Overview

Join one of two architectural tours of the Matthew and Crawford Buildings that form Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design. The labyrinthine Crawford Building was built from 1953-64, and has a range of interesting features such as wrought iron detailing, terrazzo flooring and incredible views over the city and river to the South, as well multiple studios and workshop spaces, all designed to provide the best environment for artistic expression.

The Matthew Building – a significant example of brutalist architecture in Scotland – opened in 1975 and celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Making the most of a very complex, steeply sloping site, the concrete monolith has remained a recognisable part of the city’s skyline for half a century, and follows the principles of brutalist architecture with the extensive use of exposed and board-marked concrete, a clear expression of structure and the massive modular forms that delineate the building’s function.

The tours will take in both buildings' history, features and current function, giving visitors a rare insight into the spaces that form the ultimate creative backdrop to those who study here.

Accessibility

Please be aware that the tour involves walking between and within two large buildings. There will be steps and extended periods of standing, so we recommend wearing comfortable footwear.

The buildings can become warm, especially during the summer months, so we advise dressing in layers and avoiding overly heavy jackets.

While the Matthew Building is wheelchair accessible, the Crawford Building has more limited accessibility and the tour route may be challenging to follow for those with mobility impairments.

Folding chairs can be provided on request for those who may need to sit during the tour.

If you have any specific access requirements or concerns, please contact djcadevents@dundee.ac.uk in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you.

Further accessibility information can be found on AccessAble.

View Matthew Building accessibility information on AccessAble

View Crawford Building accessibility information on AccessAble

Visitors under 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times.

Parking

Parking on our campus is restricted to permit-holders or Blue Badge holders, who may park in designated accessible parking bays only.

View additional information about parking on campus

Additional parking information can be found on the Dundee City Council website.

Doors Open Day 2025 - Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design