Creative Learning

Creative Learning

Learning is at the heart of The McManus and our programmes explore the City's art and heritage, providing access to a diverse and fascinating collection of objects and artworks. Our learning activities include facilitated tours, artist-led workshops, creative learning projects and events.

Our learning spaces encourage exploration and creativity. These include our Learning Studio workspace.

As the largest Creative Learning space, our Studio is dedicated to the development of 'hands-on' creative activity, providing opportunities and a social hub for visitors to participate in artist-led workshops, creative activities and events. This space is light and south-facing and can accommodate large school and/or community groups.

As an open access, drop-in space, our Family Space is designed to help families to explore the museum's exhibitions and collections.

All our spaces are fully accessible.


Our Learning Programmes

Creative Learning programmes provide opportunities for participation in a wide range of activities and events and are designed to enhance enjoyment and understanding of our collections, permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions. The main areas of programme are: Family Learning, The McManus Schools Programme and Communities Programme.

  • Family Learning brings together our work with families across Dundee and Tayside. Whether you are popping into the museum to attend one of our family workshops, dropping into one of our events or relaxing in our Family Space, there is always loads to explore to keep your wee ones entertained at the museum!
  • McManus Schools Programme offers Primary and Secondary Schools creative learning opportunities for curriculum and course enhancement. Activities include both self-directed and facilitated visits, discussion sessions with curators and museum staff, resource packs, projects and artist led workshops, study support and professional practice development for teaching staff.
  • Communities Programme is our lively and diverse programme of work developed in partnership with the city's local communities. Activities are tailored towards supporting informal learners and first time visitors and are devised to encourage a longer term engagement with the museum. The programme includes facilitated visits to the museum, artist led workshops, projects and events. Provision may take place at The McManus or in Community venues city-wide.