DISCOVER DUNDEE

The City of Discovery prepares to launch its V&A Museum of Design. And that’s not the last of its autumn treasures.

Designed for Design

The biggest cultural news in Dundee this year has to be the opening of the brand new V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum, on September 15. This £80 million building, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is a visually striking new landmark on the banks of the Tay, inspired by the sea cliffs on the Scottish coast. With a focus on Scottish design (from Charles Rennie Mackintosh to The Beano), many of the exhibits will be free, including a new commission from Turner prize-nominated artist Ciara Phillips. There will also be a special 3D Festival (Sep 14 & 15) of music in Slessor Gardens to mark the museum’s opening, headlined by Primal Scream in a unique collaboration with artist Jim Lambie, as well as performances from Lewis Capaldi, Gary Clark, Be Charlotte, Éclair Fifi and more.

Exciting Exhibitions

Designed to Inspire (until Oct 10) at the Lamb Gallery, Dundee University, looks back at the university’s archives and work that has helped inspire the new V&A in the city. Bash Street’s Back at The McMenace (until Oct 21) celebrates the 80th anniversary of DC Thomson’s classic comic, The Beano, and those cheeky wee scamps, The Bash Street Kids. It offers art and activities for all ages, including a talk from cartoonist Nigel Parkinson (Sep 25) and Big Draw’s Big Bash Weekend (Oct 6 & 7). The DCA hosts the UK premiere of Santiago Sierra’s Black Flag (until Nov 25); an immersive sound and photographic exhibition chronicling the artist’s journey to plant a black flag at the North and South Poles.

Big Gigs

There are some fantastic gigs across Dundee this autumn. Highlights include John Lydon’s post-Pistols project Public Image Ltd at Church (Aug 31); stadium rockers Simple Minds with the Pretenders and KT Tunstall at Slessor Gardens (Sep 9); pop duo Hue and Cry at Fat Sam’s (Nov 17); and Scottish favourites The Proclaimers at Caird Hall (Dec 15).

Festive Fun

And before you know it Christmas is upon us. Expect lights across the city plus panto fun with Cinderella at Gardyne Theatre (Dec 8-31) and Dundee Rep’s festive show, The Snow Queen (Nov 29-Dec 21). Pick up some gifts at the Ethical Christmas Fair (Dec 5-22) in City Square or there’s a chance to Meet Santa and the Animals at Camperdown Wildlife Centre (weekends between Dec 8-23).