Dundee Contemporary Arts building
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Dundee Contemporary Arts

4.5
·1k reviews·, United Kingdom

Internationally renowned centre for contemporary art, cinema, print studio, and cafe in Dundee.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Dundee Contemporary Arts building

Dundee Contemporary Arts

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Internationally renowned centre for contemporary art, cinema, print studio, and cafe in Dundee.

4.5
(1k reviews)

"A modern, welcoming space perfect for art lovers, with a great cinema and cafe."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Cinema Tickets Early

Secure your spot for popular films by booking in advance online.

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy coffee and light bites in a creative atmosphere. Great for a break between exhibits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Contemporary Art Exhibitions

Internationally renowned exhibitions that are always fresh and thought-provoking. A must-see for art lovers.

DCA Cinema Experience

DCA Cinema Experience

Enjoy a film in a lovely, welcoming space with friendly staff. Refreshments are allowed in the screens.

Print Studio

Print Studio

See where art is made! This active print studio offers a glimpse into the creative process.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Cinema Tickets in Advance

Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) cinema screens popular films. Booking ahead is wise, especially for weekend showings, to secure your spot and avoid disappointment. Check their schedule online.

Explore Beyond the Galleries

While the contemporary art exhibitions are a draw, don't miss the DCA's cinema, print studio, and cafe. It's a vibrant hub for creativity and relaxation, offering more than just visual art.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Catch popular films at the cinema
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Clark’s Bakery, 3 Annfield St, Dundee DD1 5JH Home of the 24 hour bakery! They have a few branches in Dundee, not all of them are 24 hours. Thanks to Georgia for the recommendation. Pie’s were around £2 each. @Clark’s Bakery #ClarksBakery #Dundee #DundeeEats #Scotland
@theolivetreefamily
47.5K likes • 686.8K views

🎟️ Book Cinema Tickets Early

Secure your spot for popular films by booking in advance online. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy coffee and light bites in a creative atmosphere. Great for a break between exhibits. Reddit

We tracked down Dundee ‘hardman’ from viral video taken 23 years ago - read at the link in our bio! #dundee #dundeehardman #scottishtiktok #scotlandtiktok #scottishnews
@eveningtelegraph
15.7K likes • 444.4K views
🎨🎬 Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) is an internationally renowned centre for contemporary art and registered charity that enables audiences, artists and participants to see, experience and create. With two beautiful large-scale gallery spaces, two thriving cinema screens, a busy print studio, an award-winning learning programme, and a packed programme of events, workshops, classes and activities ai...
dundeeandangus
11 likes • 449 views

🛍️ Browse the Gift Shop

A delightful shop with many lovely gifts and unique items. Reddit

🎨 Discover the Print Studio

Get a behind-the-scenes look at artistic creation. Instagram

Excerpt from Charles Curtis & Raha Raissnia’s performance at the @00arika00 Kill Your Timid Notion festival in 2008 at Dundee Contemporary Arts. 

“In her performances, Raha creates a kind of dreamlike atmosphere of slowly evolving, delicate images, overlapped, intertwined and contrasted. Looking at her multiple 35mm slides, superimposed over colour 16mm film loops we get the impression of having ...
emptygallery.hk
89 likes • 2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Cinema Tickets Early

Secure your spot for popular films by booking in advance online. Reddit

☕ Relax at the Cafe

Enjoy coffee and light bites in a creative atmosphere. Great for a break between exhibits. Reddit

🛍️ Browse the Gift Shop

A delightful shop with many lovely gifts and unique items. Reddit

🎨 Discover the Print Studio

Get a behind-the-scenes look at artistic creation. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dundee Contemporary Arts is highly praised for its engaging contemporary art exhibitions and excellent cinema experience. Visitors appreciate the friendly and welcoming staff, the modern and pleasant atmosphere, and the quality of the cafe offerings. While some find it a bit pricey, the overall consensus is that it's a valuable cultural destination.

"The gallery hosts a fantastic range of contemporary exhibitions, always fresh and thought-provoking. The staff are friendly and ready to offer recommendations.The space itself is modern, welcoming, and perfect for art lovers of all kinds. Plus, the café is a great spot to relax with a coffee and take in the creative atmosphere. Highly recommend."

Thomasina Wilson

"Very friendly stuff on the entrance. Need to come back one day as part of it was renovated but still worth it to visit..."

Michael K

"We had a brilliant time going to the cinema here! What a lovely space. Friendly and welcoming staff, and we really appreciated that we could take refreshments (cups of tea!) into the cinema with us. We didn't really use the café, but it looked very nice, and the shop is a delight - so many lovely gifts! Would recommend very highly."

