Calm Sensory Sessions

What are they?

Calm Sensory Times have been created with neurodivergent children, families and adults in mind who may benefit from visiting the museum in a calmer and quieter period.

When are they?

We are trialing the new offer of Calm Sensory Times for the following times and dates, during the Mr Doodle, Museum Mayhem exhibition run. We have selected these days and times during the week as they are generally the quietest times to visit.

Thursday 20^th June   3.30 – 5pm

Thursday 25^th July  3.30 – 5pm

Thursday 15^th August  9 – 10am

What can I expect if I visit during these times?

• We will not be accepting any large group bookings for during these times
• Audio for any exhibition films will be turned off
• Hand dryers will be not be available to use
• All visitors arriving to visit during this period will be notified by the Visitor Service team that it is a Calm Sensory Time. Clear signage will also be displayed as you enter the museum.
• Any visitors who pre-book to visit online during these times will be notified that it is a Calm Sensory Time
• A quiet space with gentle doodle inspired creative activities will be available to use throughout these times. Please note on the 25^th July the quiet zone will be set up in an calm area of the museum gardens

What can I do when I visit?

• Explore the museum’s collection and temporary exhibitions including Mr Doodle, Museum Mayhem
• Check out our new Sensory Bags, which contain a range of exciting sensory resources and toys to support your visit. Bags require a £10 refundable deposit. 
• Enjoy doodling and mark making with a free ‘Doodle and Draw’ trail – available for free from front desk
• A number of free self-led activities will be available in the museum’s Space to Make creative area

How do I book a ticket?

• You can prebook your visit during a Calm Sensory Session via our website here

Before you visit

• Have a look through our Mr Doodle, Museum Mayhem guide to see where you can find doodles throughout the museum. Some of these spaces are very visually busy, so please bare this in mind when you visit
• Read through our accessibility page here 
• Familiarise yourself with the layout of the museum, have a look at our Visual Guide Summer 2024