Dundee Science Centre

About the museum

Dundee Science Centre opened in July 2000 as a Millennium Commission project, at first under the name Sensation. Its exhibits focused mainly on the life sciences and especially on the human senses. In 2013 it took its present name.

The centre is an independent charity and part of the Scottish Science Centres Network. It closed for a long period during the coronavirus pandemic, and during that time the ground floor was rebuilt at a cost of about two million pounds to make the centre more accessible, including a Changing Places toilet and a sensory zone. It reopened in June 2021.

Today the centre offers interactive exhibition zones, science shows, school visits, birthday parties and venue hire. It describes its mission as making science accessible to everyone.

Highlights

• Six interactive, hands-on exhibition zones
• Sensory Zone and Sensory Friendly Hours on Sundays
• Level-access building with a Changing Places toilet
• Science shows and themed birthday parties
• Café Create and gift shop

Permanent exhibitions

• Sensory Zone – A calm space created as part of the centre's accessibility redevelopment, with sensory-friendly features for visitors who need a quieter experience.
• Exhibition zones – Six interactive zones, including We Are Inventing, We Are Exploring, We Are Discovering and Medical Marvels, with hands-on exhibits guided by science communicators.

Founded

2000

Operated by

Dundee Science Centre (independent charity)

Admission & discounts

Timed tickets are strongly recommended and can be booked online; tickets can also be bought at reception, but entry may not be possible at busy times when the centre is full. The online booking offers a standard price and a price with a donation of at least 10 per cent that allows Gift Aid. Ticket prices are shown in the online booking system when a time slot is selected. Children under 16 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult. The school-visit price for the 2026/27 academic year is £6.50 per pupil, with accompanying adults free.

Accessibility

• 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

The centre has level access throughout and a lift between the ground and first floors. All areas can be reached by manual and electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. There is a Changing Places toilet, a Sensory Zone, a sensory garden and an outdoor café area, and the entrance has automatic doors with a push button. The council car park outside is free for Blue Badge holders and has disabled spaces. Sensory Friendly Hours with dimmed lights and reduced noise run on Sunday mornings, and a quiet space is available. Carers can visit but are asked to bring documentation showing that they are carers. Registered assistance dogs are welcome; other pets are not allowed. A familiarisation guide and an AccessAble guide are available.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Kids’ birthday parties

The exhibits are hands-on and aimed at all ages. The centre offers themed birthday parties with exhibition time, a 30-minute workshop and party food, and science shows during holidays. Sensory Friendly Hours support families with additional support needs.

Getting there & parking

Greenmarket lies between Riverside Drive and Nethergate; follow the brown and white tourist signs. Satnav postcode DD1 4QB.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Café Create serves hot and cold drinks, food and snacks; visitors may also bring their own picnic. Free guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the centre. The gift shop is called Curiosity Corner.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 200 guests.

Spaces include the Inspire seminar room (up to 100 theatre style), the Prism open-plan atrium (up to 200 guests), the Innovate meeting room (up to 30 theatre style) and the Auditorium (up to 50 theatre style).

Plan your visit