Why you must visit Dundee and the Victoria & Albert Museum this year

By The Newsroom
Published 7th Jan 2019, 12:40 BST
Updated 9th Jan 2019, 12:22 BST
The Victoria & Albert Museum on Dundee waterfront.The Victoria & Albert Museum on Dundee waterfront.
The Victoria & Albert Museum on Dundee waterfront.

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Dundee bills itself as Scotland's sunniest city and visitors from across the world are certainly taking a shine to it these days.

Many are drawn by the new Victoria & Albert Museum, built to celebrate Dundee’s important contribution to everything from video games to medical research and comics.

The museum (the only V&A outside London) was opened to much fanfare in the autumn, and ever since it has been pulling in thousands of visitors from around the globe.

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It may be the headline attraction but dig a little deeper and there is much more to this former industrial powerhouse than you might think.

Inside the V&A.Inside the V&A.
Inside the V&A.

Architect Kengo Kuma’s building is certainly eye-catching in its dramatic setting on the bank of the River Tay.

Part of an ongoing regeneration project, the waterfront structure is a testament to design in itself – all striking inverted triangles and curved concrete, inspired by (according to the promotional blurb) a Scottish cliff face.

Inside is no less impressive. Permanent displays showcase everything from Scottish textiles to pottery and jewellery to shipbuilding.

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The Beano, one of Dundee’s most-loved exports, is featured, as is a beautifully-restored tearoom interior by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Meanwhile, a programme of changing exhibitions will, it is promised, celebrate the very best of design from around the world.

Desperate Dan and Minnie the Minx in Dundee city centre.Desperate Dan and Minnie the Minx in Dundee city centre.
Desperate Dan and Minnie the Minx in Dundee city centre.

Be warned: it does get busy (anyone planning to take in the stunning views from the cafe is advised to book a table in advance).

After all, located as it is just a short distance from the railway station and only a 10-minute drive from the airport, V&A Dundee is well positioned to pull in the crowds.

Still, while it is (rightly) fast becoming Scotland’s latest must-see cultural destination, the vibrant city it calls home has plenty of other gems that should not be overlooked.