Discovery Point and RRS Discovery

🎥 From letters and diaries, a truly moving story from the Antarctic comes to the big screen.

Showing next Sunday at Dundee Contemporary Arts cinema, "Penelope & Jane: A Polar Love Story" revisits Captain Scott's Terra Nova expedition through the diary of officer Harry Pennell, revealing intimate declarations of love and friendship with fellow officer Edward Atkinson.

Directed by Bafta-winner Ashley Francis-Roy, the film blends archive, interviews and scripted drama to explore a relationship that challenges our assumptions about masculinity, sexuality and affection in the early 20th century.

🎟 If you're heading to Dundee to see this excellent documentary, enjoy 20% off entry to Discovery Point & RRS Discovery when you show your cinema ticket at our front desk, on Sunday 11 October!*

Find out more about the special offer, and book tickets to see the screening and Q&A at the DCA via our website: https://dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk/dca-offer/

*T&Cs apply. See full T&Cs at Dundee Heritage Trust website. Image: (c) Channel 4 / Ashley Francis-Roy.

⚓ Happy ! This year’s theme is the ... and of course we’ve chosen D for Discovery, and Dundee!

The Royal Research Ship Discovery was built here in Dundee and launched 125 years ago for Captain Scott’s first voyage to the Antarctic; with fellow Polar legends Ernest Shackleton, Edward Wilson, and Tom Crean on board. The rest, as they say, is history.

The shipyards of Dundee were chosen for the construction for this specially-designed vessel because of the city’s unmatched expertise in building wooden whaling ships, ready to battle unforgiving ice day in, day out ⚒️

As well as building the ship, Dundee’s industry was responsible for the manufacture of Discovery’s engine, its sails, and more. Thus, even when locked in frozen Antarctic plains so very far from home, Discovery was – and still is – rooted in Dundee.

After pioneering voyages around the world, the RRS Discovery returned home 40 years ago, to excitement that likely paralleled that of the ship’s launch back in 1901. Now, thousands of visitors of all ages from around the globe board the ship every year to explore life below deck, walking in the footsteps of not only Polar legends, but those of the experts in the city’s shipyards who worked tirelessly to build Discovery in less than 12 months.

And as JPS Restoration & Consultancy Ltd conserve RRS Discovery, it becomes increasingly filled with nods to its home city – jute used in caulking is processed at Verdant Works Museum, and timbers salvaged from an 1800s mill are being used in repairs.

📷 We’re sharing these photographs of the ship under construction and in testing, as a reminder of the people of Discovery and of Dundee’s shipyards; how proud they would surely be, to know that their beloved ship and its stories continue to inspire people every single day.

Scottish Museums Federation Drone photography: (c) Paul Vinova

Our new vinyl building decoration brings a pop of blue and a friendly whale to guide you on your way to Discovery Point! 🐋

With many thanks to Barry at Robertsign for the application of the vinyl, and to Elaine, who - alongside being our Front of House Manager - is the talented artist behind the whale illustration.

It's Dundee Climate Week! 🌍

Did you know that RRS Discovery was the first ship purpose-built for research and scientific exploration?

During the 1901 British National Antarctic Expedition, Captain Scott's polar officers and scientists carried out climate science that is still used as a benchmark today - including mapping, gathering of geological specimens, the discovery of an Emperor penguin rookery, and even unearthing 500 new species!

In the 1920s, RRS Discovery's climate science continued, and the first waves in the vital conservation and study of the world's depleting whale populations were made; once again, information that is used as a benchmark by scientists (often aboard RRS Discovery's great grand-daughter ship!) today 🐋

Today, we're proud to continue to follow in RRS Discovery's climate legacy; with a Silver award from Green Tourism. You can find out about our sustainability strategy at our website.

Dundee Climate Week 2026 takes place from 28th September to 4th October, bringing together communities, organisations and residents to celebrate climate action and explore how we can create a healthier, greener and more resilient Dundee.

💚🌱 Find out more about Dundee Climate Week and about how you can make a difference via Sustainable Dundee.

There was a very special flag visible on RRS Discovery last weekend, as Louise and Kevin from Lost In Waters Deep visited us and carried the legendary The Explorers Club's Flag #35 up the ship's mast, whilst taking on the Discovery Mast Climb!

Kevin was awarded Flag #35 by The Explorers Club, to be carried with him on Lost In Waters Deep's ongoing search for the wreck of the SS Active; a ship whose story is intrinsically connected to Dundee and whose bell you might have spotted on display here at Discovery Point.

From all of us aboard RRS Discovery, best of luck to the Lost In Waters Deep team in the search for SS Active!

📚 On Captain Scott's desk today (hot off the press) is Towards the Coldest Place by Michael Smith!

We're delighted to be welcoming Michael for the official launch of this wonderful book at Discovery Point tomorrow, Saturday 26 September. Hear stories from 2,000 years of exploration of the frozen South, and meet a myriad of characters who have taken to the ice in pursuit of being the first to the South Pole.

Or, if you can't join us for the book launch and talk tomorrow, you can purchase the book in our gift shop 🛍

📅 Saturday 26 September
⏰ 6pm
🎟 Buy tickets to the book launch online: https://dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk/booking-michael-smith-book-launch/
🛒 Discovery Point gift shop is open during museum opening hours, and you can shop here whether you've visited the museum or not!

📚 We're counting down to the launch of Michael Smith's excellent new book, Towards the Coldest Place, taking place at Discovery Point & RRS Discovery this weekend!

With the RRS Discovery's key role in the exploration of the frozen South, it is truly special to be launching the book here in Dundee, and to be hosting Michael for an insightful talk, during which he will share his findings when researching for the book - tracing 2,000 years of exploration in the Antarctic.

Thank you to everyone who has booked their ticket; we look forward to welcoming you. If you are yet to book, you can do so at our website, or at the front desk at Discovery Point: https://dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk/booking-michael-smith-book-launch/

📅 Sat 26 September
⏰ 6pm
🎟 £15pp
🎫 Book online here: https://dundeeheritagetrust.co.uk/booking-michael-smith-book-launch/

The History Press

☀ Discovery Point, the Royal Research Ship Discovery, and our neighbours V&A Dundee were glimmering in the sun today.

Perfect conditions for voyages through time in Scotland's sunniest city!

🍁 As the temperature starts to cool, find warming treats in 77º South cafe at Discovery Point!

With the cafe's name and decor inspired by Antarctic exploration, you'll be pleased to find that there's no hoosh or ship's biscuits on the menu... instead, you'll find freshly brewed coffee, oozing baked potatoes, tempting treats, and so much more.

Whether you're local to us, stopping by on a trip through Dundee, or refuelling after a voyage of wonder aboard RRS Discovery, there's something exciting for everyone to discover in 77º South cafe.