Old Charity Center

I visited the museum and needed to use the bathroom upon arrival. As a wheelchair user, I was directed to an accessible bathroom at the back of the church. Unfortunately, none of the staff at the ticket area spoke English, and I don't speak French. When I got to the bathroom, I was told the person with the key to the accessible bathroom was not present that day.

I was then sent to another bathroom back at reception, quite a distance away. After a series of miscommunications and several staff members searching for the key, they finally found a spare key to an accessible bathroom used by staff. This bathroom was poorly equipped for people with disabilities, with a storage rack in the corner making it impossible to turn around in a wheelchair. From asking to use the bathroom to actually getting to use it took almost 15 minutes.

This experience highlighted how disorganised and inappropriate this museum is for people with disabilities. As a major museum in the second largest city in France, it's appalling not to have proper facilities for people with disabilities.

With Paris hosting the Paralympics soon, this issue becomes even more pressing. Visitors with disabilities will want to explore the city, and they will face the same difficulties I did if this museum doesn't improve its facilities. It's crucial for the museum to enhance its bathroom facilities and make the entire space more accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities.

Additionally, the museum should provide disability access and inclusion training for all staff. It was clear that the staff were unsure how to handle the situation.

On a positive note, the staff were friendly and accommodating, and I believe they meant well. The problem lies with the facilities, not the people. I hope this museum can improve in the future.