Frequently Asked Questions - Culture

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@leisureandculturedundee.com

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).

• 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.

The McManus logo should not be used in any form without written permission.

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 Britain's first purpose-built public observatory and is open everyday from October to March  (except 24th, 25th & 26th Dec and 1st & 2nd January).

During the summer months, from April to September, the observatory is open on selected dates, when visitors can enjoy a varied programme of public events. There is a summer programme which ranges from planetarium shows to family drop-ins and one-off special events.

April to September

Open on selected dates for varied public programme.

Winter Opening Hours - 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.

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@leisureandculturedundee.com.

If you contact the Reception on (01382) 307200 or email themcmanus@leisureandculturedundee.com, 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".

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@leisureandculturedundee.com

Any job vacancies are posted on the website - www.myjobscotland.gov.uk

• You can find out what's on by visiting our What’s On
• Pick up a copy of our free Caird Hall brochure, which comes out every three months.
• The Brochure is also available to download a PDF.

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 or email themcmanus@leisureandculturedundee.com.

You can contact The McManus via online form, telephone, fax or email:

•  Email: themcmanus@leisureandculturedundee.com
•  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.

Admission to the Castle is free to everyone. For more information visit the website.

Yes. The Mills Observatory runs a varied public programme which includes planetarium shows, family drop-ins and one-off special events; these events take place on selected dates throughout the year. Please visit the What's On for more details.

We advise you to book places in advance for these events, as 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@leisureandculturedundee.com

There is a programme of tours planned which will be publicised on our website, in publicity leaflets and on the plasma screen in reception.