V&A Dundee
1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee, Scotland
Scotland’s first design museum, and the only Victoria and Albert museum outside of London, the V&A Dundee is a prominent landmark in Scotland’s fourth-largest city. The first UK project designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, it’s a must-visit for its building as well as what’s contained within.
The basics
Inside a striking building designed to evoke the towering cliffs of Scotland’s east coast, the V&A Dundee’s Scottish Design Galleries display a permanent collection of design works from across the country on the second floor. On the first floor, the Stories from the Building space features artifacts from the museum’s construction, while a second-floor gallery hosts temporary exhibitions, which have included such subjects as tartan and kimonos. Sightseeing tours around the city often include a stop at the V&A Dundee, between such attractions as the nearby RSS Discovery and HMS Unicorn.
Things to know before you go
The museum and its permanent collection are free to visit, but special exhibitions require paid tickets.
The museum’s ground-floor gift shop is well stocked with items by Scottish designers and books on design, fashion, and art.
The V&A Dundee is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available to borrow free of charge. Guide dogs are welcome.
All-day dining and snacks are available in the museum’s second-floor restaurant.
How to get there
The V&A Dundee is set on the banks of the Firth of Forth. It’s just across the road from Dundee Railway Station, which has regular service to Glasgow, Edinburgh, and beyond (it’s around a 1.5-hour train trip from either Glasgow or Edinburgh). Dundee’s Seagate Bus Station is about a 15-minute walk away.
When to get there
The museum is open daily from April to October, and closed on Tuesdays from November to March. It’s open from mid-morning to early evening, and the busiest times are typically weekends and during the Scottish school holidays. Keep an eye on the museum’s website, since events, tours, and talks are held throughout the year.
Mackintosh’s Oak Room
The V&A Dundee’s crown jewel is arguably the Oak Room, designed by renowned Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh for a turn-of-the-century Glasgow tea room. Long out of public view, the room was reassembled and put on display by the museum, allowing visitors to admire Mackintosh’s masterpiece of wood and glass, which was inspired by Japanese design and, in turn, inspired Japanese architects including Kuma.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!