Mills Observatory sees huge surge in visitor numbers since reopening

Mills Observatory has saw thousands through the door since reopening at the start of the month. (Picture: Wikimedia Commons)

Dundee’s Mills Observatory has seen an extraordinary number of visitors since its reopening at the beginning of the month, with attendance numbers reaching new heights amid ongoing concerns over its future.

Last week alone, more than 1,000 people visited the historic observatory, with 300+ visitors on Monday and another 400+ on Tuesday, making it one of the venue’s busiest weeks on record.

To accommodate this growing interest, Mills Observatory has announced it will extend its opening hours to include Saturdays, a move intended to make the observatory more accessible and continue to draw in both local and out-of-town visitors.

This decision follows a recent partnership between Dundee Culture and Mills Observatory, launched with a commitment to promoting the observatory and raising awareness of its importance in Dundee’s scientific and cultural landscape.

Dundee Culture’s social media coverage has already had a significant impact, drawing public attention to the observatory’s activities and historic value.

Although the first official piece of content from the partnership is set to launch on 28 October, coinciding with the observatory’s 89th anniversary, Dundee Culture’s early promotions have already contributed to the recent visitor surge.

This wave of public interest comes as the observatory faces an uncertain future, with Leisure and Culture Dundee recently proposing to close several local attractions, including Mills Observatory, Broughty Castle, and Caird Park golf course.

Many Dundee residents have expressed disappointment over the proposal to close such iconic sites, particularly the observatory, which has been a focal point for science education and astronomy enthusiasts since it first opened in 1935.

With its new six-month partnership in full swing, Dundee Culture hopes its platform will not only attract more visitors but also galvanise public support to help preserve the observatory.

The upcoming anniversary celebration on 28 October will serve as a milestone event, further strengthening ties between the observatory and the community it serves.