Frequently Asked Questions
Culture (32)
Arts & Culture Section
Admission to The McManus is free. There may be an admission charge for certain workshops/activities or special events. Check the website for details.
The tenement kitchen, pub, shop and schoolroom, although not currently on display, are part of the reserve research collection cared for by Dundee Art Galleries and Museums. These well loved items had been shown for many years at McManus. By their nature they were a significant size, and replacing them in the displays would have prevented other objects from being displayed because of space restrictions. As a result there are more objects from the heritage collections on display than there were previously, with a wider variety of subjects covered.
Dundee Art Galleries and Museums have large collections that have been built up through donations, gifts and purchases over a period of one hundred and fifty years. The majority of the collection relates to Dundee and the surrounding area, but the City also has important national and international items, particularly in the collections of fine and decorative art and cultural material from around the world.
Events information can be found in the What's On Diary on Dundee City Council's website
For selected shows you can book online, or you can purchase tickets at:
The Box Office is open:
It is also open one hour prior to performance time.
The McManus offers a range of workshops and creative learning activities for all ages and interests. Details of our public programme can be found at The McManus website and in our regular Arts and Heritage What's On leaflets. For more information about opportunities on offer at McManus for Schools and Community Groups, please contact The Creative Learning Team on 01382 307215/307216 or email creativelearning@dundeecity.gov.uk
A distinctive 7m dome made from papier-mache, which houses a fantastic Victorian refracting telescope. From October to March, the dome is open every weekday evening, weather permitting, except public holidays.
Solar system and space station displays, as well as displays of historic equipment and information of local importance.
A small planetarium gives visitors the chance to view constellations and planets, while listening to a talk given by our expert resident astronomer. Planetarium Shows are held during the Winter months.
For visitors who may be less mobile and cannot access the upper floor of the Observatory to use the telescope, closed-circuit television has been added to enable you to look through it at ground floor level.
For children aged 7-12 years who are keen on space, there is the opportunity to have their own Planetarium Party. A room with tables and chairs can also be provided for your use. Contact staff for details on 01382 435967.
Once you've had a look inside the Observatory itself, you can enjoy spectacular views of the River Tay and surrounding area if you go out on to the viewing balcony. On Balgay Hill, as well as finding a variety of trees and wildlife, you'll also find the outdoor Planet Trail - a series of standing stones and plaques representing the solar system. Follow the Trail until you reach the last planet 'Pluto', which you'll find back inside Mills Observatory.
Broughty Castle is a 15th century fort housing fascinating displays on the life and times of Broughty Ferry, its people, the environment and the wildlife that lives close by.
Exhibits and displays can be found on four floors, with an observation point on the fourth floor providing spectacular views of the Tay estuary.
There is a small refreshment area and gift shop.
(As a fortified and listed building Broughty Castle has very restricted access for people whose mobility is limited. Due to the spiral staircase, we regret access for wheelchair-users is not possible).
For more information visit the website.
- Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm
- Sunday, 12.30 to 4.30 pm
- Last entry to the galleries is 15 minutes before closing time.
Yes, The McManus has recently signed up to Twitter and Facebook. Details of events can be found at: McManus Twitter and McManus Facebook.
Yes. Mills Observatory is the UK's only full-time observatory and is open all year (except 25th & 26th Dec and 1st, 2nd & 3rd January). There are Summer opening hours and Winter opening hours, which are as follows:-
April to September
October to March
Broughty Castle is open all year (except 25th & 26th Dec and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Jan). There are Summer opening hours and Winter opening hours, which are as follows:-
April to September
October to March
For more information visit the website.
The Council's Underground Garage in Crichton Street is open Monday to Saturday and occasional Sunday evenings for Caird Hall concerts.
Tickets priced £2.35 can be purchased at Dundee City Box Office with concert tickets.
On-street parking is free after 6 pm, as are the local car parks.
There are car parks located at the bottom of Commercial Street and the Olympia Leisure Centre. There are designated disabled parking spaces in Crichton Street, Castle Street and Shore Terrace.
