Discovery Point Transformed
Where heritage sparks curiosity, forges community, and ignites lifelong learning
Discovery Point is the home to the Royal Research Ship Discovery, an icon of scientific exploration and adventure inspiring millions of people around the globe since her launch in 1901.
As we embark on an urgent mission to protect this irreplaceable piece of Dundee’s heritage for the benefit of current and future generations, we ask you to play your part in her story.
What is Discovery Point Transformed?
Discovery Point Transformed is the keystone of our mission to conserve the RRS Discovery and spark curiosity in her story in Dundee and around the globe for the next 100 years.
This exciting project will transform the Discovery Point attraction by 2028, reigniting the beacon that has drawn polar enthusiasts, adventurers, and the curious everywhere to Dundee for over 30 years.
With less than 2% of our regular income being publicly funded, we are dependent on the generosity and enthusiasm of our supporters to help us achieve our vision.
Project Aims
To achieve our vision for Discovery Point, our aims from 2025 to 2028 are to deliver:
Building on urgent repairs carried out in 2024, this next stage of work will help us conserve the ship for the next generation, and support the survival of critically endangered skills in shipwrighting in Scotland.
We will spark curiosity through state-of-the-art exhibitions, exploring why early explorers were first drawn to Antarctica and immersing visitors the sciences pioneered by Discovery and their impact on global climate science today.
We will support a wider range of people to discover our heritage through exciting new learning and volunteering opportunities, especially our local learners in and around Dundee.
We will transform Discovery Point for the future, introducing a new destination café overlooking the River Tay, new flexible events and learning spaces, and vital works to reduce our energy use and boost our resilience in a changing world.
Why We Need Your Help
At the heart of our mission is the RRS Discovery, a remarkable ship that symbolises human ingenuity, determination, and scientific curiosity.
The RRS Discovery is facing critical conservation challenges. The ship’s wooden structure is beginning to decay, amongst other urgent restoration issues, threatening her existence and the stories she holds.
It currently costs over £2 million each year for the charity to care for our two museums, including the RRS Discovery, but that cost will go up with critical repairs needed to preserve her for the next 100 years.
Will you join our mission for Discovery?
Make a difference today!
Discover the plans
Now at an advanced stage of development, with planning permission secured, and a first stage of ship works already underway, we are now embarking on a major fundraising campaign to bring our vision to life.
We are grateful for the support of our partners, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Tay Cities Region Deal, the Northwood Charitable Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, and the Hugh Fraser Foundation who have already made generous pledges to the project.
Stay tuned to read more about the plans later in January 2025.
Keep in touch!
To be the first to hear our updates about Discovery Point Transformed, please sign up to our e-newsletter and select “News, special offers, and appeals” in your preferences. You will also hear about our ongoing work to care for our museums and the RRS Discovery. You can unsubscribe at any time.
