At The Lightbox, we believe that art has the power to make everyone feel good. That's why it is so important to us that we are as accessible as we possibly can be.

The courtyard and entrances have level access; there are accessible toilets on both the Ground and First floor, and there is a lift that goes to all floors of the building. The Lightbox is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

On each floor we have free-to-use folding stools which you are welcome to pick up and use as you explore the building. The stools are located on the ground floor by the lift, on the first floor in the Main Gallery and on the top floor in the Upper Gallery. 

Induction Loops, magnifying glasses, and a wheelchair are also available on request, and registered assistance dogs are welcome.

The Lightbox has three disabled parking bays which can be booked in advance. If you would like to book a space, please call Reception on 01483 737800 or speak to a member of staff when visiting.

To read our full Accessibility Guide please click here.

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Resources to Prepare for Your Visit

Prepare for your visit by reading our Guide for Visitors with Sensory needs, designed to enable those on the Autism Spectrum feel confident and comfortable on their first visit to The Lightbox. The Guide for Visitors on the Autism Spectrum also includes downloadable Sensory Maps so you know what to expect on arrival.

Our Visual Story provides visitors with a visual insight into what they can expect on their visit, written in clear language with pictures in a storybook format.

Relaxed Openings

On the last Sunday of every month between 11.00am - 12.00pm, we operate a relaxed opening. This is a quiet hour offering a calm atmosphere in which to explore our galleries, sensitive to the needs of visitors with any communication or sensory needs. Siblings, families, carers, and friends are welcome. If you would like a slightly quieter entrance to the building, we recommend using the back entrance, accessible through the car park.

Audio Description Resources

Visually impaired visitors are invited to join us for described tours of our Main Gallery exhibitions. Sighted companions and guide dogs are welcome. If you are unable to attend one of our pre-scheduled described tours, we are able to offer private, 1:1 described tours of our Upper or Main Gallery exhibitions on request. To book or find out more please contact Heather Thomas, Head of Learning and Engagement on 01483 737815 or [email protected] 

Visually impaired visitors that would prefer to have a self-guided visit through our galleries can make use of the Seeing AI app which offers an object recognition feature that can be used to generate audio descriptions of the artworks on display. Download Seeing AI from Apple App Store here or from Google play store here.

Tactile Resources and Large Print Guides

In the Upper Gallery, you can find a sensory bag, filled with tactile resources, that is free to borrow and use within the Upper Gallery to help children explore the artworks on display. You will find the yellow bag hanging on a hook inside the gallery.

There is also a Make and Play area on the Second Floor outside the Upper Gallery which includes a magnetic pattern wall, sculpture station, lots of bean bags to sit on and storybook bags that are free to use.

Large Print Guides are also available within our exhibitions - just ask the volunteer as you enter our Main or Upper Gallery exhibitions.

If you have any further questions regarding accessibility or our facilities, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01483 737800 or email [email protected].

Review your trip to The Lightbox on Euan's Guide to help others understand what to expect on their first visit.

The Lightbox was awarded Commended status in the Access and Inclusivity category of the 2019 Beautiful South Tourism Awards.