Please contact the Administrative Assistant on (01382) 307204 or email themcmanus@dundeecity.gov.uk to discuss your requirements or request a Venue Hire Information Pack.
Booking is essential for all Schools and Community Groups visiting the museum, whether you are self-directed or taking part in any activities. You can make your booking by contacting the Creative Learning Team on (01382) 307215/307216 or email creativelearning@dundeecity.gov.uk.
If you contact the Reception on (01382) 307200, they would advise which Curator would be best placed to talk to you about the object. We have Curators of Fine and Decorative Art, Natural Sciences, Social and Industrial History and Early History and subdivisions of these subject areas.
We can't accept all items that are offered to us, but contact Reception, tel (01382) 307200 and they will advise which Curator would be best placed to talk to you about your object. We have Curators of Fine and Decorative Art, Natural Sciences, Social and Industrial History and Early History.
Dundee Art Galleries and Museums have a written acquisitions policy - Museum Collecting and Disposal Policy which guides staff in their decision-making. The following statement is taken from the policy: "Objects will be accepted into the collection if they add intrinsic value to the research collections held at the museum, can be used for display purposes, or can be used for any other relevant activity carried out by the Arts and Heritage Section. Objects relating to Human History can be collected if they help to tell the story of the people and the city of Dundee and they do not duplicate the same or similar types of objects within the collection".
View the Disposal Policy (189KB MS Word doc).
We welcome individuals and student groups who wish to work independently in the galleries, but ask that you discuss this with us beforehand, so that your plans can be accommodated. In the interest of safety and to ensure that your visit is an enjoyable experience, it is important to be aware of our guidelines before undertaking any work in the galleries. For further information, please contact The McManus on (01382) 307200 or email themcmanus@dundeecity.gov.uk
Any job vacancies are posted on the website - www.myjobscotland.gov.uk
You can find out what's on by visiting www.cairdhall.co.uk, or by picking up a copy of the free Caird Hall brochure, which comes out every three months.
Alternatively, you can visit our extensive listings in the 'What's On' diary.
You'll find the free brochure in various outlets across Dundee and the surrounding area. Alternatively, you can join the Caird Hall free mailing list by forwarding your name and address to:
The Fundraising Appeal is now complete for the project, but we are always looking for funding for exciting new projects, conservation and acquisitions of new works.
Please contact McManus on (01382) 307210.
You can contact The McManus via online form, telephone, fax or email:
- Email: themcmanus@dundeecity.gov.uk
- View our Online Contact Form
- Tel: +44 (0) 1382 307200
- Fax: +44 (0) 1382 307207
Yes, the new McManus Cafe has an extensive menu offering a selection of dishes freshly prepared on the premises, ranging from The McManus grilled breakfast, soup and sandwiches, filled rolls and bagels, to dishes for bigger appetites. There's also a children's menu for the under 12's. If you just want to pop in for tea or coffee, we have a selection of Fair Trade beverages and a variety of delicious homemade cakes and scones.
Not yet. We have been working very hard on the new McManus over the past few years, and would hope to develop this in the near future.
The McManus Shop is located on Floor 0. Here, you can find a selection of souvenirs to remind you of your visit. We stock a range of books from local history and art, to children's books. There is also a selection of prints and postcards of paintings from our galleries, plus a range of traditional toys, games, replica items and wartime memorabilia.
Yes. Planetarium Shows and a Discovery Space Club take place on selected dates during the Winter months. Admission to these events is £1 for adults and 50 pence for concessions and children. We ask that you book in advance for a place at these events, since places are limited and they are very popular.
Admission is free to individuals, although there is a small charge made for group visits. Admission to events including the Planetarium Shows and Discovery Space Club is £1 for adults and 50 pence for concessions and children.
Many of the images are subject to copyright so please contact The McManus for advice on this, tel (01382) 307200 or email themcmanus@dundeecity.gov.uk
There is a programme of tours planned which will be publicised on our website, in publicity leaflets and on the plasma screen in reception.
