What to do and see in Dundee, Scotland: The Best Museums

September 9, 2021 Merry Kessler

Ian Borthwick
Restaurants in Dundee

Queens Hotel Buildings 160 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4DU Scotland +44 1382 220600 [email protected] http://www.galleryq.co.uk/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Gallery Q Dundee

Open for online business and enquiries. An art gallery in the heart of Dundee offering changing exhibition of paintings, prints, ceramics, glass, jewellery and textiles, by artists from Scotland and beyond. 1 minutes walk from the DCA, 10 minutes walk from the V&A Dundee.

2. Discovery Point

Discovery Point Riverside Drive, Dundee DD1 4XA Scotland +44 1382 309060 [email protected] http://www.rrsdiscovery.com/index.php?pageID=127
Excellent
72%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,126 reviews

Discovery Point

MADE IN DUNDEE | DESIGNED FOR ADVENTURE Discovery Point is home to the world famous Antarctic research vessel RRS Discovery. This award-winning visitor attraction tells the story of the Discovery, from her beginnings in Dundee in to her amazing Antarctic expedition and her voyages thereafter. Follow in the footsteps of Captain Scott and his heroic team at Discovery Point! Find out about the Heroes of the Ice who braved the harsh conditions of the Antarctic and hear their stories first hand. As you explore the self-led museum at your own pace you will: Enter the shipyard and find out how and why Discovery was built Learn about the first voyage of Discovery to the most inhospitable place on the earth Walk in the footsteps of Heroes and climb aboard one of the most incredible ships ever built Find out about ‘Scott of the Antarctic’ and explore the crews quarters and the Officers Wardroom Discover more about the ships voyages and journeys after The Discovery Expedition. Don't forget to visit the gift shop for unique Discovery themed items or your very own cuddly toy Emma Penguin. There is also a cafe on site with something for all tastes.

Reviewed By Dexter2707 - Sheffield, United Kingdom

Great tour inside the main building topped by actually stepping on Captain Scott’s ship. If you don’t know him it’s definitely worth the visit to learn about this great man, to learn more I recommend Sir Ranulph Fiennes excellent biography on Captain Scott

3. Broughty Castle Museum

Castle Approach Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 2TF Scotland +44 1382 436916 [email protected] http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/broughty-castle-home
Excellent
44%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 521 reviews

Broughty Castle Museum

Broughty Castle sits imposingly at the mouth of the River Tay. Built in 1496 on a rocky promontory, it has faced many sieges and battles. Today, it houses fascinating displays on the life and times of Broughty Ferry, its people, the environment and the wildlife that live close by. The Castle has magnificent views over the river, and is only minutes away from Broughty Ferry Beach and Esplanade. It's a 'must-see' attraction if you're visiting Broughty Ferry, and offers something for everyone, with a changing programme of events, activities and displays.

Reviewed By brianhC9469KZ - Dundee, United Kingdom

this castle is worth a visit for the history of castle and area given to me by very helpful staff member Andrew who told me all about the castle and area

4. Verdant Works

West Henderson's Wynd, Dundee DD1 5BT Scotland +44 1382 309060 [email protected] http://www.verdantworks.com/
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 895 reviews

Verdant Works

Verdant Works | Made in Dundee | One Mill | Many Stories Verdant Works is a world-class visitor attraction which tells the story of Dundee’s industrial textile heritage in the atmospheric setting of a beautifully refurbished Mill building which dates back to 1833. The story of jute and the story of Dundee are inseparable. The industry employed 50,000 people in the city at its peak and supplied much of the world’s demand for jute goods. As you explore the self-led museum at your own pace you will: – Soak up the atmosphere of the cobbled 19th century courtyard – Enter a busy jute office of 1900 and meet some characters of the period – Find out how jute was harvested in India, how and why it came to Dundee and more about Dundee’s bustling docks – Experience the deafening sounds of the machines and see the jute process from raw fibre to woven cloth – See a typical Dundee ‘plettie’, learn about tenement life and the health of the mill workers. – Discover who ‘kettle bilers’ were and all about the reversal of traditional gender roles in Dundee – finding out about mill girls, Suffragettes and the unions. – Visit the Victorian Half-Time School and also see how the workers spent their precious leisure time. – Enjoy drop in family activities in our specially designed Red Box learning hub – Learn about pattern casting, engineering and stop to pick up tips for researching local and family history in our History Hub – Appreciate the stunning mill architecture from the two viewing platforms in the High Mill – Watch in awe as the 1801 Boulton & Watt beam engine chugs into action … and don’t forget to stop by our gift shop and café to get a well-earned cup of tea and Dundee cake!

Reviewed By 349elainea - Cupar, United Kingdom

Fantastic museum, very impressed with first visit, wonderful tour, lots to see, Hilda friendly, first class friendly staff, great cafe and shop, well worth a visit, granddaughter loved it, we will be back.