Fiona Banham

What People Like

Thought-provoking art
Great cinema experience
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Can be expensive

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) is centrally located in Dundee. You can reach it easily by public transport, with bus stops nearby. If driving, check for local parking options. TikTok

Yes, DCA is designed to be accessible. They offer facilities for visitors with disabilities. It's recommended to contact them directly for specific needs. Instagram

Opening hours can vary for the galleries, cinema, and cafe. It's best to check the official Dundee Contemporary Arts website for the most up-to-date information on their hours. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the galleries at Dundee Contemporary Arts is typically free. However, there are charges for cinema tickets and some workshops or events. Instagram

It is highly recommended to book cinema tickets in advance, especially for popular screenings or weekend showings, to guarantee your seat. Reddit

DCA hosts a dynamic program of contemporary art exhibitions, film screenings, and events. Check their website for the latest listings and details on upcoming events. Instagram+1

The print studio is an active workspace. While you might catch glimpses of activity, dedicated public access might be limited to specific tours or events. Instagram+1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

DCA showcases a wide range of contemporary art from local and international artists, often featuring thought-provoking and modern pieces. Instagram

Yes, Dundee Contemporary Arts has a cafe/bar that offers refreshments, light meals, and a place to relax. InstagramReddit

The atmosphere is described as modern, welcoming, and creative, making it a pleasant space for art lovers and visitors alike. Reddit

Photography policies can vary by exhibition. It's best to check for signage within the galleries or ask staff if photography is permitted. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

DCA has a cafe offering lunch menus, with options like half portions of haddock noted for good value and taste. They also serve wine. Reddit

Travelers have recommended the truffle hash brown bites and a glass of Beronia Rueda Verdejo. Reddit

Some reviews suggest it can be expensive, but others highlight good value for the quality and taste, particularly for lunch options. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The modern architecture of the building itself, along with the diverse art installations, offer great photographic opportunities. The cafe area also provides a nice ambiance. Instagram

Photography rules differ per exhibition. Always look for signs or ask staff before taking pictures of artworks to respect artists' rights. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While DCA is primarily an art and cinema venue, families can find enjoyable aspects. The cinema often screens family-friendly films, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a pleasant outing. The cafe is a good spot for a relaxed snack or light meal. Keep an eye on DCA's program for any specific family workshops or events that might be on offer, as these can provide more interactive experiences for younger visitors. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

Dundee Contemporary Arts is a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Gallery admission is free, allowing you to immerse yourself in contemporary art without spending a penny. For a meal, the cafe offers good value lunch options, with some reviewers noting the half portions of haddock as particularly economical and tasty. Reddit While cinema tickets have a cost, they are generally reasonably priced for an independent cinema experience. Reddit

🎬 Film Buffs

The DCA cinema is a must-visit for film enthusiasts. It screens a curated selection of independent, arthouse, and international films, often including titles not shown in mainstream cinemas. The intimate setting and the ability to bring refreshments into the screen enhance the viewing experience. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The DCA Cinema Experience

The Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) cinema is a beloved part of the centre, offering a more intimate and curated film-watching experience than larger multiplexes. It features two screens and shows a diverse range of independent, international, and classic films, alongside mainstream releases. Visitors often praise the friendly and welcoming staff, and the ability to bring refreshments like tea into the screening rooms is a particular highlight. InstagramReddit

Beyond just film screenings, the DCA cinema also hosts special events, Q&As with filmmakers, and themed film festivals. This makes it a dynamic cultural hub for cinephiles in Dundee. The cinema's commitment to showing a broad spectrum of cinematic art ensures there's always something interesting on offer, catering to varied tastes and interests. Instagram

When planning your visit, it's advisable to book cinema tickets in advance, especially for popular showings or weekend slots, as seats can fill up quickly. The overall atmosphere is described as lovely and welcoming, making it a great place to catch a movie. Reddit

Exploring Contemporary Art at DCA

Dundee Contemporary Arts is internationally renowned for its contemporary art exhibitions. The centre boasts two large-scale gallery spaces that host a dynamic and ever-changing program of exhibitions featuring both emerging and established artists from around the globe. These exhibitions are consistently described as fresh, thought-provoking, and engaging, offering visitors a chance to experience cutting-edge artistic practices. Instagram

The art on display spans various mediums and themes, reflecting current cultural conversations and artistic innovations. DCA's commitment to contemporary art means you can expect to see a diverse range of styles and perspectives, making each visit a unique discovery. The staff are often highlighted for being friendly and ready to offer insights or recommendations, enhancing the visitor experience. Reddit

While entry to the galleries is typically free, it's always a good idea to check the DCA website for current exhibition details, opening times, and any specific visitor guidelines. The modern and welcoming space of the galleries is designed to complement the art, providing an ideal environment for contemplation and appreciation. Instagram

DCA's Creative Hub: Print Studio & Cafe

Beyond its galleries and cinema, Dundee Contemporary Arts is a vibrant creative hub. The print studio is an active workspace where artists create and develop their work. While not always open for casual browsing, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic process and the technical side of printmaking. Instagram+1

The cafe/bar at DCA is more than just a place to grab a coffee; it's an integral part of the experience. Described as a great spot to relax and soak in the creative atmosphere, it serves refreshments, light meals, and has been noted for its good value lunch options and pleasant ambiance. InstagramReddit Some specific recommendations include the truffle hash brown bites and a glass of wine. Reddit

Together, the print studio and cafe contribute to DCA's reputation as a multi-faceted arts centre that caters to a wide range of interests, from viewing art and watching films to experiencing the creative environment firsthand. Instagram

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