Albert Institute
Designed by architect Sir George Gilbert Scott, was built in 1865-7.

It was built on an area, originally just outside the Town Wall, to the north. This area was known as the Meadows and was a popular recreation area with a burn running through it. The burn was diverted and the ground drained. The ground was still marshy and the Albert Institute had to be built over massive oak piles.

Prince Albert died December 14, 1861

Memorials to Prince Albert were apparently the rage throughout Britain. Dundee was bankrupt so the Baxter's and other Dundee manufacturers formed a private company to build one. It was built in 3 stages. The photo shows stage one. Stage two, the central part, was added in 1873 and stage three, the Eastern galleries, in 1887.Stage 1 initially housed the Free library.

A comment in a History of Dundee of 1873 was 'The outside stair leading to the west entrance detracts very considerably from the appearance of the structure, and, indeed, on this side there is an evident want of dignity.'

The Builder wrote ‘Mr Alexander (the City Architect who designed the third stage, to Scott’s intentions) is to be congratulated on not having failed to a far greater extent in a difficult task.’  (I had to read this twice!)

Now the whole building houses the Art Galleries and Museum. The interior was renovated in 1983 when it was renamed the McManus Galleries in honour of Lord Provost Maurice McManus. (I didn’t approve of the name change but then I wasn’t asked my opinion.)  It is being renovated again and is closed just now till 2007.