5. HMS Unicorn

South Victoria Dock Road Victoria Dock, Dundee DD1 3BP Scotland +44 1382 200900 [email protected] http://www.hmsunicorn.org.uk/
Excellent
53%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 373 reviews

HMS Unicorn

Please note, HMS Unicorn is currently operating with reduced opening hours. Please keep an eye on our social media channels for any updates. HMS Unicorn is one of the UK's most unique visitor attractions and a real treasure in the city of Discovery! A fascinating journey through time, we will guide you through the ship’s journey from a Georgian warship to becoming Dundee’s Royal Naval base during both World Wars. Built in 1824, she is the 3rd oldest ship still afloat in the world today and the most original old ship in existence. Come aboard for the unique opportunity to explore all four decks of the ship and get hands on with knot tying, try out our hammocks, learn about our armament and more! Take a tour of the ship using our brand-new guidebook, or if you're lucky, a guided tour from one of our fantastic volunteers before finishing off with a visit to our gift shop.

Reviewed By Navigate168807 - Alloa, United Kingdom

Wad passing it and just noticed it was a floating museum, glad I took the time out to visit it and learn of ot's part in our history, plenty to see and do for all ages, worth a visit

6. Mills Observatory

Glamis Rd Balgay Park, Dundee DD2 2UB Scotland +44 1382 435967 http://www.leisureandculturedundee.com/mills
Excellent
63%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
5%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Mills Observatory

Reviewed By drrivett - Aberdeen, United Kingdom

I loved our visit here, managed to get a good view of Jupiter before it clouded over. We arrived early for a planetarium show and a very kind couple who knew what they were doing managed to focus the telescope for us to view before everyone else showed up. This would be great for kids who are interested, but the show may be boring for them if they are not into astronomy. Be very careful driving down the very dark road afterwards!

Albert Square Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1DA Scotland +44 1382 307200 [email protected] http://www.mcmanus.co.uk/
Excellent
63%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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4.5 based on 1,209 reviews

The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum

The McManus is a magnificent Victorian, Gothic building where art, history and the environment combine to offer a fascinating insight into Dundee. The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, an award-winning Victorian, Gothic building, is home to Dundee's main collection spanning 400 million years and has been at the heart of art and culture in the City since 1867. Eight beautiful open gallery spaces house facinating exhibitions of art, history and the environment, giving a fascinating insight into Dundee. Throughout the galleries visitors can learn about early man in the area, admire stunning paintings and explore artifacts from industries past and present. In addition to the permanent displays, there is a changing programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year. The retail area stocks a wide range of historical reproductions, traditional toys, books and jewellery. The welcoming café with an outdoor terrace boasts an extensive menu.

Reviewed By 227SueP

This is everything a museum should be. Full of intriguing exhibits that surprise and inform, not so big that it's overwhelming, but with plenty to see. There's something for everyone - art, local history, natural history... and the information that's provided about each item is informative. Having been to the V&A, expecting it to be the highlight of our visit to Dundee, I came away from the McManus feeling that the V&A has a lot to learn from this museum. The building is beautifu, and the cafe does good cakes. Highly recommended all round!

8. Dundee Contemporary Arts

152 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4DY Scotland +44 1382 432444 http://www.dca.org.uk
Excellent
51%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 343 reviews

Dundee Contemporary Arts

Reviewed By lindaruit - Glasgow, United Kingdom

enjoyed this place jut as much if not more than V and A. nice lunch with cocktails with added bonus of being able t watch the print process u close if you get the right seat. lunch was good and staff were friendly. good exhibition space and fantastic shop. good cinema too.

9. Dundee Museum of Transport

Market Mews Market Street Unit 10 Market Mews, Dundee DD1 3LA Scotland +44 1382 455196 [email protected] http://www.dmoft.co.uk/
Excellent
72%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 275 reviews

Dundee Museum of Transport

Dundee Museum of Transport tells the stories of local transport pioneers and innovators as well as displaying vehicles from local and national collections. Come along and learn about Dundee’s tram network, railway and marine history. Look around our constantly changing selection of cars, commercial vehicles and buses. Get up close and personal with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and have a look at our recreation of Dundee’s first flying machine. We host transport related events throughout the year, so keep an eye on our website for details of these, and new additions to our collection. Winter Hours: (November – February) Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday (not open on Wednesdays in January) 10.30am to 3.30pm. Summer Hours: (March – October) Wednesday – Monday (Closed Tuesday) 10.30am to 3.30pm. Last admission 30 mins before closing. Recommended visiting time is 1 hour

Reviewed By 966colinc - Dundee, United Kingdom

Just back from a little visit to Dundee’s less publicised museum and have to say was very impressed indeed. A fantastic selection of exhibits from transportation through the years ranging from cars from the 50s to the 60s and on to public transport in the second gallery where you are allowed to board the buses that transported Dundee folk through the 50s and 60s. Met Derek Simpson ( one of the volunteers) and his knowledge of the buses and trams on display were second to none, had a few questions and he answered them all ! Will be back and will be recommending this great wee place to family and friends.

10. D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum

D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum Perth Road Carnelley Building, Dundee DD1 4HN Scotland +44 1382 384310 [email protected] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/zoology/
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
0%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 9 reviews

D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum

The D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum, University of Dundee, houses many fascinating specimens from around the world. Most of them were collected by the celebrated Sir D'Arcy Wentworth Thompson, the first Professor of Biology at Dundee. Because the museum is used throughout the year for University teaching, our opening hours are restricted - we open on the second Saturday afternoon of every month and every Friday afternoon during the summer. Happy to open by appointment by other times, so please get in touch!

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