Derby Silk Mill, Museum of Making, Derby, Derbyshire Free entry

Details

Accessibility

https://www.derbymuseums.org/accessibility/ "The Museum of Making is located in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter and is situated across Cathedral Green on the banks of the River Derwent. 

The Museum is based on four floors with lift access from the ground floor to all levels. We are accessible for wheelchair users and can cater for anyone with other specific access requirements. There is also a fully accessible Changing Places room which includes a hoist, height adjustable changing bench, shower and height adjustable sink. An induction loop is available in many areas of the museum, but not all and Visitor Experience Assistants are available in all galleries to offer their support. Many of the museum exhibits can be touched and visitors are encouraged to do so.

At Derby Museums we want everyone to be able to enjoy our exhibitions and events, and we have taken every measure to ensure that we are as open and accessible to as many people as possible. Read our access statement here.

Brief description

"The Silk Mill has undergone a process of significant development to create the Museum of Making, now open for visitors. Derby's Silk Mill is the site of the world's first factory and is currently undergoing a £17million programme to create a inspirational and active Museum of Making - locally designed and delivered; globally significant. The Museum of Making will be co-produced with our communities, inspiring future generations of makers, creators and innovators."  

https://derbysilkmill.tumblr.com/

Is it safe to visit?

We have reduced the number of people entering the building to allow social distancing in the galleries. All visitors must wear face coverings and are encouraged to give each other space and avoid busier areas as well as sanitising and washing their hands regularly. We have also increased our cleaning regime.

Other safety measures include:· Admission by advanced timed tickets· Hand sanitising facilities and enhanced cleaning in areas such as lifts and any interactive areas· Our team will be wearing PPE, but don’t let that stop you from coming over and asking any questions· Protective screens are at the welcome desk, shop and café counters· Encouraging contactless payment and donations wherever possible

NHS Test and Trace

We may need to share your information with the NHS Test and Trace service if someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 list the Museum of Making as a place they have recently visited. Please download the NHS COVID-19 app wherever possible as this is the fastest way of knowing if you are at risk. Please note that your contact details will be collected when you book your tickets so that we can provide important safety information about your visit."

Address

Silk Mill Lane

Derby

DE1 3AF

Email

info@derbymuseums.org

Phone

01332 641901

Website

https://www.derbymuseums.org/museum-of-making/visit/

Directions

"Head across Cathedral Green towards the front of the Silk Mill. Look for the famous Bakewell Gates and enter through the large glass atrium entrance.

BY CAR:

Follow the brown signs in the city and county for Derby Silk Mill. Offsite parking is available nearby at the Assembly Rooms, Bold Lane and Chapel Street car parks and parking cards can be validated at the Museum of Making to give a discounted rate of £2.50 for a day. There are 4 accessible parking bays on Silk Mill Lane which are for use by Blue Badge holders only.

BY BIKE:  The Museum of Making is on cycle routes 6, 54 and 68, part of the Derby City Cycle Map. There is outdoor bicycle parking available."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

See https://www.derbymuseums.org/museum-of-making/visit/

"Entry to the Museum of Making is free but, due to Covid restrictions, visitors will need to book a timeslot in advance. Tickets for our special exhibition 'Scale' will are also available to buy. Visit our About page to book.

Mondays - Closed BUT open on Bank Holiday Mondays 10.00 - 5.00

Tuesday, Wednesday & Saturday 10.00 – 5.00

Thursday & Friday 10.00-7.00

Sunday - 10.00-16.00"

Transport

"BY TRAIN:  With a direct train from London to Derby, you can be at any of our museums in less than two hours!

BY BUS:  There are frequent and regular bus services into the Derby city centre, operated by Trent Barton and Arriva. Derby bus station is a 10 minute walk away along the River Derwent directly to the Museum of Making."

Amenities

"Museum of Making Shop and Maker Shop

The Museum of Making features two beautiful areas for retail, the Shop Floor and the Hub – a dedicated space for makers. Find out more here.

Catering

•The River Kitchen https://www.derbymuseums.org/museum-of-making/the-river-kitchen/

Relax and unwind in our new, family-friendly café, serving fresh, seasonal and local food. The River Kitchen café is to the left of the main entrance hall and all access to this area is level.

• There is a clear passage to the café area from the entrance.

• Access can be easily accomplished for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

• Tables have a clear height of 75.5 cm and seating is standard height, the chairs have no arms.

• Lighting in this area is good which a combination of spot lights and natural light.

• The floor is polished grey concrete.

• A good food offer is provided and all allergies are catered for. The catering team have a knowledge of the requirements of gluten free diets and can advise visitors

• Table service is offered and food is prepared to order and delivered to the table

• The catering team are happy to assist if necessary to enable customers to access information about the menu.

• Crockery is a pale blue/beige colour and tables are dark grey.

• Dementia friendly cutlery is available on request.

• Menus are available in large print.

• High chairs are available.

• Toilets are a short walk along the corridor to the right of this area.

Shops

• There are two retail areas in the Museum of Making

• The first is in the Civic Hall and access is via the main staircase or by the lift on the ground floor that opens into this area.

Grounds and gardens

• There is a Makers Courtyard which is accessible through the rear of the building.

• This is surfaced with brick setts but gives level access throughout the space

• Cathedral Green leads down to the front entrance and there are seats along the edge of this area overlooking the River Derwent. This is not managed by Derby Museums and occasionally is used by Derby Live as an event space.

• Weather permitting, outdoor tables and chairs will be positioned in this area for an extension of service to the River Kitchen.

Additional information

• There are three industrial workshops on the ground floor with a range of machinery and tools which can be used for public programming. Wherever possible these have been installed at a low level for wheelchair access but it is advised to telephone to enquire what equipment is accessible before booking onto an event.

• Full details of our evacuation procedures can be obtained by contacting the museum. 

• Evacuation chairs are available in the event of an emergency. 

• All staff are trained in fire evacuation procedures and disability awareness. 

• All service dogs are welcome, water available. 

• A fridge is available upon arrival for medications etc.

• We do not currently have facilities for scooters and wheelchairs to be charged."