World Unseen

You can also experience an online version here. 

Canon believes images have the power to change the world; but there are more than two million people living with sight loss in the UK who aren’t able to experience imagery to the same extent. World Unseen uses Canon elevated printing technology to bring the power of imaging to everyone.

You’ll experience the imagery and the stories they tell in a whole new way. You’ll be able to hear vivid descriptions from the photographers themselves in immersive, soundscaped audio; and read them with your fingertips, embossed in braille. You can even feel the images’ textures and compositions through tactile printing.

For phone support around your booking, please call +44 (0)333 320 2836.

In partnership with the UK’s leading sight loss charity, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), the exhibition features works from world-renowned photographers, including Sebastião Salgado, Brent Stirton, Nanna Heitmann, Muhammed Muheisen, Yagazie Emezi and Marc Aspland.

What should I expect at World Unseen?
The exhibition is for everyone: blind, partially sighted, and sighted people. A tactile walkway will guide you through the exhibition, where you’re encouraged to touch and feel tactile prints of the imagery, listen to the audio descriptions from the photographers themselves, and read about the photographs and images, embossed in braille. We suggest allowing one to one and a half hours to experience the whole exhibition.

Where can I find Somerset House’s accessibility information? 
You can find all of Somerset House’s accessibility information, including public transport and disabled parking, at https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/accessibility

Are there provisions for my guide dog?
Yes, guide dogs are welcome. Water bowls will be provided throughout the exhibition and a relief area will be situated outside.
For phone support around your booking, please call +44 (0)333 320 2836.

Navilens at World Unseen
NaviLens has been used to provide information on navigating the exhibition and to enhance the visitor experience by providing additional information on the imagery. Before you attend, download the free NaviLens or Navilens GO App. You will need to scan around you to find the code. Once the code is found, it will automatically provide you with navigation and additional information.

Can I bring my own guide?
Yes, but please make sure you book a ticket for them too.

Can I book a guide?
Subject to availability, we can provide a guide for you, but please let us know when booking your ticket.
NaviLens codes have been installed and can provide audio navigation throughout the exhibition. Before attending, download the free NaviLens or Navilens GO App. You will need to scan around you to find the code. Once the code is found it will automatically provide you with navigation and additional information.

Are headphones provided?
The experience is designed to be listened to out loud with the exhibition speakers. The exhibition includes NaviLens technology to support physical navigation and enhance the user experience. Please download the NaviLens or NaviLens GO app before you arrive. We recommended bringing your own headphones.

How do I get to Somerset House?
Please refer to our journey planner with transport options at somersethouse.org.uk/getting-here and check tfl.gov.uk/plan-a-journey for the most up to date timetabling information.

Can I use my mobility scooter?
Visitors are welcome to use electric mobility scooters throughout Somerset House, however, as it’s a Grade I listed building, doorways are as narrow as 84cm in width. In the instance your mobility scooter is too large, we can provide a wheelchair so you can still experience the exhibition (subject to availability).

Can I borrow a wheelchair?
Standard sized manual wheelchairs are available for visitors with mobility impairments. These can be booked in advance by emailing visitor@somersethouse.org.uk
On the day you may borrow a wheelchair (subject to availability) by speaking to any Receptionist at one of our entrances.

Are the toilets accessible?

New Wing - please advise reception staff who will show you the route.

South Wing Strand Level
Two accessible toilets (one next to the Cute Café and one opposite the end of the Terrace Rooms)

South Wing Embankment Level - next to the Great Arch Hall

East Wing - via WatchHouse entrance