Review: V&A Dundee

Wait, there's another V&A?
In September 2018, the V&A Dundee opened with worldwide recognition as a poignant new chapter for the city. Like its London counterpart, the collection highlights design in various forms; here, though, it's Scotland’s imprint in the fields of fashion, architecture, pop culture, and more that's on display. The building, a masterwork of Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a striking juxtaposition beside the neighboring RRS Discovery ship, which dates back to 1901. Kuma’s goal was to interpret the surrounding landscape and the city’s heritage as a port town, and the resulting structure reflects that history: You'll see echoes of a jutting ship and of the country's recognizable cliff sides, as well as its turn toward the modern era.

Sounds great. So what are some of the highlights from the permanent collection?
V&A Dundee boasts an intimate, 300-piece collection designated into three forms: The Story of Scottish Design, Design and Society, and Design and the Imagination. Each explores the way design impacts how we live. You’ll find examples of Scottish architecture, decorative arts, fashion conceived in Scotland (Hunter boots!), and popular culture like the Dundee-derived Beano comic and video games. The center gallery’s Oak Room showcases Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s design for Miss Cranston’s Ingram Street tearooms in Glasgow. It was resurrected after 50 stifled years in a Glasgow storage space, and restored for the museum.

Wow—we'll have to check that out. What about the temporary exhibitions—are those worth a look, too?
An unexpected look into design, V&A Dundee's 2019 exhibitions delve into video games and robots, illuminating the diverse realm of design as it translates into today and the future. Videogames: Design/Play/Disrupt, opening in April 2019, will highlight Dundee’s role in gaming—this was the birthplace of Grand Theft Auto, after all. Hello, Robot. Design between Human and Machine, set to launch in November, will cover robotics in popular culture and the relationship between humans and A.I.

Cool! Who else can we expect to see here?
School pupils, local residents, and international tourists. In the first five months of its opening, V&A Dundee welcomed more than 250,000 people.

That's pretty impressive. Say we want something to remember our trip by—do we have options?
There are items by designers on display in the Scottish Design Galleries, along with collaborations between Scottish artisans, manufactures, and creators. You can also snag a sketch from Kengo Kuma’s vision of the museum.

And... well, we'll be honest. We probably need a pit stop midway through the visit. Where's our best bet?
If you’re looking for a small snack and tea or coffee, The Living Room café, adjacent to the gift shop on the first floor, is just fine. If you’re hoping for a full meal, book a table at the Tatha Bar & Kitchen upstairs, which serves a lovely brunch, lunch, and dinner. The menu offers shared plates (confit duck wings, pea hummus) and bigger plates like buffalo steak with arugula and bone marrow mash. Suds from local 71 Brewing and cocktails are also available.

Yum. Before we plan to make our way to the V&A, any other logistical tips?
The museum is an easy morning or afternoon activity.