The architect of Scotland’s first design museum has visited the construction site to see the completed building for the first time ahead of its opening later this year.
Kengo Kuma, the internationally renowned architect who is also designing the National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, met construction staff from BAM Construct UK who have built V&A Dundee and thanked them for their hard work bringing his design to life.
The focus now moves to the interior of V&A Dundee, fitting out the gallery spaces, installing objects and completing other areas including the café and restaurant ahead of the opening.
V&A Dundee, which opens on September 15, will feature an ambitious international programme of changing exhibitions, permanent galleries of Scottish design, new design commissions, as well as community, family and learning activities.
Kengo Kuma said: “I am delighted to return to Dundee and see the completed construction of V&A Dundee.
“Today I am pleased to meet with some of the people who have brought our design to life, and to give my thanks for their hard work in creating this complex structure.
“I love the Scottish landscape and this very beautiful country, and I am proud to be working on this project which will attract people to Dundee from all over the world.”
V&A Dundee is Kengo Kuma’s first building in the UK, which he designed to become a new ‘living room for the city’, an open, welcoming space for everyone. Inspired by the cliffs along the east coast of Scotland, the museum is at the centre of the £1 billion transformation of Dundee’s waterfront.
Philip Long, Director of V&A Dundee, said: “V&A Dundee has always been an ambitious project which aims to make an impact not only in Dundee and Scotland, but all around the world.
“Kengo Kuma’s design, which beautifully links the city and the River Tay, is already attracting global interest. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked on this project with its remarkable construction and engineering, including BAM Construct UK, Arup, Turner & Townsend and many, many others.
“Dundee is an exciting, creative city with an incredible history of design innovation. I am proud that our museum can be part of the ongoing regeneration of the city, attracting investment and creating new jobs.”
