EXCLUSIVE: McManus Galleries sees a huge boost in visitors following the Curtain Call exhibition launch
- Andrew Batchelor
- 13 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The McManus is celebrating a major surge in visitors following the launch of its new flagship exhibition, Curtain Call: Costumes from Stage and Screen.
Since opening on 7 February, the exhibition has attracted more than 6,000 visitors.
That marks a 42.2% increase compared to the same period last February, when 4,508 people came through the doors.
It represents one of the strongest openings the venue has seen in recent years.
The exhibition features a range of eye-catching costumes from film, television, theatre and opera.
Among the standout pieces are Meryl Streep’s costume as Emmeline Pankhurst in the film Suffragette, Claire Foy’s Queen Elizabeth costume from The Crown and Claire Danes’ dress from The Essex Serpent.
These headline items have proved popular with visitors and helped capture public attention.
Curtain Call also highlights the work of costume designers with connections to Dundee and the surrounding area.
The exhibition showcases creations by Jane Petrie, Ros Little and Alex Reid, as well as work linked to Dundee REP and Scottish Dance Theatre.
It shines a light on the craft and creativity behind some of the most recognisable productions in recent years.
Anna Day, Head of Culture and Libraries at Leisure and Culture Dundee, said the visitor numbers show a renewed engagement with the museum.
She described the response as especially encouraging, noting that attendance has been strong every single day since opening.
She said it reflects both excitement around Curtain Call and the wider strength of recent programming and community outreach, adding that it demonstrates the important role culture continues to play in the city.
Costumes and designs on display have been loaned by a number of prestigious organisations, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, Royal Ballet and Opera, Scottish Opera, Cosprop, Jane Petrie and private lenders.
The exhibition is free to visit and runs at The McManus until 15 November 2026.
