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Dundee Museum of Transport

Explore Dundee’s rich transport heritage through vintage vehicles, interactive exhibits, and a vision for a sustainable future at this community-driven museum.

4.6

The Dundee Museum of Transport is a vibrant museum located in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the city’s rich transport heritage. Housed in a renovated historic building, it features a diverse collection of vehicles including vintage cars, buses, trams, and motorcycles, alongside engaging exhibitions on local transport pioneers and innovations. Visitors can explore interactive displays, a gift shop, and a café, all while learning about Dundee’s evolving transport story.

A brief summary to Dundee Museum of Transport

  • 10, Market Mews, Market St, Dundee, DD1 3LA, GB
  • +441382455196
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 2 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on weekdays or mornings to enjoy fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.
  • Take time to sit inside selected vintage cars marked with a 'STAR' for a unique hands-on experience.
  • Check the museum’s website for special events like Motorcycle Fest or Coffee & Cars nights.
  • Explore the temporary exhibitions, such as those focusing on sustainable transport and climate change.
  • Plan ahead for the museum’s future move to the historic Maryfield Tram Depot to experience expanded displays.
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Getting There

  • Public Bus

    Local bus services connect Dundee city centre to Market Mews, with an average travel time of 10 to 15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but less so in the evenings and weekends. A single fare costs approximately £1.50 to £2.50. Check local timetables for exact routes and times.

  • Train and Walk

    Dundee Railway Station is about 2.5 km from the museum. From the station, a 30-minute walk through the city centre leads to Market Mews. The route is mostly flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.

  • Car

    Visitors arriving by car can use nearby public parking facilities. Parking availability varies, especially during events, and some overflow areas have limited lighting. Parking fees typically range from £2 to £5 for a few hours.

  • Taxi or Ride-Share

    Taxi or ride-share services from Dundee city centre to the museum take approximately 5 to 10 minutes depending on traffic. This option is convenient for those with limited mobility or carrying luggage, with fares averaging £5 to £10.

Dundee Museum of Transport location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Dundee Museum of Transport

Origins and Growth of a Community Museum

Founded in 2010 by local enthusiasts and charitable groups, the Dundee Museum of Transport began as a grassroots effort to preserve the region’s transport history. After acquiring a derelict former abattoir building at Market Mews, volunteers transformed it into a welcoming museum space that opened to the public in April 2014. Over subsequent years, the museum expanded its halls and collections, becoming a key cultural institution in Dundee. Plans for a permanent home in the historic Maryfield Tram Depot reflect the museum’s ongoing commitment to growth and community engagement.

Collections That Chronicle Dundee’s Transport Legacy

The museum’s exhibits span a wide range of transport modes that have shaped Dundee and Scotland. Visitors encounter vintage cars, commercial vehicles, and buses, as well as trams and motorbikes that once traversed local routes. Highlights include a recreation of Dundee’s first flying machine and a poignant display on the Tay Bridge disaster. The collection is complemented by models of ships and trains, historic photographs, and interactive features that invite hands-on exploration, such as sitting inside select vintage vehicles.

Engaging Exhibitions and Educational Initiatives

Beyond static displays, the museum hosts rotating exhibitions like "The Future of Transport," which explores sustainable mobility and climate change impacts through retro-futuristic themes. Educational workshops and community events are regularly held, fostering learning and dialogue about transport’s role in society. The museum also actively expands its archive with public donations of historic photographs and memorabilia, enriching its storytelling and research resources.

Historic Maryfield Tram Depot: A Vision for the Future

In 2015, the museum acquired the Maryfield Tram Depot, a 1901-built Grade B listed building that once served Dundee’s tram network. Although currently under renovation, this site is planned to become the museum’s permanent home. The redevelopment aims to create a spacious, carbon-neutral facility featuring enhanced exhibition areas, community spaces, and sustainable technologies such as ground source heating and solar panels. This move will allow the museum to broaden its displays and deepen its educational impact.

Visitor Experience and Amenities

The Market Mews location offers visitors a compact but richly packed experience with four exhibition halls, a gift shop, and a café serving refreshments. The museum is family-friendly and accessible, with level access and facilities for visitors with limited mobility. Special events like Motorcycle Fest and Vintage Vehicles Day add lively, interactive dimensions. The museum’s volunteer staff provide knowledgeable, friendly support, enhancing the welcoming atmosphere.

Commitment to Sustainability and Community Engagement

Dundee Museum of Transport is dedicated to environmental sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into its operations and exhibitions. It has reduced energy consumption significantly and uses renewable energy sources. The museum also encourages visitors to consider sustainable transport choices through its displays and outreach. As a locally managed charitable organisation, it plays an active role in preserving Dundee’s cultural heritage while promoting responsible stewardship of resources.

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