The “flagship” art space at the V&A Dundee will be designed by an internationally acclaimed practice.
Design firm ZMMA, who specialise in museum and art space projects, have been chosen to create the Scottish Design Galleries, which will house the world-renowned V&A collection and other exhibits from around the world.
The galleries will also tell the “largely untold” story of Scotland’s design achievements.
Dundee’s museum will be the only location in the country outside of London which will host “globally significant” V&A touring collections.
ZMMA have designed acclaimed galleries and art-spaces including Royal Observatory Greenwich, the National Railway Museum, the National Museum of Scotland and the Victoria & Albert Museum’s Europe 1600-1815 gallery.
Philip Long, director of V&A Dundee, said ZMMA would provide gallery space in the museum which would be sure to “inspire”.
He said: “This is a significant step for V&A Dundee, confirming the appointment of internationally acclaimed exhibition designers ZMMA.
“As well as covering all the practical considerations of displaying both historic and contemporary design in appropriate conditions, ZMMA’s design approach combines clever use of light, space, materials and interpretative techniques to create gallery displays that are sure to inspire.
“We look forward to working with them to create these permanent galleries which will showcase the most exciting Scottish designers working today, as well as presenting objects from our outstanding design heritage, many of which have not been previously seen.”
Adam Zombory-Moldovan, director of ZMMA, promised the galleries and the museum housing them would be “stunning”.
He said: “We are delighted with V&A Dundee’s enthusiasm for our design approach and to have been awarded this great commission. This will be a stunning place and an astonishing Scottish design story, with a fantastic collection.
“We are thrilled to be working with V&A Dundee’s team to present the inspiration and importance of Scottish design – historic and contemporary – to local, national and international audiences.”
Leader of Dundee City Council, Ken Guild, said having a strong collection at the museum would help boost the city’s economy.
He said: “As the V&A Museum of Design Dundee rises at its Waterfront site, work is already being done on the content and presentation in readiness for welcoming visitors.
“The strong offering at the museum will attract people from all over Scotland, the UK and beyond to Dundee and in doing so help to boost and sustain the city’s economy.”
The V&A museum is set to open in 2018 and is part of the £1 billion regeneration project of Dundee’s waterfront.