Library (35)
Libraries Section
Library books, audio books and music CDs which are no longer required are sold to the public. 'For Sale' items are on display in most libraries at various times during the year. Ask your local library staff for details.
You can apply for a holiday extension to cover the period you are on holiday. You can do this by renewing your items online or by contacting your local library.
Internet access is available free at all local libraries.
Children can access the Internet provided they have had the back of the membership application form completed by a parent or guardian who has read and agreed to follow the 'Acceptable Use Policy'. Paper copies of the policy are available upon request. Children under the age of 8 years must have a parent or carer with them at the computer at all times.
Yes. You can have 3 x 1 hour taster sessions with library staff. Please contact the library directly to make a booking.
Alternatively, you may find our user guides on the 'Book It, Use It, Learn It' page handy if you would like to try learning something from home. Read more ...
You can borrow library items from any library across the city, not just the library where you joined.
Yes, all our libraries will let you send and receive faxes for a small fee.
Yes. Speak to the staff in the Housebound Department in Central library, Email: connections@leisureandculturedundee.com, Tel: 01382 431537. Alternatively you can contact any local library, the staff will take your details and pass them on to the Housebound Department staff who will arrange to have your items delivered to your home.
No, you can return your library items to any library in the city.
Blackness, Central and Coldside libraries have rooms to let. Contact the individual library for details and booking.
There is no charge for late items.
Yes, local bus timetables are available online. Your library staff can help you access them.
Yes. All community libraries have black and white photocopiers. Central library has both a black and white and a colour photocopier. There is a minimal charge for this service.
Reading Group information can be found in the Readers and Reading Groups Section of this website or by telephoning 431500.
Visit the 'Using your Library' section of this website to find a library nearest you.
The Housebound Department provides a library service for readers who are unable, due to illness or infirmity, to make use of the library facilities. Alternatively the Mobile Library Service operates throughout Dundee, bringing books and information to your area. There is a wide range of stock on board for people of all ages. Contact 431537 for more information.
All items can be borrowed for three weeks except DVDs which are hired either overnight, or for 5 nights, depending on the category of film.
Sessions can be booked in half-hourly slots with a maximum of two hours. However if the demand for computers is not high at the time, a session may be extended.
You can borrow:
- 10 books
- 8 audio books
- 4 Children's audio books
- 8 CD's
- 4 DVD's
- 1 language course
There is no age restriction on joining the library. Anyone can join, whatever their age, to borrow books.
You can return a library item to any community library across the city, as well as to the library van.
All libraries are open every day, with the exception of Sundays. Please visit the 'Opening Hours' section of this website for more information.
The Housebound Department, which operates on a three weekly rota, provides customers with books, talking books and books in Braille. There is also a large selection of audio books and large print books available at the library. Contact the Housebound Department on 431537 for more information.
If you keep items from the library beyond their due date, and are aged between 14 and 60, you will need to pay a fine for each week or part of week over the date the item was due back on.
See our 'Fees and Charges' section for more information.
This service operates on a fortnightly rota. Visit the Mobile Library page to view the timetable.
The library will telephone you to let you know the item is available. If you do not have access to a telephone then a letter or an email will be sent out to you.
Yes, there are lots of make and do activities on a variety of topics on the Library and Information Services website.
There are also lots of colouring sheets too - view the Fun Things To Do area of the website..
Yes, you can browse our online library catalogue from anywhere in the world. You can also renew your loans, reserve items or check your borrower details. View the Library Catalogue.
Yes, the Photopolis Project contains 2,400 digital images of Dundee at the turn of the last century. View the Photopolis Project.
We have an extensive diary of events catering for all tastes and age groups. View the What's On Diary.
You can find a list of established Reading Groups on this website - view the Reading Groups page.
You can view the printed version in the Local History Centre, Central Library.
Alternatively, you may wish to view the online version - view the WW2 Roll of Honour.
You can browse newspapers from years gone by in the Local History Centre, which is situated on the Reference and Information Services floor of the Central Library.
