V&A Dundee: Exhibition to showcase Maggie’s centres for cancer patients founded in Edinburgh
The V&A Dundee is honouring Maggie’s centres, situated across Scotland
It was founded 30 years ago by Scottish writer Maggie Keswick Jencks, who, after learning her cancer had returned, wanted to create a space where people could “not lose the joy of living in the fear of dying”.
Now, an exhibition at the V&A Dundee will explore the design of the network of more than 30 Maggie’s centres, which now exist across the UK and beyond.
Maggie’s: Architecture that Cares will explore the design of the more than 30 radically different buildings created as Maggie’s centres. There are 27 centres in the UK and others in Spain and the Netherlands, Japan and Hong Kong, with more under construction.
The free exhibition will bring Ms Keswick Jencks’ approach to life through the voices of centre visitors and staff, as well as the architects who designed the buildings.
The centres, designed by globally recognised architects including Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Richard Rogers, Norman Foster and Benedetta Tagliabue, offer emotional, practical and psychological support to those affected by cancer.
The first centre was created at Edinburgh’s Western General Hospital in 1996, after Ms Keswick Jencks and her oncology nurse Laura Lee came up with a blueprint for a new model of cancer care. Ms Keswick Jencks’ husband, architectural historian Charles Jencks, co-founded the centres.
Designed by Richard Murphy, it was a redevelopment of the old stable blocks, with a central kitchen table and multi-functional spaces. Maggie’s Dundee was the first purpose-built centre. Opened in 2003, it was designed by world-renowned architect Frank Gehry and sits alongside Ninewells Hospital.
The “kitchen table” concept still sits at the heart of the Maggie’s design philosophy, inviting centre users to make themselves at home and to find community.
Featuring newly commissioned film and interviews, personal objects, photography, sketches and architects’ models, as well as quiet reflective spaces, the exhibition will illuminate how the architecture makes people feel and the effect it has on their wellbeing.
Dame Laura Lee DBE is now Maggie’s chief executive. Together with Marcia Blakenham, a close friend of Maggie’s, she acts as co-client on every project, working with architects to ensure the needs of visitors are met.
Dame Laura said: “To be celebrating 30 years of Maggie’s with an exhibition at V&A Dundee on the importance of our architecture and design, feels incredibly special.
“When Maggie first had a vision for a different type of cancer care, our offering was nothing short of ground-breaking and now, 30 years on, we’re at the forefront of transforming care for people impacted by cancer across the UK.
“This exceptionally meaningful exhibition will help introduce new audiences to Maggie’s and our healing architecture ethos.”
Leonie Bell, director of V&A Dundee, said: “V&A Dundee is delighted to be marking this monumental moment in partnership with Maggie’s in 2026. Maggie’s offer extraordinary care every day in spaces designed to welcome us when we're at our most vulnerable and to help us heal.
“Maggie’s provides unique cancer care in special places that are locally and globally recognised for their architecture. Each is a unique sanctuary of indoor and garden spaces created with care at their heart. V&A Dundee is proud to share a city with Maggie’s Dundee and we’re honoured that local centre visitors have contributed to this meaningful exhibition.”
Maggie’s: Architecture that Cares is free and on show at V&A Dundee in the Michelin Design Gallery from March 6, 2026 until November 1.
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