V&A Dundee

Museum · Dundee

V&A Dundee

Museum · Dundee

3

1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee DD1 4EZ, United Kingdom

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V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by Photo by Hufton+Crow, courtesy of V&A Dundee
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null
V&A Dundee by null

Highlights

Perched by the River Tay, V&A Dundee dazzles with Kengo Kuma's ship-like architecture and a vibrant mix of Scottish design, making it a must-see in Scotland.  

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1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee DD1 4EZ, United Kingdom Get directions

vam.ac.uk
@vadundee

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1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee DD1 4EZ, United Kingdom Get directions

+44 1382 411611
vam.ac.uk
@vadundee
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@VADundee

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Jul 22, 2025

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@afar

"Dundee is experiencing a renaissance of late, this international center of design being the most recent addition. The first-ever dedicated design museum in Scotland—and the only other V&A museum outside of London—V&A Dundee presents “the brilliance of Scottish creativity and the best of design from around the world.” The building, designed by Kengo Kuma with extraordinary horizontal bands, is worth a visit on its own, but inside you’ll find highlights like a 15th-century illuminated manuscript and various examples of 20th-century haute couture. Also on view are rotating exhibitions covering everything from ocean liners to graphic designer Maeve Redmond."

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@cntraveler

How the New V&A Museum Is Changing an Entire Scottish City

"It’s hard to miss the new V&A Dundee. At the entrance to the city, just over the Tay Road Bridge, the new ship-like design center seems to balance above the River Tay, propped up like a boat waiting to set sail. Designed by Japanese architect-of-the-moment Kengo Kuma (who's behind the Olympic stadium in Tokyo for the 2020 Summer Games), the $100 million museum is—like its sister branch in London, one of the world's largest (and most treasured) design museums—impressive as hell. Once the V&A opens its doors on September 15 after seven years in the works, it's expected to draw 350,000 visitors per year—which more than doubles the population of the entire city. The museum will have 200 permanent exhibits that showcase Scotland’s design history (largely taken from the V&A in London), along with its first major show, "Ocean Liners: Speed and Style," which takes a look at life on board the world’s greatest ocean liners, a nod to its boat-building past. Even after-hours, the gleaming angular building lights up like a Christmas tree. The expectation isn’t only that it will illuminate the waterfront area, but the entire city of Dundee."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-the-new-vanda-museum-is-changing-an-entire-scottish-city
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@vogue

A Guide to Dundee, Scotland—the First City Outside London to Get Its Very Own V&A Museum | Vogue

"In 2014, the United Nations designated Dundee as a UNESCO City of Design for its contributions to video games, textiles, and comic book design. The V&A Dundee, at the heart of the waterfront redevelopment, is Scotland’s first design museum and the only V&A Museum outside of London, offering traveling exhibitions and permanent Scottish Design Galleries." - Todd Plummer

https://www.vogue.com/article/a-travel-guide-to-dundee-scotland-where-to-stay-eat-drink-shop
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Kenneth L Carr

Google
Building architecture and structure very impressive... but the inside displays and themes not what I expected! As you enter through into the vast foyer area the layout is basic underwhelmed it looks like a jumble sale ... very odd ideas, could be more inviting... up the stairway to the exhibition, artifacts and display areas ... well I was not overly impressed at all, it lacked true history of Scotland, we were disappointed! It's free entry ... if we are ever visiting again and it's bad weather might pop in ...

Skylar Maz

Google
The V&A was completely different super modern and right by the water, which already sets the vibe. The building looks mad from the outside, like it’s floating or something. Inside, everything felt sleek and design-focused, but still approachable. The exhibitions were creative and interactive in a way that didn’t feel too "museum-y" if that makes sense. It's one of those places that makes you see everyday stuff in a new way. Would go back, especially if there’s a new exhibition on.

Linda

Google
Very interesting Palestinian embroidery exhibition. We were really impressed by it although of course sad about the tragic situation in Gaza. The child's dress was very poignant. The Ninewells section was good and we enjoyed the Rennie Mackintosh room. Staff are super friendly and knowledgeable, particularly the lovely art student in the Rennie Mackintosh room. The cafe is lovely, excellent healthy choices and helpful staff there too. An impressive building and a great day out. Thank you.

Lauren Nixon

Google
Great space for all ages, loved the light fixtures and the variety of exhibits. Also really appreciated the dedicated references to LGBTQ+ history. Lots of materials to keep children occupied too. Terrace was lovely to sit out in the sun by the water. Would recommend, easy to get to by bus from Glasgow.

Maria Jose Velasco (Vela)

Google
It’s a very interesting piece of architecture. I think the most striking aspect of it is how inviting the building actually is and how people gravitate towards it. It feels more like a community space, instead of a museum. The gift shop is fantastic, and it’s a great place for families with little kids. The exhibitions are good, lots of contemporary artist, it’s centred around Scottish design and craft. The Mackintosh room is quite well put together, with around 90% of the room being original. Good place to spend the day.

Sandie Powell

Google
This is a free museum of art, although you pay if you want to go into their special exhibitions. Lots of fascinating exhibits to see and the flowers that move up and down from the roof are cool. The actual building is also a piece of art itself!

