V&A Dundee
V&A Dundee things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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AD | Hello Dundee! Over the Easter break, we flew to Dundee via @flyloganair. Departing from London City Airport which is situated in Zone 3/4 East London, our journey to the airport was stress free and our flight to Dundee could not have been easier! Dundee is not usually a destination of choice for many of us but we discovered there was something for everyone at Dundee. We spent a day in Dundee and the must see locations are: - @vadundee: built in 2018 and the only V&A situated outside of London, this museum is Scotland’s first design museum showcasing both the traditional and modern Scottish designs - The McManus Art Gallery and Museum: a Gothic - Revival style building, this museum houses a collection of fine and decorative art showcasing Scottish heritage @mcmanusdundee - Hire a city bike and ride down to Broughty Ferry for a sandy beach and Broughty Castle - Try Dundee Tea offered by @hotelindigo_dundee which offers Scottish favourites including Cullen Skink, Scottish corned beef and Scones with Dundee marmalade Would you add Dundee to your list of destinations? ————————— #visitdundee #dundee #visitdanda #beautifulbritain #visitscotland #britainsbest #scotlandexplore #scotlandreels #dametraveler #iamtb #travelblogger #travelinladies #roamingwomen #journeysofgirls #girlstravellingsolo #topukphot #passionpassport #passportcollective #bestvacations #prettylittletrips #femmetravel #girlsthatwander #ladiesgoneglobal #darlingescapes #travelpicsdaily #worldofwanderlust 📸: @denneseychicken
girlwiththeredbobgirlwiththeredbob
61589
I recently had the pleasure of visiting V&A Dundee, and I must say it was a delightful experience. The museum, which opened in September 2018, stands as a testament to the creative spirit and rich design heritage of Scotland. As the first design museum in the country, it offers a captivating journey through the world of art, innovation, and craftsmanship. The architectural marvel of V&A Dundee cannot be understated. Designed by the renowned architect Kengo Kuma, it is a stunning masterpiece in its own right. The building's unique and fluid design seamlessly blends with its surroundings, showcasing a harmonious connection between nature and contemporary aesthetics. It's truly a sight to behold. Upon stepping inside, I was greeted by an atmosphere of inspiration and creativity. The museum's well-curated exhibitions celebrate the best of Scottish and international design, spanning various disciplines and eras. From intricate textiles and stunning fashion pieces to innovative product designs and thought-provoking installations, V&A Dundee presents a diverse and captivating collection that leaves visitors in awe. What impressed me the most was the museum's commitment to engaging and interactive experiences. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to encourage exploration, discovery, and hands-on learning. I found myself fully immersed in the stories behind the exhibits, gaining a deeper appreciation for the power of design in shaping our world. The staff at V&A Dundee deserve special mention for their warm hospitality and extensive knowledge. They are passionate about design and are always ready to share insights and answer questions, adding a personal touch to the visit. The museum's location in Dundee is also worth noting. Situated by the waterfront, it offers breathtaking views of the River Tay and the cityscape. The surrounding area provides a serene setting to unwind, reflect, and enjoy the beauty of the museum's architecture and its natural surroundings. In conclusion, V&A Dundee is a gem that shines brightly in the realm of design museums. From its exceptional architecture to its engaging exhibits and knowledgeable staff, every aspect of the museum is thoughtfully crafted to inspire and educate visitors. It's an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking an enriching and visually stunning experience.
Philip Uche-ObasiPhilip Uche-Obasi
30
Loved it! The photos of the building inspired a weekend trip to Dundee and V&A delivered! V&A offers free guided tours twice a day, I prebooked it but there was also availability on the day, in fact surprisingly, we were only four visitors on the tour but it was a truly amazing experience being able to ask questions etc. Our guide Pauline was simply fabulous, she was very knowledgeable and also passionate about the building, I learned so many new things that I want look up afterwards as well - thank you! I would definitely recommend joining the free tour as a great introduction to the building and collections. As a frequent visitor to museums and galleries, the ‘excessive’ collection-free space initially surprised me, obviously loved the natural daylight and airy arrival but there appears to be lots of ‘empty’ space that initially, in my efficient mind, should have been redesigned to be used for more displays. But now, reflecting on it, I think V&A works well pulling in especially the younger public. As much as I love places like Pitt Rivers, I have to accept that the world is changing and my teenage son and his friends prefer a museum with a collection which is more accessible (and Instagrammable).. So less was more on this occasion definitely! Scottish collection is very interesting, there are helpful staff around to tell you more and was delighted to see a gallery named after Moira Gemmill. The little library area upstairs was lovely, browsing the interesting selection of books and viewing the RIAS film about recent architecture awards nominees was a nice break for the feet. Personally, I would have liked a small coffee shop or a corner on the ground floor but the upstairs restaurant had space available so maybe there isn’t enough demand. ‘Photo city’, the current free exhibition was great and ‘Kimonos’ starting tomorrow seems very reasonably priced when comparing it to London prices. Congratulations Dundee- you nailed it!
Lilli HoikkaLilli Hoikka
00
We were staying in Dundee for a few days and so many people said not to bother visiting here. We were staying in a hotel next door so decided to see for ourselves, not really believing that it could be that bad. What a waste of time. We've visited museums and exhibitions throughout Britain and hate to criticise any as its important that they are available with the stories they tell. The V&A in London is outstanding but this is an embarrassment. Just a mass of empty space. A few nice tapestries and a pretty poor small fashion display and that's it. Weren't even able to access the outside viewing gallery as it was locked. There is a cafe and a shop. Several staff aimlessly wandering around. The outside of the building is distinctive, designed by a Japanese fellah. Surprised that there wasn't a Scotsman able to do a decent job. There is the fantastic Discovery Point next door and other great places to visit nearby such as the McManus, HMS Unicorn and Verdant. There used to be a wonderful Royal Arch around here at one time but shockingly it was destroyed. Pity.
NutsNuts
90
The building, as much as its contents, is the star here. What I did not expect was that it would sing in the wind (if you stand in the tunnel); not just one note, but an ever-changing soundscape. Inside, the building is spacious and airy, split between Floor 0 and Floor 2 (Floor 1 having apparently been deaccessioned by the curators for being too unfashionable). There is a good cafe on the 2nd floor, although the Wait Here To Be Seated appeared to involve slightly too much waiting when it wasn't very busy. Food and drink were up to the mark and the view wonderful. Look down at the floor: it is fossiliferous stone from Ireland and includes an oyster bed and pieces of coral. The Scottish Design gallery on Floor 2 was excellent and there is something to delight and/or intrigue everyone. There are various videos to watch all over the place, including some by those who contributed to making the museum. Worth going out on the balcony and admire the view, as well as the typography (the font is Optima, for those interested). All in all worth the visit.
Mike BishopMike Bishop
00
My first visit to this eye-catching architectural landmark, but I think it won't be my last. We arrived soon after opening time (10.00) midweek. There was a friendly welcome at the reception desk and the offer of a free guided tour, which we accepted. Whilst we waited for the tour to start we had time to explore the photo exhibition, not covered by the tour. The tour, by Hayley, was excellent and limited to 10. It covers the interior architecture and the exterior, ending with a look at the permanent collection and the Charles Rennie MacIntosh room, rescued from a tearoom. Lots of interesting information about the design & unique construction as well as the exhibits. I'd highly recommend taking the tour, if available. The ubiquitous gift shop has a range of interesting and appropriate items to suit a range of budgets. It occupies a large part of the ground floor of the main Locke Room. The stairway to the upper floor is sponsored by Alliance Trust. I was gutted that they didn't use their naming rights more imaginatively - eg A Long Hard Stair. 😁
Mac McCaskillMac McCaskill
00
Nearby Attractions Of V&A Dundee
The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum
Discovery Point and RRS Discovery
Dundee Contemporary Arts
Olympia
Dundee Science Centre
Slessor Gardens
HMS Unicorn
The Wine Press
Wild Shore Dundee
Grosvenor Casino

