A world-class art centre located next door to the Dundee Science Centre in the Greenmarket area of the city, Dundee Contemporary Arts is home to two galleries, a two-screen cinema, a print studio and a research centre.
Dundee Contemporary Arts
Dundee Contemporary Arts
Contemporary Arts Centre
Opened in March 1999, this is the centre of visual arts in Dundee and is now known internationally for the quality of the art it displays. Focusing on contemporary pieces that encourage audiences to see, experience and create, there’s a yearning for innovation here and a dedication to taking risks that often leads to work that breaks the mould.
The two bright and spacious galleries are large, giving visitors ample space to take their time to really digest the wonder in front of them. There are no set exhibitions here – instead, they are always changing to showcase the absolute best the UK has to offer. Often focusing on group work, the exhibitions are always meant to tell a story.
A recent display named ‘Shonky: The Aesthetics of Awkwardness’ is a group project from Haywood Gallery Tourings, curated by artist John Walter that explores the nature of visual awkwardness.
Over in the cinema, expect independent films and moving pictures that explore the visual world. Previous offerings here include more mainstream films like A Quiet Place and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society, as well as the captivating documentary Nothing Like a Dame, which gave a fascinating insight into the lives and careers of Dame Eileen Atkins, Dame Judi Dench, Dame Joan Plowright and Dame Maggie Smith.
On top of all that, you can take part in a number of fun and entertaining events at Dundee Contemporary Arts, often based around the main exhibitions in the gallery. Many are great for kids, including arts and craft adventures that help them make their own artistic masterpieces.
For a light refreshment, head to the Jute Bar, which is a quiet coffee house by day and one of the city’s more popular bars at night. You can dine here too, with a varied menu that ranges from light bites, such as fish cakes and toasted pitta, to bigger meals like pan-fried sea bass. And don’t forget to pop into the shop, which stocks a beautiful array of products. From in-house published books to homewares designed by local Scottish artists, you are sure to find some hidden gems here.
The gallery at Dundee Contemporary Arts is open daily, 10am-6pm, with late opening on a Thursday. Cinema times vary depending on showings, and it’s open seven days a week. In the heart of the city centre, Dundee Contemporary Arts is easy to get to no matter where you’re staying. Our Dundee East hotel by Broughty Ferry is just a 16-minute drive away.