D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum
Small university museum in Dundee with zoological specimens, many collected by the biologist D'Arcy Thompson, open on set afternoons and by appointment.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum is named after the Scottish biologist and mathematician D'Arcy Thompson (1860-1948). He became Professor of Biology at what was then University College, Dundee in 1885 and began collecting specimens for a museum straight away. An extension to his department in 1893 made space for a purpose-built museum, which grew into one of the largest museums of its kind in Britain at that time.
The original museum building was demolished in 1956-57 together with its neighbours to make way for the university's Tower Building, and much of Thompson's collection was dispersed. The remaining material was kept in storage for many years until new displays were created in the Biological Sciences Institute in the 1980s. That building was later demolished too, and a new museum was set up in the basement of the Carnelley Building in 2007.
Today the museum is run by University of Dundee Museum Services and is used for teaching as well as for public visits. It shows specimens from around the world, including skeletons, preserved animals and scientific models, most of them collected by Thompson himself.
Highlights
- Zoological specimens from around the world, most collected by D'Arcy Thompson
- Skeletons, preserved animals and anatomical displays
- Scientific models and historical teaching tools
- Collection linked to Thompson's work on form and shape in nature
- 3D virtual display available online
Permanent exhibition
- D'Arcy Thompson Zoology Museum collection – Zoological specimens, skeletons and scientific models, most of them collected by D'Arcy Thompson, the first Professor of Biology at Dundee.
- Founded
- 1880
- Operated by
- University of Dundee Museum Services
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Admission is free.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is in the basement of the Carnelley Building, and there are steps up to the front door. Visitors who need step-free access should call in advance so that the museum can arrange it. An access guide for the Carnelley Building is available on the AccessAble website.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
There is no parking on the university campus; pay-and-display parking is available on Nethergate and behind the DCA, and there is some free parking further along Perth Road and Mid Wynd.
The museum is in the Carnelley Building off Park Place on the University of Dundee city campus. Enter by the main front door.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Groups and visitors who want to see the collection outside the regular opening times should contact the curator of Museum Services in advance. |
|---|
