| The Victorian building, which has been closed since late 2005, has been completely transformed inside, and promises visitors a journey through time, from 400 million years ago, with the geological origins of the land on which Dundee now stands, to the present day.
A major change to the well-loved gallery is the main entrance, which has been switched from the north to the south side. There is also a new reception area, cafe and shop. A spectacular winding staircase has also been created in the east wing of the building, which is now flooded by natural light from a rooftop atrium.
Outside, the gardens have been redesigned and a new pedestrian precinct has been added.
Rooms are themed to ensure a logical journey through the exhibits, beginning with Landscape and Lives, showing Dundee’s interaction between the land and the wildlife and people who came to inhabit it.
The Making of Modern Dundee, which charts the rapidly-changing city from 1850 to the present day, includes the famous Tay Whale.
Upstairs, Dundee and the World focuses on the fascinating range of international artefacts donated to the galleries and museum by merchants, missionaries and people returning from military campaigns abroad.
The Victoria Gallery houses an impressive collection of 19th century art, and 50 Scottish masterpieces from touring exhibition Consider The Lilies will be on show in a neighbouring room.
Further details are available by visiting the new website www.mcmanus.co.uk or call 01382 307200. |
