Skip to main content

MK Gallery

MK Gallery is based in the heart of Milton Keynes at the junction of Midsummer Boulevard and Marlborough Gate, beside Milton Keynes Theatre on Margaret Powell Square.

Cinema times vary, click here to view our full programme.

Dogs (except assistance dogs) are not permitted in the building. We have a terrace as part of our Café where dogs are welcome with their owners.

Our café and shop are card-only, and we do not accept AMEX as a method of payment.

We offer step free access to our main reception, café, shop, galleries, learning studios and Changing Places Toilet.

The building is wheelchair friendly, and we welcome accredited assistance dogs, with water bowls available on request.

For specific queries about the accessibility of our buildings, please contact access@mkgallery.org

Front Desk

The main entrance is located on ground floor with street level access. The lowered help desk can be found through the automatic double doors where there is always a friendly member of the MK Gallery team to assist you. Our staff receive regular training to ensure they’re confident in welcoming all visitors and are readily available for any questions you might have. 

We have 1 wheelchair for use onsite. You can request a wheelchair at the help desk, or email/call to book in advance. If you might like someone to lend a supportive arm during your visit, please contact the access team at access@mkgallery.org in advance and we will do our best to find a volunteer who can assist.

At the desk, visitors can pick up printed information about our exhibitions, events and facilities, including Large Print, easy read guides and a sensory map

Sensory scout kits are available at the main entrance subject to availability. These contain a range of sensory aids including ear defenders and are available for anyone who may benefit from this equipment. 

We currently have a counter loop system at the main desk as you enter the gallery. We also have a portable induction hearing loop which is bookable in advance for events.  

Personal Assistant/carer tickets can be requested at no extra cost for all ticketed events by visiting our main reception or contacting us on 01908 676900.

Galleries

Our gallery spaces are fully accessible on the ground floor of the building and are staffed by our team of experienced volunteers.   

Doors are power assisted.  

Exhibitions may contain sound, film, flashing lights or other sensory experiences which may not be suitable for all visitors. Please speak to a member of our team on the day or call/email us for any queries you may have about an exhibition. The gallery will always provide signage and warning should there be any flashing lights used. 

All exhibition guides and floor maps are available in large print format at the front desk. As our exhibitions are continually changing, certain gallery spaces may have low lighting or different environments. Please speak to a member of the front desk team if you have any queries before entering. 

Large print exhibition texts are available at the front desk. For exhibitions that are accompanied by an audio guide, transcripts are available upon request in advance of your visit. We can also provide social stories for any exhibition, please contact access@mkgallery.org for more information.  

We offer a number of Sensory Venue tours, Audio-described tours and BSL (British Sign Language) led tours of our current exhibitions. Please check the What’s On section of the website for more information.

Sky Room Auditorium

Our Sky Room Auditorium is on the second floor and can be accessed via our flight of stairs (66), with a mezzanine landing on the first floor (44), or via our lift. This lift can accommodate two wheelchairs.

For seated performances
There are spaces for 2 wheelchair users in the front row (row A), with companion seats. 

Due to fire regulations our Skyroom auditorium can currently only accommodate two wheelchairs. Front row seats are also suited to people with limited mobility. Please book in advance to reserve these seats. All other seats lead off stepped aisles.

For non-seated performances
There are no fixed seats for non-seated performances however chairs will be made available for those who request them. Please ask a member of staff.  

We have a room loop hearing system in the Sky Room auditorium. Where available (dependant on film), a separate independent listening device is available for listening to either the Hearing Impaired audio or Visually Impaired audio that accompanies a film. This is also available as a neck loop for use with hearing aids.

Cinema

Relaxed Screenings
We have a regular programme of relaxed cinema screenings for family films. These screenings provide sensory friendly adjustments which aim to reduce over stimulation and create a relaxed and welcoming environment. They are particularly suited to families with children with sensory sensitivities, and others who may benefit from this environment. These adjustments include:

  • Reduced sound and lighting
  • No trailers
  • Freedom to move around
  • Take your own food and drink
  • Personal assistant / carer tickets available
  • Social Story document downloads

Audio Description
Audio description is a special service for visually impaired cinema goers. For most films a narration track is available which can be accessed through special headphones only. This fills the gaps between dialogue by describing what is happening on screen and doesn’t affect the experience of other audience members.

Audio description headsets can be selected when making your cinema booking.

Please note this service is not available for Event Cinema eg NT Live or Royal Opera House screenings.

Captioned Screenings
We also have several captioned screenings on offer throughout the film programme. Please check out our What’s On section of the website for more details and dates.

Changing Places Toilet

We have a Changing Places Toilet on our ground floor, which is accessible via our gallery spaces and Learning Studio. A member of staff can direct you to this. You can download an easy read guide about our Changing Places Toilet here.

Learning Studio

Our Learning Studio is next door to our outdoor Playscape and adjacent to our Changing Places Toilet. It can be accessed from outside on the right-hand side of the building, or step free through the galleries.  

We have a room loop hearing system in the learning studio.  

We offer break out spaces here for all those who benefit from a quiet area with soft furnishings and sensory aids. This can be arranged in advance of your visit, please call us or email for more information.  

For families with children with complex needs, our Art and Us programme offers year-round art and play-based workshops, which enable families to work directly with an artist in sessions that are tailored to meet the needs of participants.

Event Space and Project Space

Event Space
The step-free entrance to the event space is directly opposite the main gallery and is 35 steps in distance.  

Accessible toilets are reachable via lift through the entrance of the main building, opposite the event space and are 58 steps in distance.

Project Space
The Project Space is an additional exhibition space opposite the main gallery building which has step free access. 

Accessible toilets are reachable via lift through the entrance of the main building (35 steps), opposite the event space and are 58 steps in distance.

Who to contact

Telephone
E-mail
nfo@mkgallery.org

Where to go

Name
M K Gallery,
Address
900, Midsummer Boulevard
Milton Keynes
Postcode
MK9 3QA
Get directions

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Exhibition open: Tuesday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm Café and shop open late: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday to 7.30pm
Time of day
Morning
Afternoon

Other Details

Age Bands
11-14 years old
18-25 years old
Parents and carers
15-17 years old
5-10 years old