Britain's first purpose-built public observatory. Gifted to the people of Dundee in 1935, with a bequest from John Mills, a linen and twine manufacturer and keen amateur scientist. Mills Observatory was designed by the City Architect, Mr McLellan Brown in collaboration with Professor Ralph Sampson the Astronomer Royal for Scotland. It is the only British observatory to have been built with the sole aim of encouraging public understanding of science. The Observatory houses an impressive Victorian telescope, a small planetarium, Solar System displays and displays of historic equipment. Planetarium Shows take place during the winter months. During the summer months April to September, the Observatory is open on selected dates offering a varied programme of public events including planetarium shows, workshops, talks and solar viewing. For events details visit the website www.leisureandculturedundee.com
Museum, Science centre
April-Sept Open on selected dates for a varied public events programme. Check website for details www.leisureandculturedundee.com
Oct-Mar Mon to Fri 4-10pm; Sat & Sun 12.30-4pm
Admission is free to the Observatory and displays. A small charge applies to Planetarium Shows - Adults £1, Children 50p. There is also a charge for group visits.
For visitors who may be less mobile and cannot access the upper floor of the Observatory, closed circuit television has now been added, to give you the opportunity to view the moon and planets at ground floor level.
Victorian 10" Cooke refracting telescope (1871), providing breathtaking views of the Moon and Planets. Interesting displays of historic equipment and information of local importance. Planetarium.
Personalities, Science and Technology