The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum

The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum

The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
About
The McManus is a magnificent Victorian, Gothic building where art, history and the environment combine to offer a fascinating insight into Dundee. The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, an award-winning Victorian, Gothic building, is home to Dundee's main collection spanning 400 million years and has been at the heart of art and culture in the City since 1867. Eight beautiful open gallery spaces house facinating exhibitions of art, history and the environment, giving a fascinating insight into Dundee. Throughout the galleries visitors can learn about early man in the area, admire stunning paintings and explore artifacts from industries past and present. In addition to the permanent displays, there is a changing programme of exhibitions and events throughout the year. The retail area stocks a wide range of historical reproductions, traditional toys, books and jewellery. The welcoming café with an outdoor terrace boasts an extensive menu.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • alibalib2017
    Lincoln, United Kingdom9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    So much to see!
    Very interesting and well laid out museum with many fascinating exhibits about all aspects of Dundee. The staff were very helpful and the facilities excellent. Looked liked a nice cafe and shop although we didn't use either. Would definitely recommend for a visit.
    Thank you for your recommendation, we hope you make a return visit.
    Written March 22, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited March 2023
    Written March 18, 2023
  • 797dennisp
    Montrose, United Kingdom30,370 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    What a great place to visit !
    I was very pleasantly surprised on my visit to the McManus detailing the history of Dundee from Jam to Jute and Journalism . Some great portraits by Scottish artists and some fascinating period paintings of Dundee in times past. Well worth a visit of a rainy day or even a rare sunny day.
    Very glad you enjoyed our Making of Modern Dundee gallery and the rest of what McManus has to offer. We hope you come back soon.
    Written April 7, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2022
    Written April 6, 2023
  • Sue C
    41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Make sure you have time
    The McManus has a wonderful collection of just about everything you could hope to find. The building itself is incredible - check out the disabled loo under the main staircase! The staff are helpful and knowledgeable. You could spend all day here.
    Thank you for taking the time to write a lovely review and give us 5* its appreciated.
    Written May 15, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written May 14, 2023
  • bealehidi
    53 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great visit
    Very nice musium lots to see and lots of information. Nice that there was seating throughout. Accessible for a pram as there is a lift. Freindly staff on arrival. Lovely cafe and nice that the staff were so good at dealing with food allergies.
    A lovely review, we will pass on your comment to our cafe franchisee.
    Written June 5, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written May 31, 2023
  • Sandy M
    Perth, United Kingdom177 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Exceeded our expectations for a family morning in Dundee.
    Lovely building, really nice size of collection for a couple of hours with young children in tow. Varied enough for interest but not to the point of being 'fragmented' and specific enough to the Dundee region to make it feel like an experience rooted in the place but without becoming overly niche or parochial. Reasonably priced looking cafe (albeit we didn't have chance to use) and a good selection in the shop of, again, more locally rooted products rather than the usual generic 'museum selection' of kids stuff with no particular relevance to the site. Great little kids downtime/crafts room on the first floor. Icing on the cake; no admission charge and none of the usual begging letters plastered on every surface as so many museums have nowadays. Really enjoyed it - feels like the original name of the building should be reinstated though which would make it much more obvious what a jewel in the crown for Dundee this it - I've bypassed for years on the assumption it was some niche/alternative collection without much mainstream family appeal just by the name unfortunately which gives no indication as to what sort of site/scale it is. Do visit - you'll be pleasantly surprised.
    Great feedback about our building and what we provide, we hope you make a return visit in the future.
    Written June 12, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written June 8, 2023
  • Louise
    Scarborough, United Kingdom326 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Excellent Museum!
    The McManus is the local history museum and art gallery for Dundee. There is alot of variety when it comes to the exhibits - natural history (lots of stuffed animals and birds native to Scotland), aspects of Dundee's history such as industries (and a section on the Tay Bridge), a collection of international artefacts including several things from Ancient Egypt. There's also a good collection of art from the 1800s up to the present. The McManus is free to visit but there are boxes to leave a donation if you want to. We had two visits to the museum and were very impressed with it, it's one of the best museums we've been in for a long time. The McManus also has a very good cafe, we had two meals here. Food is locally sourced and very good. On out first visit we both had Lorne sausages in a bread roll (two Lornes in the roll) and on the second visit I had Mac and Cheese with garlic bread and salad and my Mum had soup of the day (I think it was sweet potato that day). Both meals were excellent and very good value. If you're in Dundee this museum is well worth visiting. This was a family but an adult family group, not "children" or "teens""! I had to select "friends" in the drop down menu because, for some unknown reason, there is no such thing as an adult family group!
    Great to hear you enjoyed all aspects of your two visits with us, a lovely review which is appreciated!
    Written July 4, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited June 2023
    Written June 28, 2023
  • moon
    Dundee, United Kingdom283 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great venue, wish that more for kids
    Impressive venue. Definitely a good landmark in the heart of the city. Not Full marks as limited activity for young children or staff engagement for children, especially during summer holidays. Also feel that some exhibits could be more interactive or refreshed as difficult to understand and see the information to understand their importance.
    Thank you for taking the time to write a review, your comments have been noted.
    Written July 28, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written July 24, 2023
  • 1206irene
    Troon, United Kingdom205 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    brilliant place
    So glad we came in here. Lovely welcome. Lots to see. Didn't even realise it was here....we came to see the V and A but had much more fun here. Well done and thanks to all staff.
    Thank you for your 5* review!
    Written September 1, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited August 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 31, 2023
  • 4407KR
    Northumberland, United Kingdom535 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I wish I had asked his name . . .
    . . . a return visit having first visited in 2021. A beautiful place with lots of history and interest. I had a particularly interesting conversation with a gentleman on the main desk regarding history and I wish I had asked his name. I bought some beautiful Beano prints for my son, for Christmas. I love the passion of this place . . . indeed I love Dundee.
    Thank you for making a return visit to us and your kind review! Until the next time .......
    Written September 8, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written September 4, 2023
  • Sally W
    Moray, United Kingdom33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth spending time
    A great wee gem of a place. The building itself is fascinating. Look out for the skylight giving a view of the external sculptures. It is packed with wonders and makes a really good attempt at explaining much of Dundee's past. From the very beginning, with artefacts from prehistory and right up to the present on display. There is every incentive to take your time, strolling though the galleries. If history and archaeology are not for you, take the time to have a look at the artworks. Some stunners there! The shop is worth a look , especially for those seeking something different to take home.
    5* and a lovely review, thank you!
    Written December 1, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 29, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,343 reviews
Excellent
865
Very good
393
Average
69
Poor
11
Terrible
5

