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 2028, 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 preparatory works aboard ship already underway, we are now embarking on a final stage of fundraising to enable the major works to begin in 2025.
Project Aims
To achieve our vision for Discovery Point, our aims from 2025 to 2028 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 our local learners in and around Dundee.
We will transform Discovery Point for the future, introducing a new destination restaurant 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.
Help us with a donation
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 challenges. The ship’s wooden structure is beginning to decay, amongst other urgent conservation 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?
Discover the plans
Now at an advanced stage of development and a first stage of conservation works already underway, we are now embarked on a major fundraising campaign to bring our vision for Discovery Point to life, and assure the long-term future of the RRS Discovery.
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, the Hugh Fraser Foundation, and others who have already made generous 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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