Discovery Point Transformed
Where heritage sparks curiosity, forges community, and ignites lifelong learning
Discovery Point is the home of 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 part of Dundee’s heritage for future generations, you are invited to play a part in her story.
What is Discovery Point Transformed?
Discovery Point Transformed is the heart of our mission to conserve the RRS Discovery for local people and visitors from around the globe for the next 100 years.
This ambitious project will transform the Discovery Point attraction by 2029, reigniting the beacon that has drawn polar enthusiasts, adventurers, and the curious everywhere to Dundee for over 30 years.
Critically, it will also see us advance vital conservation works aboard Discovery to conserve the ship for future generations, introducing a new supportive cradle to prevent critical degradation within a decade.
With over £7M committed to the project to date and a first stage of works aboard ship already underway, we are now embarking on a final stage of fundraising to enable project to begin in 2026.
Project Aims
To achieve our vision for Discovery Point, our aims from 2026 to 2029 are:
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 in the science 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 for our local learners in Tayside.
We will transform Discovery Point for the future, introducing new flexible events and learning spaces overlooking the River Tay and advancing vital works to boost our environmental sustainability and resilience in a changing world.
How can I help?
Now at an advanced stage of development, and with a first stage of ship conservation works already underway, you are invited to join us in bringing our vision for Discovery Point to life.
We are already so grateful for the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Tay Cities Region Deal, the Northwood Charitable Trust, the Wolfson Foundation, the Hugh Fraser Foundation, the Headley Charitable Trust, SSEN Transmission Fund, and others for their kind pledges to the project.
Keep in touch!
To hear the latest news about Discovery Point Transformed, our work to care for the RRS Discovery, and other goings-on at our museums in Dundee, please sign up to our e-newsletter and select “News, special offers, and appeals” in your preferences. You can also choose to hear about our regular events if you wish.
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