Leading Cheshire-based museum designers, Mather & Co, has been commissioned to produce an interpretation plan for the ‘Discovery Point Transformed’ – this exciting transformation project will essentially re-launch Dundee’s Discovery Point Museum 30 years after its opening.
Dundee Heritage Trust has chosen Mather & Co to develop designs that include a brand-new climate change gallery, a new gallery for temporary or special exhibitions, a permanent gallery telling the story of polar exploration, targeted upgrades of existing exhibitions, and new interpretation on board RRS Discovery.
The overall objective of the project is to transform Discovery Point into a world-class visitor attraction for Antarctic heritage, connecting the pioneering history of the RRS Discovery with contemporary global issues. The project will allow Dundee Heritage Trust to bring more vibrant learning opportunities to a wider and more diverse audience.
Josh Haynes, 3D Designer at Mather & Co said: “We are all excited to be part of reimagining the new Discovery Point galleries – there’s no better time to shine a light on how our actions are affecting the planet. Through our interpretation plan, we aim to encourage debate and a call to action to protect the world around us.
“We believe science and history does not have to be boring. We want to look at ways we can use the assets and data in fun and engaging ways that are relevant and entertaining.”
The new permanent gallery, ‘Think Global’, will feature themes such as the impact of climate change on wildlife habitats, the effects of plastics in the oceans, and the importance of Antarctic science today. Mather & Co aims to use a variety of interpretation techniques designed to appeal to all the senses and a variety of learning styles.
Emma Halford-Forbes, Heritage & Exhibitions Director at Dundee Heritage Trust said: “Over 120 years ago Discovery set the benchmark for modern climate science. With climate change at the forefront of our minds, the time is ripe to reimagine the story of Discovery’s voyages and the amazing research that was undertaken aboard. This transformative project will create a new and exciting experience for Dundonians and visitors to the city.”
The gallery redevelopment and interpretation are just one element of a much larger capital project, which includes conservation work to RRS Discovery, extending the rear of the building to create a new two-storey destination café with stunning views and a new 360 degree dome experience.