The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum
4.7
(1.3K)Click for details

Discovery Point and RRS Discovery
4.7
(1.2K)Click for details

Dundee Contemporary Arts
4.5
(711)Click for details

Olympia
4.3
(525)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of V&A Dundee
The Counting House - JD Wetherspoon
Trades House
Dundee Centre Beefeater
Tony Macaroni
Tickety Boo's
The Braes
Old Bank Bar
Gidi Grill, Dundee
The Bach
Rishi's Indian Aroma

The Counting House - JD Wetherspoon
3.9
(1.5K)Click for details

Trades House
4.3
(897)Click for details

Dundee Centre Beefeater
4.0
(762)Click for details

Tony Macaroni
4.2
(1.1K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee DD1 4EZ, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1382 411611
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Website
vam.ac.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4
(3.6K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
family friendly
Description
V&A Dundee is a design museum in Dundee, Scotland, which opened on 15 September 2018. The V&A Dundee is the first design museum in Scotland and the first Victoria and Albert museum outside London. The V&A Dundee is also the first building in the United Kingdom designed by Kengo Kuma.
attractions: The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum, Discovery Point and RRS Discovery, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Olympia, Dundee Science Centre, Slessor Gardens, HMS Unicorn, The Wine Press, Wild Shore Dundee, Grosvenor Casino, restaurants: The Counting House - JD Wetherspoon, Trades House, Dundee Centre Beefeater, Tony Macaroni, Tickety Boo's, The Braes, Old Bank Bar, Gidi Grill, Dundee, The Bach, Rishi's Indian Aroma

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