Astronauts, Astronomy and Ancrum Primary School…. An afternoon that was out of this world!

After weeks of planning and preparation we are excited to welcome visitors back to  Mills Observatory, just in time to kick start our winter season!

Gifted to the people of Dundee in 1935, Mills Observatory is Britain’s first purpose built public observatory. The facility is named after linen and twine manufacturer John Mills, who gifted money in his will for the observatory to be constructed.

Located on the peak of Balgay Hill surrounded by magnificent woodland surroundings, more than 10,000 people each year visit The Observatory and make use of its unique facilities. On the upper level of the building you can enjoy breath-taking views of the stars and planets through the impressive Victorian refracting telescope.

Recently there has been work has been carried out to repair the Observatory’s star feature… The Dome! Specialist work to repair the historical dome, made of papier-mâché and a steel framework began in August with a planned re-launch event scheduled for November. During this time The Creative Learning team have been orbiting between our studio space and  Mills Observatory preparing, re-stocking and re-vamping all our learning resources! From Art-Cart turned Astro-Cart, Aliens to Astronaut costumes and word searches to workshops… just in time to begin our exciting Winter Programme!

On Friday the 1^st November we were delighted to host a re-opening event and kick start  Mills Observatory’s Winter Programme! Celebrations began in the afternoon with a creative learning activity in the Planetarium with local P5/6 school children from Ancrum Primary School and our first Mills Observatory ‘Young Ambassador’ Rocco Phin from Grange Primary School. Living History characters John Mills and Wilhelmina Fleming appeared around the Observatory to surprise and chat to guests. Afterwards speeches were given by Our Head of Cultural Services and Lead Trustee and the children were presented with Certificates and exclusive Mills Observatory goodie bags. To conclude the afternoon guests were then invited to explore the Observatory, view the Dome, speak to staff and partners, view digital displays in the Planetarium and enjoy a slice of our delicious Mills Observatory Cake!

We also premiered a short film created by Artist David Scott to mark the occasion. The film features stunning views of the Observatory and displays the construction of a children’s and adult’s telescope which are both available to buy from the Observatory shop. The film was displayed on the ground level of the building which provides a changing display of pictures and models as well as self-directed activities for any budding young astronomers to enjoy!

 

During October to March, the Planetarium shows provide the chance to learn about constellations, planets and other jewels of the night sky. If you’re curious about comets, mystified by meteors, the friendly staff at Mills have the answers. There are also displays on solar system and space exploration. On selected dates visitors can enjoy a varied programme of public events including family workshops, planetarium shows, talks and Solar viewings.

For more information about Visitor Opening Hours and Activities at Mills Observatory please Visit

http://www.lesiureandculturedundee.com/mills-home or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

We Got our Pride on at The McManus!

 

Dundee was a sea of rainbows on Saturday 21^st September as an amazing 14,000 people of all ages turned out for the city’s second Pride event.

This is the first Dundee Pride that The McManus had taken part in and there was a real buzz of excitement from staff, volunteers, visitors, members of our choir in residence ‘Loadsaweeminsingin’ and our Youth Action Group.

After weeks of planning and preparations, the day finally arrived and there was already a joyous atmosphere in the City Centre from 10am.

We kick-started the celebrations out on the museum’s terrace inviting people of all ages to make some colourful creations to accessorize themselves ahead of the parade with our freelance artist team. Meanwhile in our café we hosted our first ever ‘Drag Brunch’. Visitors were treated to a hilariously entraining drag performance from the fabulous Buttercup Buffay and Natalie Caramelli!

Our visitors and café regulars enjoyed a slice of rainbow cake before the entire audience rose to their feet to all join Buttercup and Natalie dance to ‘The Macarena’!!

As the parade began to make its way around to the McManus, some of our staff members, visitors and members of our in-house choir ‘Loadsaweeminsingin’ gathered outside the front of the museum to cheer on the parade and show their support. Our Youth Action Group showcased the Pride Banners they had created alongside our partnering young people for the event, ‘LGBT Youth Scotland’. There was a real feeling of joyfulness and positivity as the carnival of colour passed The McManus, many in colourful costumes and holding up homemade placards!

Once the Parade passed The McManus our artist team and The Youth Action group proudly joined the procession as it made its way down to Slessor Gardens. All art supplies were transported in our very own ‘Pridemobile’ (a shopping trolley fully decked out in rainbow attire of course!) We spent the remainder of the afternoon in the ‘Youth Zone’ doing what we do best… Getting Creative!! Throughout the course of the afternoon a whopping 800 people visited the youth zone where young visitors relaxed in the ‘Chill-out’ area, enjoyed using a pop-up make-up and nail bar, and got hands on and imaginative with arts and crafts actives.

 

Following on from our first Dundee Pride event, The McManus is really excited to announce that we are beginning a new venture working in partnership on a Heritage Lottery fund with the incredible ‘Shaper Caper’. ‘Here. Me. Out. is a FREE yearlong project for young people exploring LGBT+ stories through film, dance, audio, make-up, music and oral history.  The project is led by Shaper/Caper in partnership with The McManus and LGBT Youth Scotland.

For more information about how to get involved contact  yolanda@shapercaper.com

 

 

Feedback from visitors to ‘Get Your Pride On at The McManus’

‘I loved the positive energy of pride and it was amazing to see The McManus supporting it!! Can’t wait for next year!’

‘This year’s pride was amazing! The support for the LGBT community is clearly growing and the future is brightly coloured!’

‘What a brilliant day! Had an amazing time at the drag brunch! So well organised and great fun! Well done everyone!’

Feedback from McManus Youth Action Group

‘Pride was very enjoyable and it made me feel part of a community!’

I loved that I could use art with YAG to express my support for people!’