The Imperial War Museums’ Duxford site is developing a new Second World War exhibition experience designed to tell compelling, human stories while exploring the pivotal aerial conflicts of the Battle of Britain. As part of this major development, Direct Access has assisted IWM embedding accessibility as a core principle rather than an afterthought, ensuring the experience when the site opens in 2028 is welcoming, engaging, and usable for all visitors.
Our heritage accessibility guidance extended far beyond physical interventions such as ramps or handrails focusing squarely on the full breadth of the heritage environment, including:
Historic aircraft and artefacts
Large-scale exhibition spaces and aircraft hangars
Outdoor landscapes and circulation routes
Interpretive content and storytelling
Ceremonial and commemorative elements tied to remembrance and conflict
Our goal was to ensure that the universal design elements respected and preserved the authenticity and integrity of the heritage environment while enhancing engagement for diverse audiences.
The new permanent exhibition will cover the period of the Second World War across two Grade listed hangers and an outdoor space. It will provide an educational resource for life during the war and the role of the RAF in the defense of our nation during wartime.
Our team referenced where relevant over twenty different key standards, codes and guidance while also applying our lived experience as disabled people where relevant.
The project delivered improved accessibility planning integrated from the earliest stages of exhibition design, ensuring inclusion was embedded rather than retrofitted. This approach enhances visitors’ independence and confidence throughout the exhibition spaces, while inclusive interpretive strategies support a wide range of learning styles and needs.
The outcome of Direct Access’ involvement was a balanced approach that carefully aligns accessibility with storytelling and heritage conservation, which will preserve the integrity of the site while creating a more engaging and usable experience for all.
Visitors will soon have the chance to get up close to some of the IWM’s fascinating collection items, previously suspended from the roof of Hangar 1, on ground level for the first time in nearly two decades. This will include the only surviving original Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.8, built in 1918, and IWM’s de Havilland Mosquito, one of the most versatile and best-performing aircraft of the Second World War.