Dinesh Jayanayake (DJ)

Google
An architectural masterpiece and a cultural hub for design lovers V&A Dundee is one of the most impressive modern buildings in Scotland and a must-visit if you’re in the Dundee area. The architecture alone is worth the trip – designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the building is meant to resemble the cliffs of Scotland’s east coast, and it sits right on the edge of the River Tay, creating a dramatic and stunning silhouette. It’s especially beautiful when viewed from the water or from the nearby RRS Discovery. Inside, the museum is just as impressive. The design is spacious and calming, with lots of natural light and wood textures that create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The permanent Scottish Design Galleries offer an excellent overview of Scotland’s contributions to global design – from fashion and textiles to architecture and technology. They also host world-class temporary exhibitions, so there’s always something new to see. During my visit, the special exhibition was incredibly well curated and interactive. Staff were friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. There’s a great café with views across the Tay, a lovely gift shop full of local designer items, and plenty of seating areas to just take in the atmosphere. The best angles are from the Discovery Walk, the steps outside the building, or even the water’s edge at sunrise or sunset. Entry to the main museum is free, though some special exhibitions are ticketed. It’s very family-friendly and fully accessible for wheelchair users. Whether you’re into design, photography, architecture, or just want a peaceful and inspiring place to explore, the V&A Dundee offers a fantastic experience.

Helen Airey

Google
It's fascinating building. It is also free to enter. The Scottish design section is lovely I am not sure if it is a permanent display. The coffee shop is lovely we watched engineers carrying out work on the discovery while enjoying our coffee. I have vertigo and that is absolutely not for me. We were rather disappointed with the 1 exhibition we paid for I felt it was rather pretentious and expensive for what it was.
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Casey M.

Yelp
The architecture of this centre of design building and where it is situated on The riverside esplanade overlooking the river Tay is stunning but what it has to offer in the interior is not very much. The highlight of the whole visit was the silent disco included in the extortionate Night Fever club culture exhibition and the equally extortionate gift shop. Despite this I really enjoyed the exhibition learning about raves, techno music and studio 54 and all the interesting audio and visual exhibits was fantastic but apart from that, there really isn't anything else to comment on. I expected more of a WOW factor and I didn't get that unfortunately.
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Grahame G.

Yelp
What a fabulous building! A spectacular piece of architecture, both outside and inside. Shame about the boxy carbuncle of a building that's going up across the road from it that completely obscures it from the town. I have to say though, I was a bit disappointed with the use of space inside. The vast atrium takes up most of the building, which means there are really only two main exhibition spaces; one of these housing the temporary (paid) exhibitions, the other the more permanent exhibits. The temporary exhibit on ocean liners was really great; we loved seeing the history of (mostly) Scottish shipbuilding, and there was a good selection of artefacts illustrating just how sumptuous and decadent some of these grand liners were - although once it got past the 1930's I mostly lost interest (I was never a fan of 70's design at the time and I'm still not!). We particularly liked the video wall recreating an ocean view off the deck with renowned ships like the QE2 sailing past (good photo opp!). Of the other exhibition, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Oak Room was the main attraction for us, and the main reason we came. But it felt like the rest of it should have been about three times the size it actually was. We actually spent some time looking around for a third gallery that isn't there. The restaurant on the top floor had a reasonable menu, but the prices were rather on the expensive side so we gave it a miss. The cafe on the ground floor didn't draw us either so we went elsewhere for lunch. The whole visit took us two and a half hours. It was worth a look, but apart from the architecture, we found it slightly underwhelming.
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Kenneth M.

Yelp
The V&A in London is a destination museum to spend a few hours in and still feel it worth revisiting. Its Dundee outstation is no more than a missed opportunity. Yes the exterior of the building is striking but what it houses is mainly a poor use of space. The permanent collection is a very mixed bag (you can see photos of the construction of the Forth Bridge in numerous other museums in Scotland, let alone on pub walls) and small to boot. You could get around it in half an hour and feel you'd not skimped on reading the information cards. The shop's mediocre too, stocking a number of items you'd see in many other museums (David Shrigley's badges etc.). The ground floor cafe and the space around it is described as "A Living Room For The City", which is okay if you want your lounge to be full of kids running about in an echo chamber but not that relaxing. Kids are well catered for on the gallery level too, with a couple of rooms in which they can play around with design-related stuff but as an adult you're likely to feel short changed. The building offers good views of the city from an elevated position but then you could get those 30 years ago when there was a swimming pool on the site.
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James B.

Yelp
Took a long planned trip up to visit the new museum with my young family (5y & 7y). Really wanted to see inside this amazing looking building for myself but half expected it wouldn't really be for the kids. Was completely wrong as there were more really to keep them occupied than anything else. It turned out to be a great trip and they loved it. Loads of creative rooms/areas to build and construct stuff and lots of great visual stimulus. Spent about 3 hrs there but could've done more and ran out of time to explore the Discovery ship right next door. Will definitely go back up again and look out for some interesting exhibitions they put on. Of course there's adult stuff too which was very interesting (paid and free) so something for everyone. A must visit !!!
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Husni Z.

Yelp
Went here on the first month of its opening and definitely love it! The permanent exhibition hosted several interesting art pieces, will definitely return to check out the restaurant.
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Kendall B.

Yelp
The V&A Dundee has vastly improved its exhibition offerings from the first time I visited in early March. They also opened a new restaurant on the top floor of the building that looks intriguing (£12 for an entree). I suspect that over time, the V&A Dundee will develop its own character / receive some more special exhibitions from London, but it's so newly opened, it seems that this location might not have quite hit its stride yet. Still, worth an hour (or more, if you pay to see the special temporary exhibition!) to pop in and explore if you're in Dundee.

Scott D.

Yelp
Wow beautiful building outside and inside. Huge space inside but totally underwhelmed by the use of that space. No ambition being demonstrated by the V&A team to create a world class venue. A cafe , a restaurant, a shop and a couple of small exhibitions, is that the V&A legacy ?.