Exhibition: 100 Years of RRS Discovery

Friday 12 – Tuesday 16 September 2025

Free – no booking required

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100 years ago, RRS Discovery was designated the UK’s first Royal Research Ship. This was a pivotal moment in the history of marine science and launched a legacy of global oceanographic exploration that continues today. 

To commemorate this milestone, curators from the National Oceanography Centre’s Discovery Collections and the University of Southampton’s National Oceanographic Library have collaborated with the Dundee Heritage Trust and the Marine Biological Association to develop a special exhibition entitled 100 Years of RRS Discovery exploring the evolution of ocean research over the past century. 

From exploring the changing design and purpose of research ships to considering new questions driving oceanographic research, this exhibition invites you to dive into the history of the Discovery Investigations, and the four Royal Research Ships that have held the Discovery name in the last one hundred years.  

Come and explore the exciting history of the Discovery Investigations, discover the wide range of roles involved in making ocean exploration possible, and get a glimpse into what life is really like aboard a scientific expedition.  

You can visit this exhibition until late 2026, but as part of this year’s celebrations, entry to Discovery Point – including this new display – will be free from Friday 12 to Tuesday 16 September 2025. 

You may also enjoy finding out more information about this exhibition here: ‘100 Years of RRS Discovery’ Exhibition | National Oceanography Centre