V&A Dundee opens Maggie’s: Architecture That Cares

Over three decades, a growing family of Maggie’s centres has shown that thoughtfully designed buildings can provide a much-needed space for people to process one of life’s toughest challenges. There are now more than 30 Maggie’s centres designed by architectural practices including Snøhetta, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Zaha Hadid and AL_A.

dRMM’s Maggie’s Oldham is featured as part of the display, with images and a model of the centre which opened in 2017. A proponent of the Architecture of Hope, the use of wood in the building is part of a bigger design intention to reverse the norms of hospital architecture, where institutionalised environments can leave patients dispirited. With over 400 visits a week, its success and importance is clear and ongoing.

The exhibition brings the ideas behind all these remarkable buildings to life through the voices of centre visitors, staff and the architects who designed the buildings. Featuring over 20 architectural models, newly commissioned film and interviews, material samples, photography, sketches, personal objects from the last years of Maggie’s life and the original ideas that became the very first Maggie’s centre.  Open now at the V&A Dundee until 1 November 2026.