The University of Dundee has a history dating back to 1881, and the collections span a huge range of subjects. As well as their medical, natural history and science collections, they have an impressive art and design collection – including fine art, artists’ books, a collection of iconic chair designs and even a comics art collection.
The University also has a series of online exhibitions they have created using Art UK’s Curation platform. You can see a list on their website.
1. Tower Foyer Gallery
The Tower Building is the main gateway to the University on Nethergate was first opened in 1961. The foyer of the building was first used for regular exhibitions in 1989, with a dedicated gallery wall being added in 2001.
There is a changing exhibition programme for this space. For current exhibitions, visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/exhibitions/
Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4HN
Entry to the exhibitions is free and you won’t have to book.
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 7pm
Saturday 1pm – 7pm
Shorter hours may apply during University vacations.
The Tower Building is on the north side of Nethergate, 5-10 minutes walk from the Railway Station and 2 minutes walk from Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA). See https://www.dundee.ac.uk/campusmap/ to find the building on campus.
There are bus stops directly outside on Nethergate. Parking is not available on campus but there is pay and display parking on Nethergate and at the back of DCA and some free parking further along Perth Road and Mid Wynd.
For further information on bus transport, visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/travel/local-transport
The gallery is in the foyer of the building so you will see it as you enter the main front door. There is a reception desk on your right if you have any queries but you do not need to report there to visit the exhibitions.
2. D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum
The museum houses a range of zoology specimens from around the world, most of them collected by Sir D’Arcy Wentworth Thompson, a pioneer of mathematical biology and Dundee’s first Professor of Biology.
The museum is located in the Carnelley Building, just behind the Tower Building on Park Place.
Carnelley Building, off Park Place, Dundee DD1 4HN
Due to its use in teaching, the museum is only open the second Saturday afternoon of every month, and on Friday afternoons during the summer vacation. For full details of opening hours and times, visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/collections/zoology/events/
If you would like to book a group visit or would like to see the collection outwith the regular opening times, please contact Curator Matthew Jarron on museum@dundee.ac.uk or 01382 384310.
The building can be reached by walking from Nethergate up Park Place to the right of the Tower Building. It is 5-10 minutes walk from the Railway Station and 2 minutes walk from Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA). See https://www.dundee.ac.uk/campusmap/ to find the building on campus.
There are bus stops 1 minute away on Nethergate. Parking is not available on campus but there is pay and display parking on Nethergate and at the back of DCA and some free parking further along Perth Road and Mid Wynd.
For further information on bus transport, visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/travel/local-transport
Enter the building by the main front door (during advertised opening hours there are signs to direct you). Depending on which day you visit, there may be a volunteer on hand to greet you at the front door, or you may have to press a buzzer at the inner door to be let in. The reception is just to your left as you enter and they can direct you to the museum.
The building has steps up to the front door so if you require step free access please call in advance and the museum can arrange it for you.
3. Lamb Gallery
The Lamb Gallery is the main exhibition space for the University Museum Collections and is located on the mezzanine level above the foyer of the Tower Building, on the first floor.
There is a changing exhibition programme for this space. For current exhibitions, visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/exhibitions/
Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4HN
Entry to the exhibitions is free, and you won’t have to book.
Monday – Friday 9.30am – 7pm
Saturday 1pm – 7pm
Shorter hours may apply during University vacations – visit www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/visitor-information/ for details.
The Tower Building is on the north side of Nethergate, 5-10 minutes walk from the Railway Station and 2 minutes walk from Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA). See https://www.dundee.ac.uk/campusmap/ to find the building on campus.
There are bus stops directly outside on Nethergate. Parking is not available on campus but there is pay and display parking on Nethergate and at the back of DCA and some free parking further along Perth Road and Mid Wynd.
For further information on bus transport, visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/travel/local-transport
The gallery is on the first floor of the building and is on a mezzanine level so you will see it above you once in the foyer – you can take the lift or stairs to reach it. There is a reception desk on your right if you have any queries but you do not need to report there to visit the exhibitions.
The building has step-free access.
4. Tayside Medical History Museum
Based at the School of Medicine in Ninewells Hospital, the museum showcases the extraordinary history of pioneering medical research and practice in Dundee and the surrounding region.
There are various permanent displays in Ninewells while other parts of the collection are distributed across other locations around Tayside. To find out more, visit
https://www.dundee.ac.uk/museum/medical.htm
School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
The main permanent display is advertised as open Monday – Friday 9am-5pm, but as the hospital is open 24 hours a day, you could actually visit anytime.
There are several pay and display car parks at Ninewells but they are always busy with hospital visitors so bus is the easiest way to get there.
For further information on bus transport, visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/travel/local-transport
The main permanent display for the Medical History Museum is located outside the Gannochy Trust Lecture Theatre. Enter the hospital by the main visitor entrance (just next to the bus stops) and turn left just before the reception desk. Go along the corridor into the Medical School and the display is on your right once you reach the Blue Promenade Area.
How to find us
Tower Foyer Gallery
Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
D’Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum
Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
Lamb Gallery
Dundee DD1 4HN, UK
Tayside Medical History Museum
Dundee DD1 9SY, UK