Although back in Edinburgh I did promise a review of our visit to Dundee's V&A design museum from our visit last Wednesday.The window image above almost sums it up - that could have been me sitting looking out over he river Tay.
The museum which cost around £80M to build is a bit of a 'Marmite moment' for me, I can understand that many people will be impressed by its architecture and scale but though impressive on first glance a close up inspection followed by the disappointment of the interior detracts much from the initial 'wow' effect.
The inside is hugely disappointing when you begin to realise how little exhibition space there actually is. The whole ground floor is taken up by ticket desks, a 'Visit Scotland' counter, a cafe area and a gift shop.
Much of the exhibition space upstairs is devoted to function rooms and office space though there is a 'nod' to Scottish designers
For us the highlight was the Charles Rennie Mackintosh "Oak Room" installation which apparently cost £1.3 million to restore and install. We are big fans of CRM but felt that even though we were impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm of the member of staff who was in charge of looking after visitors that the empty room needed at least one table and chairs set-up to mimic the former tea room experience.
Although entry to the V&A is free there is currently a paid for 'Night Fever' exhibition - which did not entice us in - although we were impressed by a picture map and film on the evolution of the UK's club scene.
Our visit left us thinking that the city was not taking full advantage of what is a great resource.
We couldn't agree more splendid building but very disappointed with the used space inside. We didn't go in the night fever either. The toilets were nice though.
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