Dundee’s McManus marks 150 years of enthralling visitors

And tomorrow, the attraction will mark the milestone with a birthday party to remember.

With its Gothic spire and position in the heart of the city, The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum has been an iconic presence for generations of Dundonians, as these historic images show.

The building was designed by architect George Gilbert Scott and construction began in 1865.

He intended to build a large tower, similar to his previous work at St Nikolai in Hamburg, but the ground proved too soft.

It opened as the Albert Institute in 1867, in honour of Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. Then, in 2000, Dundonians voted the McManus their favourite building.

Lord Provost Ian Borthwick, who will launch tomorrow’s events, spoke of the importance of the McManus to him over the years.

He said: “I have very pleasant memories of going there as a youngster with brother and my mother — I always thought it was a great place.

“It has been a great tribute to the city and the staff who have maintained it over the last 150 years.

“The McManus is a great asset and I hope it will stimulate the minds of future generations for the next 150 years.”

Tomorrow’s celebrations will offer visitors the chance to chat, enjoy and learn about Dundee’s favourite building with the staff at the museum.

The attraction’s choir in residence, Loadsaweeminsingin’, will launch proceedings with a dazzling rendition of Happy Birthday.

The Lord Provost and the managing director of operators Leisure and Culture Dundee, Stewart Murdoch, will open the doors to an exclusive programme of memorable moments to enjoy throughout the afternoon.

Youngsters from Blackness Primary will also be in attendance.

The Scottish Ensemble will hold musical pop ups inspired by the city’s collections while ZeroThree15 theatre company will be entertaining visitors.

For children and the young at heart there will be the chance to make McManus Happy Birthday hats and We Love McManus rosettes.

Adam Swan, director of Dundee Historic Environment Trust, described the McManus as an “incredibly significant” building in the city.

He added: “It was very important at its time as a large memorial to Albert but it also represented a serious social investment, with the

For 150 years, visitors have been enthralled and fascinated by the city’s McManus Galleries.

introduction of a public library and a focus on education.

“It’s an impressive building, designed by a great architect and this has helped with its survival. It’s a very hard building to ignore.”

He said the building had also been updated and expanded over the years, including a more recent investment transforming it into a modern facility, adding: “It offers different things to Verdant Works or what the V&A will offer.

“But between the three museums, Dundee in the near future will have fantastic resources.

“It’s a landmark building and one that’s cherished — so many people have memories from their own childhoods. If we continue to look after it then I don’t see why it can’t be at the heart of the city for another 150 years at least.” Ourvoice

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