Mills Observatory’s landmark 90th season draws to a close

Mills Observatory has officially closed its doors for the season following its 90th anniversary season.

The 2025–26 season marked the first full operating period since the observatory was saved from potential closure, with strong public interest helping to secure its future.

Across the season, a range of special events and collaborations highlighted both its legacy and its ongoing relevance within Dundee’s cultural offering.

Among the standout moments was a visit from Astronomer Royal Catherine Hermans, alongside a special collaboration between Mills Observatory and Royal Greenwich Observatory as both institutions marked milestone anniversaries.

A symbolic card and gift handover ceremony also took place at the Prime Meridian line in Greenwich, further strengthening the connection between the two observatories.

Visitors were also able to experience new branding inside the dome and the building, giving a refreshed feel to one of the city’s most iconic scientific spaces.

Despite the success of the season, weather conditions proved challenging at times, limiting opportunities for clear night sky viewing across several key periods.

Mills Observatory will now enter its closed season, with its annual cycle continuing alongside Broughty Castle Museum. While Mills operates from October through to the end of March, Broughty Castle now takes over as Dundee’s key seasonal heritage attraction, open from April through to October.