Discovery Point

About the museum

Discovery Point is the visitor attraction built around the Royal Research Ship Discovery, a wooden ship launched in Dundee in 1901 for the British National Antarctic Expedition led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Her design drew on the experience of the city's whaling fleet, and the expedition of 1901 to 1904 carried out scientific work and exploration in the Antarctic.

After the expedition the ship was sold to a private company and later used in the First World War. In the 1920s she took part in oceanographic expeditions to study whale stocks, and in 1929 to 1931 she made her last Antarctic voyage, a survey of coastline and land in the British, Australian and New Zealand expedition. She returned to Dundee in 1986 and has been cared for ever since by Dundee Heritage Trust, a charity formed in 1985 to preserve her.

Today visitors first walk through museum galleries about the ship's building, crew and discoveries before boarding the vessel itself, including the decks and the officers' wardroom. The trust has carried out urgent repairs to the hull and plans a larger project called Discovery Point Transformed, with new exhibitions and a supporting cradle for the ship, due to be completed by spring 2029.

Highlights

• Boarding the RRS Discovery, Captain Scott's expedition ship
• Museum galleries on the 1901 to 1904 Antarctic expedition
• The officers' wardroom aboard the ship
• Film tour of the ship above and below decks in the Odyssey gallery
• Hope Cross memorial to Shackleton

Permanent exhibition

• RRS Discovery and the Antarctic expedition galleries – Museum galleries about the building of the ship in Dundee, Captain Scott's 1901 to 1904 expedition and the crew's scientific findings, leading on to the ship itself.

Founded

1985

Operated by

Dundee Heritage Trust

Admission & discounts

The Off-Peak Pass (£14) is valid on off-peak dates only; the Unlimited Pass (£17) is valid on any day. Booking online saves 10 percent. Art Fund Art Pass holders enter free. Accompanying carers are free.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Level entrance, and all museum galleries are on the ground floor; a lift serves the first floor. Full wheelchair and buggy access to the historic ship is not possible, but a ramp can be placed at the top of the gangway to reach the main deck; the bridge and lower decks are reached by narrow stairs. A film in the Odyssey gallery shows the ship above and below decks, with commentary and subtitles. Wheelchairs (adult and child sizes) can be borrowed free of charge. Induction loops are fitted to the audio displays and adapted toilets are available; the nearest Changing Places toilet is in the neighbouring V&A Dundee. Sensory backpacks can be borrowed free from reception. Blue Badge holders park free in the adjacent car park. Staff in grey T-shirts with orange lanyards can help.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Family pass available; sensory backpacks with an activity sheet and toys can be borrowed from reception, and holiday activities are listed on the What's On page. Buggy access to the ship itself is not possible.

Getting there & parking

Address for navigation: Discovery Quay, Dundee, DD1 4XA.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The 77º South cafe overlooks the bow of the ship and serves breakfasts, light lunches and cakes. Gift shop on site.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Conference and meeting rooms, private dining in the officers' wardroom aboard the ship (Wardroom Dining Experience) and Christmas party nights.

Plan your visit