Located on the waterfront of Dundee, Discovery Point is a museum dedicated to telling the story of the RRS Discovery, built in the early 20th century for scientific research in Antarctica. It carried Captain Robert Falcon Scott and his crew on their historic first expedition to the Antarctic from 1901 to 1904.ย
Today, Discovery Point and the RRS Discovery offer a fascinating glimpse into the heroic age of Antarctic exploration.
The RRS Discovery: A Ship Built for Adventure
The Royal Research Ship (RSS) Discovery was one of Britain’s last three-masted wooden sailing ships, specifically designed for scientific exploration. Its construction incorporated special features to withstand the harsh Antarctic conditions, including a strengthened hull and a steam engine to supplement its sail power. The ship’s adventures in the Antarctic set the stage for further scientific and exploratory work in the polar regions.
Discovery Point Museum: A Journey Through Time
The museum at Discovery Point provides an immersive experience, taking visitors through the history of the RRS Discovery and its expeditions.ย
- Interactive Exhibits:ย Engage with interactive displays that detail the ship’s construction, its journey to the Antarctic, and the life and work of its crew during their expeditions.
- Multimedia Presentations:ย Audio-visual presentations bring the story of the Discovery and its crew to life, highlighting their challenges and the scientific achievements of their missions.
- Artefacts and Personal Belongings:ย The museum houses an extensive collection of artefacts from the Discovery expeditions, including scientific instruments, personal belongings of the crew, and photographs that document their journey.
- Cafe Point and Shop: The centre has a shop and cafe.
Step Onboard the RRS Discovery
The most compelling aspect of Discovery Point is the opportunity to board the RRS Discovery itself.
- Explore the Deck:ย Walk the decks where Scott and his crew prepared for their Antarctic journey, feeling the anticipation and adventure that marked the start of their expedition.
- Visit the Crew’s Quarters:ย See firsthand where the crew lived and worked, gaining insight into the daily lives of these intrepid explorers.
- Learn About Scientific Discovery:ย Understand the scientific goals of the Discovery expeditions, including the study of geology, meteorology, and biology in the Antarctic.
Discovery Point and the RRS Discovery offer an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the history of polar exploration, scientific discovery, and the spirit of adventure that drove explorers like Scott to the ends of the earth. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of ships and the sea, or someone looking for an inspirational day out, Discovery Point is a must-visit destination that captivates all who walk its decks and explore its exhibits.
Check the Discovery Point website for opening hours, ticket prices, and special events.
We also have home-baking in our cafรฉ and exclusive gifts in our Gift Shop.