Judith W
Bolton, UK58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Almost church-like. I hv mobility problems so had to take the visit slowly. Stayed all afternoon. Plenty of places to sit down, has a lift and a Cafe. The temp Polar exhibition particularly fascinating but art wise a great mix of modern and traditional styles. Plus history of Dundee, a whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling. Something for everyone. A must see.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to hear you enjoyed your visit, we do hope to welcome you again in the future!
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ed cartvale
Prestwick, UK781 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Came to Dundee to go the V and A, but this museum is outstanding. With sections covering the city from the distant past through time, it was an entertaining few hours of learning.
Some of the items such as the Culoden flag and the Wallace sitting stone made you feel as if you were there. For a small gallery it was exceedingly well laid out, the artworks reminiscent of Scots history.
A nice wee cafe to take the weight of your feet
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 'outstanding' review, its much appreciated.
Written March 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ganda3
Stirling, UK75 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019
We found this remarkable museum by accident during a visit to the city, and although we had a short time we will certainly return for a longer visit. Located in the city centre it offers interesting well laid out exhibits. Accessible enterance with lift to upper floor.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, we look forward to welcoming you again in the future for a longer visit.
Written January 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

russ-the-rover
Accrington, UK378 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021 • Couples
The museum is an eclectic mix that is typical of a collection from a wealthy city in the 1800/1900’s. The collection gives you a feel of the local history and confirms the wealth that was in the city with the great and good making their donations . I recommend to spend a few hours, especially on a wet day…
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your 5* review and recommendation.
Written September 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

rumplecottage
Berwick upon Tweed, UK1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
Inspired by the V&A my friends & me took a day trip to Dundee. Had a perfect introduction to the city, from the Tourist Information member of staff who gave us a n excellent overview of the attractions. The McManus Art Gallery & Museum was close by and proved a wonderful start to the culture and history of the city. Exhibits are well- presented and you get a real feel for the significance Dundee has for industry, exploration and social change.
Diversity of art works offers something for all tastes and we especially enjoyed the polar exhibition and the artistic interpretations.
Beautiful building , friendly knowledgeable staff . Definitely be back
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks for your review, its great to hear that you enjoyed your visit to us, we look forward to welcoming you back to Dundee in the future.
Written March 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Meghann T
Dundee, UK273 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
I have been to the McManus numerous times now and it’s always an interesting experience. Whether you’re local to Dundee or visiting from out with the city, a visit to this museum is always worthwhile. I myself find the exhibits exploring the history of my hometown fascinating but there is a wide range of other topics covered in the exhibits as well as in the galleries. The building itself is beautiful so be sure to take a walk round the exterior. I haven’t been to the cafe for a while but from what I remember it was nice enough. It’s also free entry which is always a bonus! Give yourself enough time to get round though as I could easily spend hours in there.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to hear you had a fascinating visit, thank you for your review, we look forward to welcoming you again in the future!
Written March 2, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

PrestonGuild
United Kingdom55,320 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020
This art gallery and museum is housed in a Victorian Gothic building.

Admission is free and there were restrictions in place due to Covd at the time of our visit.

The paintings in part were roomy allowing us to have a lot of space to admire the paintings. There were a wide variety.

The photography exhibition was interesting showing the changing faces of Scotland.

The museum was diverse and I was unaware how much Dundee was involved in the IT revolution of the 1980s.

Well worth a visit if you are up in Dundee.
Written April 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking the time to visit us. I'm glad you took advantage of the new measures we've put in place to protect you and our staff. We hope to welcome you back soon!
Written April 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

A206DWmichaelb
74 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This was my second visit to the McManus. I especially wanted to see the Victorian gallery which has some wonderful paintings. I especially like the John Duncan and Lavery paintings on display. A mixed collection, I would love to see more of their superb permanent collection of paintings on display. All in all a charming space, with very interesting exhibits.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to hear that you enjoyed your 2nd visit to us. We specifically change our displays in the 20th Century gallery annually to showcase our nationally significant fine art collection and hope that you visit us again to see more of our collections.
Written January 28, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

alistermcd
6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020
The McManus Gallery is well worth visit if you are in Dundee. There is a mixture of interesting local history and artifacts and works of art. There are also changing exhibitions, which at the time we visited were photographs of Dundee. The cafe provided good service and value for money.
Written September 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A lovely review and 4* - thank you!
Written September 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Cara B
Edinburgh, UK24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2020 • Friends
I visited on a weekday with a friend and we have a lovely visit. The exhibitions are very interesting and well set out. Social distancing is well enforced and we felt very safe during our visit. The staff where extremely helpful and friendly during our visit.
Written September 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Its good to hear from our visitors that you felt very safe during your visit and enjoyed your time with us.
Written September 29, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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