exhibition

Tartan

Now closed at V&A Dundee

Now closed at V&A Dundee

★★★★★ "Tartan triumph" The Scotsman

From the high fashion of Westwood, McQueen, Chanel and Dior to tartan clad heroes such as Jackie Stewart and Doddie Weir… see Sir Billy Connolly's NYC Tartan Day Parade kilt and even the MacBean tartan that rocketed to the moon!

Take a thrilling journey through over 300 mesmerizing objects showcasing tartan’s timeless appeal and rebellious spirit across fashion, architecture, art and design. See tartan worn by Bonnie Prince Charlie, a Scottish soldier’s unwashed kilt from the trenches of WWI, and the Bay City Rollers trousers handmade by a lifelong fan.

Join us in celebrating this iconic pattern’s enduring legacy – more than just an exhibition; it’s a tartan revolution!

Saturday, 1 April 2023 to Sunday, 14 January 2024

10.00 - 17.00

£7.00 - £16.00 £2 Discount for advance booking. Members and 18’s & Under go free.

Concessions available for:

  • Students
  • Young Scot Card holders
  • People with disabilities
  • Those in receipt of supported income or unemployment benefits
  • Art Fund Card Holders

The exhibition contains some strong language and nudity.

V&A Dundee 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee, DD1 4EZ

Sneak Peek

Stories

The latest stories from Tartan

Sir Billy Connolly at his home in the USA

Billy Connolly talks all things kilts

Interview

The iconic tartan jumpsuit by drag queen Violet Chachki as featured in Ru Paul's Drag Race

Our favourite objects in Tartan!

Article

A woman holding a iPhone with the Smartify app loaded on it

Smartify

Take an audio tour of Tartan

Highlights

A portrait of Doddie Weir wearing his signature Tartan suit
Doddie Weir OBE 1970 – 2022, Portrait by Gerard M. Burns, 2019
An Xbox controller wrapped in the official Xbox Tartan featuring the colours of their logo
Xbox Official Tartan Controller, Gordon Nicolson (designer), Helen McDermott (kiltmaker), Lochcarron of Scotland (weaver), 2022
A section of weathered tartan, thought to be the oldest in Scotland
Glen Affric Plaid Portion, About 1500-1600, Scotland's oldest tartan
Violet Chachki's reversible tartan jumpsuit from RuPaul's Drag Race
‘Tartan eleganza’ lewk, Violet Chachki, 2015
Sir Billy Connolly's Grand Marshall Kilt from the 2019 NYC Tartan Week Parade
Sir Billy Connolly's Grand Marshal kilt from the NYC Tartan Day Parade, 21st Century Kilts, 2019
Alan Cumming
Alan Cumming portrait by Christian Hook, 2014, © Christian Hook
Lord Mungo Murray
Lord Mungo Murray [Am Morair Mungo Moireach], 1668 - 1700. Son of 1st Marquess of Atholl
Three tartan outfits by Alexander McQueen in V&A Dundee's Tartan exhibition
Two dresses and a sleeveless top, Alexander McQueen, 1995-2006
Queen Alexandra Tartan Dress
Queen Alexandra Tartan Dress, Madame Elise, 1870-79
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Membership

V&A Dundee Membership enables you to visit our changing exhibitions time and time again

Headline Sponsor

Arnold Clark

Sponsors

LNER
V&A Foundation

Shop

TartanBook_newBand03

Tartan Book by Jonathan Faiers (Exhibition copy)

V&A Dundee Tartan Scarf

V&A Dundee Tartan Scarf

V&A Dundee Tartan Tote Bag

V&A Dundee Tartan Tote Bag

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