World’s media descend on Dundee for first look at V&A

Media from across the world came to Dundee yesterday to get the first look inside the museum.

Journalists from Switzerland, France, Italy, USA, Japan and across the UK and Ireland gained exclusive access on Wednesday morning.

Many spoke of the strong impression given not just by the museum, but also the city in general.

Marilena Lualdia, a reporter with La Provincia di Como in Northern Italy, first visited the city years before the waterfront regeneration began.

She said: “This was the first city I visited in Scotland 20 years ago.

“I fell in love with the history and the landscape of Dundee – I actually ended up writing a book on the anniversary of Captain Scott’s journey on the RRS Discovery.

“I visited again four years ago for the Scottish independence referendum and I didn’t recognise the waterfront at all.

“I love the museum, it’s amazing. I have to admire the bravery and courage of the city for getting all of this done.”

Carla Colmegna, from Milan-based daily Il Cittadino, added: “This is my first time in Dundee.

“I love design and architecture so my friend asked me to come here to see the V&A.

“I think it’s amazing to see two ‘ships’ so close together. It really does feel like you’re on a ship when you’re standing looking out onto the water.

“I love seeing the water and nature so close to a built-up city.”

Yukiko Kishimoto, a news producer at Nippon TV, a national Japanese broadcaster based in London, said the museum’s architect had drawn attention from the country.

She said: “People don’t know much about Dundee in Japan — they only know about nearby St Andrews because of the golf.

“The main reason we are here is because the architect Kengo Kuma is behind the new National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“He is very famous in Japan so people will be very interested to know about this work.

“With this broadcast across the country, Dundee will be better known. I do think this museum will become a great tourist attraction.

“The harmony between nature and the artificial buildings is impressive.

“One of the things I love most about Scotland is the beautiful nature.”

With this broadcast all across the country, Dundee will be better known. YUKIKO KISHIMOTO

The exterior of the V&A Dundee gets a pleasant floral display before welcoming media and dignitaries to the first look at its interior.

Media photographers gather to take pictures of Kengo Kuma during the open day.