The Victoria and Albert Museum Dundee

The Victoria and Albert Museum Dundee

The new V and A museum in Dundee was officially opened to the public on 15th September 2018. This marked a significant cultural addition to the city and has since been showcasing various exhibitions and events related to design and creativity. 

The museum was deigned by Kengo Kuma who is a renowned Japanese architect. He is well known for his innovative and distinctive designs that often incorporate natural materials and elements. The V and A is inspired by the cliffs of the north eastern area of Scotland and the concept of a ship wreak on the waterfront which has been washed up on the shore. The museums unique and striking design has garnered attention and praise for its integration with the surrounding environment. 

The V and A is a branch of the V and A in London and features a variety of exhibitions in different forms such as fashion, textiles, product design and much more. The museum attempts to engage the public with interactive displays in order to promote an understanding of the importance of the role of design in all of our day to day lives. 

Dundee is only a short drive from our depot and the ideal starting point for anyone considering doing our East coast route, or for those that are maybe visting St Andrews as part of their wider route this would be the ideal starting point, thats the biggest advantage of having the motorhome you can take your mobile hotel room on wheels and visit the places you wish to see, for more information on touring the east Coast of Scotland have a look at our route planner https://www.scottishtourer.co.uk/exploring/east-coast-route

What is on display at the moment ? 

• Tartan! All things tartan! This exhibition is utterly fantastic and incorporates so many parts of our Scottish heritage. This is on until January 14th 2024 so be sure to take a visit. From Jackie Stewarts racing helmet, the portrait of Doddie Weir the one and only rugby legend to the Bonnie Prince Charlie tartan.
   

• On Saturday the 16th of September the museum are having their 5th birthday and the day is full of FREE exhibitions, tours, tasty treats and lots of family fun is on offer. So grab your free ticket and make a day of it. Be sure to book online to avoid disappoint however as this is sure to be a popular event. We Are 5 (vam.ac.uk)

• On Saturday the 30th September for those who are buddy artists can enjoy a full workshop looking at the wonderful colours with John Booth. This outstanding artist, illustrator, ceramicist and designer uses a variety of colour within fashion to bring things to life. Here you can develop your own confidence, learn new skills and get first hand advice from John. Ensure you bring your own supplies and sketchbook however although there will be some materials available on the day or they can be purchased form the shop within the museum. There is a cost for this workshop however for those who find cost a barrier there is a code to help with cost please look at the booking site for more information. 
• Everything but the clothes, is an exhibition that looks at the catwalk in the pre-digital age. Look over designs from Chanel, Dior , Gucci and Versace and McCartney. This is a free exhibition and is located on the upper floor. Its a beautiful insight into the fashion industry and transports you back in time. 
• If you want to embrace the culture, the environment and enjoy some delectable home dining then why not book an afternoon tea. The tartan tea has its links to Queen Victoria herself who loved an afternoon tea at Balmoral Castle where they embraced tartan and the craze across Britain in the 19th Century. Catering for all dietary requirements and to help stave off that hunger like the lady in waiting why not enjoy some sweet and savoury treats before you departure on your next adventure. 

The V and A museum has been a massive positive benefit to the city of Dundee and to bring everyone together to embrace the exhibitions within the museum. There are so many different creative workshops that can be taken part in and these help to keep those little ones and big ones alike entertained whilst those who like to really read and spend time on the exhibitions reading about each of the history, development and future of the exhibitions. Outside embrace the city beach, the street food and enjoy the water by the shore. 

Be sure to head over to Dundee at some point on your Scottish Tourer trip and embrace the culture, learning and history of each show, exhibition and enjoy the food, drink and meet new people who share that joint interest.