In October 2022 Dundee Heritage Trust reopened the doors unveiling a dramatic upgrade to the gallery and previously inaccessible dome area of the iconic Riverside exhibition after receiving funding from the Tay Cities Region Deal. The space now includes a highly visual and virtual experience, the Discovery Dome, transporting visitors through historic Dundee, with Alan Cumming’s recognisable voice narrating the journey.

The Experience –

The Discovery Dome sessions are a unique opportunity to take in panoramic views across the city, never seen before. Dome sessions last 30 minutes, and only 12 guests are permitted per session, adding to the experience, as it allows the opportunity to take in the views from all angles with an exclusive setting.

Discovery Dome sessions start at 10:15, showing 12 times per day, accommodating 12 people at a time, with the last showing at 17:15. Tickets will be bookable online at: https://accessvam.accessacloud.com/DundeeHeritageTrustBookings/

Renovations began in Summer 2021, transforming the layout of the gallery space within the visitor centre. A well-known silhouette on the Dundee cityscape, the vaulted dome area, inaccessible until now, has had a suspended floor, elevator, staircase and impactful art installation, Gaia, installed in the upper cupola of the Discovery Point building. The investment creates a new public gallery with a 360° panoramic view over the city and the River Tay.

Embarking on an inclusive, educational experience, voiced by Scottish actor Alan Cumming, visitors are transported back to 1901, exploring Dundee’s rich industrial history and recognisable landmarks through visual CGI technology. Over two million visitors have visited the Dundee landmark, the Royal Research Ship Discovery and the gallery’s Recognised Collection of National Significance of over 150 objects since it’s launch in 1993. The new Discovery Dome is expected to attract a significant increase in footfall, contributing to the city’s latest tourism focus.

Adding to the visual experience, one of renowned British artist Luke Jerram’s famous Gaia designs, which typically tours around the UK, will be permanently housed in the dome, set to wow visitors for decades to come. The National Fund for Acquisitions and Art Fund supported the Trust with the acquisition of Gaia, a 3D Globelike artwork measuring 3.75 metres in diameter and created from 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the Earth’s surface*. The artwork provides the opportunity to see the glowing planet floating in three dimensions, allowing guests to clearly visualise Antarctica and the distance of the expeditions Discovery made.

Deirdre Robertson, CEO at Dundee Heritage Trust, said: “We’ve been thoroughly looking forward to reopening the doors to the new and improved experience welcoming returning locals and visitors alike. The Discovery Dome is an incredible visual experience, not to be missed. The city is bursting with history but to be able to immerse yourself in old Dundee with such accurate visuals and interesting details is very special. This improvement has made the RRS Discovery and Gallery a must-visit attraction in Dundee and Scotland.

The launch of the new and improved attraction coincides with the 30th anniversary of the dry docking of the vessel when the ship was moved from the Tay into the purpose-built dry dock, where it remains on display today.

Built in Dundee in 1900, the RRS Discovery was the first ship specifically designed for scientific research in Antarctic regions and was first launched from Dundee a year later in the first of three major scientific expeditions.

For more information on developments, funding and fam trips, contact Marketing and PR Manager, Justine Abola
E: Justine.abola@dundeeheritage.co.uk
P: 07704233407