collection to the University of Cambridge he stipulated in his will that the collections should be available “to all such curious and intelligent persons as shall desire a view of [it] for their information and instruction.”

The new Darwin the Geologist exhibition certainly grants access like never before to a world famous and incredibly important part of our collections.  However, disabled visitors faced a number of barriers both in and around the Museum, which limited their physical access to the Museum galleries and to this new exhibition.

In a project running concurrently with the Darwin Exhibition Installation, I worked alongside Department of Earth Sciences Principal Assistant Nigel Johnson to address these physical access challenges.  The result is that our world famous collections can now be seen and enjoyed by a wider and more inclusive audience.

Improved wheelchair access to Museum and Department of Earth Sciences

The main entrance to the Sedgwick Museum is located on the first floor at the top of a steep and awkward flight of steps.  The Department entrance, located beneath the stairs leads to the Department lift, but was itself stepped and inaccessible to wheelchair and pushchair users.  A new permanent ramp with a gentle slope now leads into the lobby and an intercom has been installed so that visitors can contact Museum staff for assistance.  To further improve access a number of large rock specimens have been removed from the corridor and the uneven flooring has been replaced.

Access to the Museum entrance vestibule on the first floor is via double fire doors.  Magnetic holdbacks have been fitted so that a single member of staff can safely assist wheelchair and pushchair users who require lift access.

Disabled access within the Museum

The Museum’s two main galleries are on slightly different levels connected by series of steps that used to have an unsatisfactory and potential dangerous arrangement of ramps.  Two motorized platform lifts, designed specifically for wheelchair users, have now been installed on the steps.  Visitors can sign out a key and a set of simple instructions and self operate the lifts, or they are welcome to ask Museum Staff for assistance.

Improvements for visually impaired

Dino-lite USB cameras were purchased to help visually impaired researchers look at objects and read tiny specimen labels.  They eliminate the need for complicated and delicate microscopes when showing visitors objects and are especially good for children.  Look out for them at our future fossil ID events - you can even have a go yourself!

Improvements for hearing impaired

Hearing loops have been installed at both the Department Reception on the ground floor and Museum Shop on the first floor for hearing impaired visitors. A loop system has been installed in the Department’s Tilley Lecture Theatre, used by Museum visitors during special events and by the Friends of the Sedgwick Museum for their monthly guest lectures.

Improved signage

Site signage is being upgraded to help visitors find the Museum more easily and to display access and health and safety information more clearly. New signs have already been installed at the base of the Museum steps and by the Department entrance.  They include information about Museum opening times and directions for using the intercom.  Planned signage on the step risers will direct visitors to the accessible entrance. A sign on Downing Street will show updated visitor information and will have space for posters to advertise Museum events.

We hope that these improvements enrich your visit and we welcome any feedback.