V&A Dundee opens in mid-September after eight-year development 11 Sep 2018

V&A Dundee will open this month with the exhibition ‘Ocean Liners: Speed and Style’ and permanent exhibitions showcasing Scotland’s creativity since the 15th century. Objects in the Scottish Design Galleries will include a Jacobite garter inscribed with political slogans from 1745, the 1480 Playfair Book of Hours and a gown worn by Natalie Portman in Star Wars. Kengo Kuma, who designed the building said he hoped it would be a ‘living room for the city’. Several interviewees told the Guardian that there has been a growing sense of pride as the building has developed over the last eight years. Mike Galloway, Director of Planning at Dundee City Council also described how local jobs paying the real living wage have been an essential component in developing both the museum itself and the surrounding infrastructure, such as nearby hotels. There are also programmes co-designed with 16 – 25 year olds to help young people gain design-related skills. Dundee Evening Telegraph, Guardian, V&A Dundee (3D festival opening weekend events), V&A Dundee (schools and communities)