Mills Observatory’s 90th anniversary season: Everything you need to know

Andrew Batchelor
5 days ago
4 min read

Mills Observatory is preparing for an unforgettable 2025/26 season, celebrating 90 years since it first opened in 1935.

Here’s your complete guide to what’s on, when to visit, and how to make the most of Dundee’s unique public observatory.

Pre-Opening Night: Summer Stars

The anniversary season begins with a special Summer Stars evening on Friday 19 September 2025. Running from 9pm until midnight, this free event is a chance to experience the observatory after dark ahead of the official reopening.

If the weather is clear, visitors can look forward to breathtaking views of Saturn, Neptune, and the striking Summer Triangle of bright stars Vega, Altair and Deneb.

While the best views are expected after 10pm, telescopes will be ready to use earlier in the evening.

For those who would like to learn more even if the skies are cloudy, there will be talks in the lecture room hosted by an amateur astronomer.

These sessions will guide audiences through the highlights of the summer night sky, offering fascinating insights into the planets and constellations visible at this time of year.

It promises to be a relaxed and memorable evening, open to everyone from experienced stargazers to curious first-timers.

Opening Dates & Hours

The observatory’s 90th anniversary season runs from Wednesday 1 October 2025 to Tuesday 31 March 2026.

Monday to Friday: 4pm – 10pm
Saturday: 6.30pm – 10pm
Sunday: Closed (special events may take place)

Entry is completely free – you can simply drop in during opening hours.

Tickets

For the first time in its history, the observatory is introducing tickets for access to the dome. This change comes after record demand during the last season, with large numbers of visitors eager to look through the famous telescope.

Tickets are completely free but will be released in batches throughout the season to help manage numbers and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to take part.

This small change means visitors can look forward to a more relaxed and comfortable experience in the dome, with plenty of time to enjoy the telescopes under the guidance of staff.

How to book: Released in batches across the season via Eventbrite

What to Expect

A visit to Mills Observatory combines the thrill of stargazing with the chance to learn about the mysteries of space.

On a clear night, guests can use the observatory’s state-of-the-art computerised telescope, which is capable of detecting up to 30,000 celestial objects.

With the observatory’s position high on Balgay Hill, the views across the city and beyond are just as impressive as those of the night sky.

Inside, visitors can explore exhibitions on space exploration, the solar system, and the history of astronomy.

The Planetarium Room also offers guided talks about constellations, galaxies and asteroids, making it a great place for families, schools, and anyone curious about the universe.

Planetarium Shows

Planetarium evenings return with a guided tour of the night sky, followed by telescope use (weather permitting).

Times: 7pm, 8pm, 9pm
Dates:
- October: 3 & 17
- November: 7 & 21
- December: 5 & 19
- January: 16 & 30
- February: 6 & 20
- March: 6 & 20
Tickets: Call 01382 435967 (essential, opens one month in advance, 25 spaces per show)

Prices: Adults £3 / Children £1.50 (ages 6+)

Getting There

The observatory is easily reached by car or bus. Drivers can head along Glamis Road via Ancrum Road, turning left at the gates and following the road up the hill to the summit.

A small car park is available at the entrance, including two accessible spaces for disabled visitors.

For those travelling by bus, services 6 and 17 stop at Balgay Road, while service 22 stops at Blackness Road or Glamis Road.

From there, it’s a short but uphill walk to the top of Balgay Hill, where the observatory sits surrounded by peaceful woodland.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access to the main building. Television screen of the view of the main telescope available on the ground floor

Toilets available on site

Narrow stairways in some areas may be challenging for those with mobility issues

Facilities

The observatory features a small gift shop, selling a selection of astronomy-themed souvenirs and books for those keen to take a little inspiration home with them.

At its heart is the original papier-mâché dome, which continues to house the main telescope after nine decades of use.

For those looking to learn as well as explore, the lecture room is also regularly used for talks and presentations.

Donations

For the first time, Mills Observatory is introducing a cashless donation point during its 90th anniversary season.

While entry and access to telescopes remain free of charge, donations play an important role in supporting the observatory’s work and ensuring that it continues to inspire future generations.

Visitors will now be able to make quick and easy contributions using card payments at the donation point inside the building.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps maintain Dundee’s iconic observatory and keeps its events, displays and facilities running for years to come.