British Film Institute on Southbank

The British Film Institue (BFI) (http://www.bfi.org.uk/) is located on the South Bank, near Waterloo station.  It is a destination for serious film lovers.  It houses one of the world's most in-depth film archives, and has world class learning resources.  We visited a learning room where people can watch old movies for free on private tvs (we watched the 1979 film "The Knowledge" starring Nigel Hawthorne, Mick Ford, and Kim Taylforth). But it's not all highbrow. The IMAX also is part of the BFI, and shows mainstream movies like "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol" on London's biggest screen (located nearby to the main BFI facility).

The BFI is quite disabled friendly, but the lifts we used were the platform lifts rather than the typical built-in lifts, so we're not sure if the building was wheelchair accessible when originally built. It's probably best to enter through the front entrance rather than the rear, since the lift at the front did not require operator assistance. Still, all of the areas we looked at were wheelchair accessible, and the (helpful) staff informed us that the theatres also have wheelchair seating (we will confirm).  There is also an accessible lounge/bar area that looked quite nice for a pre-movie film drink or nibble (and the IMAX also has a cafe and bar). Sadly, the only thing missing was the smell of fresh popcorn.

South Bank itself is incredibly accessible, and is a destination spot for culture vultures, with the Tate Modern, Hayward Gallery, Royal Festival Hall, National Theatre, Old Vic and the BFI all located within easy walking (or wheeling) distance.

Details:

Transportation: Waterloo train station/tube station or buses 1, 4, 26, 68, 76, 77, 139, 168, 171, 172, 176, 188, 211, 243, 341, 507, 521, or RV1. Apparently there is also underground parking at the Hayward Gallery.