The McManus : Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum







The McManus is a magnificent Victorian, Gothic building where art, history and the environment combine to offer a facinating insight into Dundee. The McManus has recently undergone an exciting and extensive redevelopment project, to transform the facility into a museum and art gallery for the 21st century. The facility features new displays, cafe and retail area, while still retaining the original Gothic architecture of the building. A Creative Learning Suite and hands-on activities incorporating the latest technology also enhance the overall visitor experience.
Venue Type:
Museum, Gallery

Maggie's Penguin Parade
- 10 — 30 April 2018 *on now
This summer, Maggie's Penguin Parade will hit the streets of Dundee with a trail of individually designed and beautifully decorated giant penguin sculptures. In September these unique sculptures will all find new homes when they are auctioned off to raise vital funds for the Dundee Maggie’s Centre. During April, visitors can watch the transformation of one of the sculptures as it is decorated live in the Museum's Learning Studio - a fantastic chance to see an artist’s work in progress and catch an early glimpse of one of the 80 penguin designs!
Suitable for
- Any age

Face to Face
- 10 April — 20 May 2018 *on now
Our unique take on portraiture brings together an array of sitters from different eras and circumstances. From provosts to posers, we consider what makes a successful portrait and how we can learn more about the sitter than just what they look like.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website

Revealing Characters
- 10 April — 31 December 2018 *on now
This major exhibition of portraiture is selected entirely from Dundee’s nationally significant fine art collection. Through paintings, sculpture and photography we look at the diverse range of artistic styles that artists have taken in their continuing challenge to depict the human form. Works include Stewart Carmichael’s affectionate portrayal of his wife and Wolfgang Tillmans’ sophisticated selfie - wolfsnap.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website

Talks & Tours: Face to Face
- 3 May 2018 1-1:30pm
Portraits can tell us a lot about the people they portray. In this talk we look for clues as to the identity of the sitter and just what makes a successful portrait.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
FREE. No need to book, just drop in!
Website

Iconic Dundee: Fashion Anyone?
- 12 May 2018 10am-4:30pm
Fashion Anyone? is an exciting curatorial debut of beautifully hand-crafted fashion pieces. David and Karen will take you through the basic principles of fashion design, pattern-making, and garment construction. This is a unique opportunity to re-construct one-off iconic pieces and lay the foundations for creating your own garments. If you are interested in getting into textiles and design David and Karen will be on hand to discuss opportunities post-Dundee Fashion Week. This is an inspirational session for all ages, those who wish to have a hands-on experience are welcome to join in!
This is a free open showcase open from 10am-4.30pm located in the Museum’s Learning Studio. Fashion
Anyone? is part of our Iconic Dundee series of interactive exhibitions and workshops to celebrate iconic sites across Dundee and ensuring an iconic design legacy for the future of Dundee, UNESCO City of Design.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
FREE. No need to book, just drop in!
Website
Generation | Dance
- 19 May 2018 6:30am-9pm
Are ye dancin? - we're askin! Audiences will be led on a fantastical and hilarious journey across generations of dance in Dundee. Using physical theatre, oral history, museum collections and auidence participation, dancers of all ages will waltz, jive and bust their moves across the galleries!
Suitable for
- Family friendly
Admission
Ticketed (£5/£2.50 concession)
Website
https://festivalofmuseums.com/events/generation-dance-2018

Are Ye Dancin’? – We’re Askin’!
- 19 May 2018 6:30-9pm
A fantastical and hilarious journey across generations of dance in the City, led by Shaper/Caper Dance Company and students from Dundee & Angus College. Especially created for this year’s Festival of Museums event, this unique performance blends dance, theatre and oral history with a little bit of audience participation! Throughout the evening we’ll be waltzing, twisting and generally busting some moves across the Galleries, before taking to the floor for a grand finale under The McManus glitterball!
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
Admission £5 adult/£2.50 concession. Booking essential at www.generationdancedundee.eventbrite.co.uk
Website
http://www.generationdancedundee.eventbrite.co.uk

Festival of Museums 2018: Generation | Dundee
- 19 May 2018 12-4pm
Inspired by Scotland’s Year of Young People and the Museum’s year-long exhibition of portraiture, our Festival of Museums event celebrates the life stories, creativity and aspiration of young Dundonians throughout the years. Drop in throughout the afternoon for family activities, curators’ talks, live music, dance, poetry and living history performances. FREE. No need to book, just drop in.
Suitable for
- Any age
Website

Navigate, Create!
- 26 May 2018 2-3:15pm
Join the Creative Learning Team on a journey through the Museum’s collections and exhibitions. These fun, interactive sessions are designed especially for families to explore and create together, through gallery tours and hands-on activities. Suitable for children under 12 yrs and their families.
FREE. Booking essential on (01382) 307200.
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
FREE. Booking essential on (01382) 307200.
Website

A Day To Play
- 27 May 2018 2:30-3:15pm
Spend a magical afternoon with Shaper/Caper in the Museum’s Creative Learning Studio. With a different theme each month, these interactive workshops feature song, dress-up, dance and play and are led by professional dancers and award-winning choreographer, Thomas Small. Perfect for children of all ages and their grown-ups!
Suitable for
- Any age
Admission
FREE. Booking essential at www.shapercaper.com
The McManus : Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum
Albert Square
Meadowside
Dundee
DD1 1DA
Scotland
Website
www.leisureandculturedundee.com
general information
themcmanus@leisureandculturedundee.com
Telephone
01382 307200
Fax
01382 307207
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