The V&A Dundee, Scotland, on Dundee’s waterfront, is one of the most insane design exhibition galleries around, showing off design creativity, pure innovative genius, and sights that will leave you in complete awe.
This lovely building is Scottish design but Japanese art; V&A Dundee architect Kengo Kuma won a competition to bring the vision of the building to life. The design is magnificent, and the outer wing even goes into the River Tay! Dundee is truly becoming the Scottish centre of arts and culture, with the museum, Dundee Rep Theatre, The Space and more popping up on the streets!
Sadly, the museum temporarily closed in 2020 due to COVID-19. However, in 2023, it came back with a vengeance; a new permanent exhibition called Stories from the Building is available to check out, which tells the entire story of the background and architecture of Scotland’s design museum.
From the newly restored Oak Room and Hello Robot exhibition to the beautiful outdoor terrace with gorgeous views and the Tartan exhibition, this UNESCO City of Design museum will have you craving more art in your life!
Details to Know About V&A Dundee
Before you explore the V and A Dundee, make sure you’re prepared for the trip! Dundee has lots to offer, so it’s best to plan your day in advance.
V&A Dundee Tickets
Victoria and Albert Museum tickets are free! Some of the exhibitions are paid entry, though, but members can also enjoy these at no cost.
V&A Dundee Opening Times
The Dundee V&A opening times are between 10 am to 5 pm every day!
How to Get to the V&A Dundee
An adventure to the V&A Museum, Dundee, is bound to get you excited! Make sure you jot these details down while planning your trip to the design museum.
Car
The address to slot into your GPS is the V&A Dundee Riverside Esplanade, Dundee, DD1 4EZ. It’s right near the city centre! If you’re coming from Glasgow, expect an hour-and-a-half drive along M80 and A9. If you’re along the coast of Aberdeen, the trip is more or less the same length along the A90.
Bus
The Ember bus from the Buchanan Bus Station in Glasgow goes to the Dundee Rail Station, and from there, it’s a quick two-minute walk to the V and A Museum, Dundee. The M92 Megabus from Edinburgh takes almost two hours to reach Dundee Seagate Bus Station, which is around a ten-minute walk from the V&A Dundee.
Rail
The ScotRail is definitely the faster way to get to the V and A Dundee in terms of public transport; from Edinburgh Waverley, it’s an hour and twenty minutes to the Dundee Station, with around the same travel time from Glasgow Queen Street station.
Accessibility
The Dundee V&A has many accessibility options! There are disabled parking spaces available (blue badge holders park for free!), lifts on all floors, wheelchair access (plus free wheelchairs to borrow), and space for small mobility scooters. If you need alternative access due to limited mobility, you can arrange to enter from the staff entrance opposite the South Crighton Street parking of the Dundee V&A Museum.
There are accessible toilets on every floor, a changing place on the ground floor, a quiet room, and ample seating (including portable stools). If you have sight problems, you can access an IOS app to help you navigate the museum; headphones work best, and the museum has spares, too!
Guide and assistance dogs are welcome, and the Dundee Museum even has drinking bows at the front desk.
Attractions at V&A Dundee
Gems like the V&A Dundee don’t come around often, so if you’re in the area, you need to make sure you soak everything up! Here are all the most interesting attractions and fun activities at the V&A Museum, Dundee.
Marvel at the Scottish Design Galleries
The Scottish Design Galleries is a collaboration with V&A South Kensington, featuring exquisite designs ranging from video games, comic books, theatre, furniture, fashion, and more – the list doesn’t end!
The V&A Dundee Tartan Exhibition
When it comes to design, Dundee doesn’t mess around! There are tons of V&A Dundee exhibitions to check out, from the River Tay to the iconic Dundee sign up front. However, it’s your last chance to see the Tartan V&A Dundee exhibition – it ends on the 14th of January 2024!
You’ll go on a design journey of old and new ideas, from Chanel and Dior fashion to old tartan-clad heroes; you can even see Bonnie Prince Charlie’s tartan, a tartan that went to the moon, and an unwashed kilt from World War I! With over 300 stunning objects across fashion, art, architecture, and design, Dundee has it all.
V&A Dundee opening tickets for this exhibition are £12.73 for adults, £6.36 for Art Fund members, £7.27 for students, those with disabilities, those unemployed/with supported income, and those with a Young Scots card, £11.82 for those over 65, and carers get in for free. It’s best to book online to make sure you get a session!
Take a Tour!
The V&A Dundee offers several amazing tours for you to enjoy, from guided tours to printed trails.
Guided Tours
If you want to make the most out of your trip, a guided tour is the way to go!
The V&A Dundee Highlights Tour is £5 (but free for members), and it’s available to book from Friday to Sunday at 12:30. The tour gives you the complete lowdown of the museum, from the bottom all the way to the upper level, and you’ll get to see the most interesting items. Pro tip: if you go for this guided tour, you get a £2 discount for Tartan!
The V&A Dundee Architecture Tour is free, but you’ll need to book a spot in advance between Monday and Thursday, commencing at 12:30. You’ll hear the fantastic story behind the building, the ins and outs of its design, and everything Scottish architecture.
Printed Trails
Stepping away from the beaten path? All printed trails are free from the front desk!
The seek + peek! trail is an exciting way to get around the waterfront plaza; it’s full of colour and will show you around the museum, beach, and gardens.
The Selkie Trail is a cute trail designed for the whole family, including drawing spaces, fun facts, and an awesome path to follow. When you’re done, you can get an Official Explorer stamp and a Selkie (the seal) Seal of Approval!
The Labyrinth is a bit more mysterious. It’s more of a well-being trail, making you reflect on the art and taking you to the best views. There’s even an accompanying Spotify playlist to set the mood.
Grab a Bite at the V&A Dundee Restaurant
The Tasha Bar and Kitchen is an absolute delight! Catch them upstairs for a daily changing menu, a stunning view, locally sourced food, and afternoon tea.
V&A Dundee Exhibitions and Events
The V&A Dundee, Scotland, always has something going on, whether it’s rare temporary exhibitions, drop-in events, special displays and talks, or new tours! With all of the changing exhibitions, it’s best to keep an eye on their events page.
With so much to explore, it’s a good idea to book a hotel to take it all in over a few days!
More Scottish Museums to Visit
- Black Watch Museum
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Edinburgh Writers Museum
- Glasgow Science Centre
- Highland Folk Museum
- Museum of Childhood
- Museum of Edinburgh
- Museum of the Isles
- Museum on the Mound
- National Mining Museum
- National Museum of Flight
- National War Museum
- People’s Palace
- Riverside Museum
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Scottish Crannog Centre
- Scottish Maritime Museum
- Shetland Museum & Archives
- St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art
- Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
- Surgeons’ Hall Museum
