ONLINE EXHIBITION
A New Civic and Cultural Building
Welcome to this special online exhibition which celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the opening of St. Albert Place. It is a visual tour of archival photographs showcasing the various stages of construction, from the sod turning to the opening ceremonies.
June 2, 1984 was the grand opening of this new civic and cultural building to replace the old City Hall and to also provide a space for the St. Albert Public Library, the Musée Héritage Museum, the Arden Theatre and Visual Arts Studios.
By the late 1970s, there was an urgent need to replace the out-grown City Hall that was built in 1961 when the population was 5,249. Major growth in the 1970’s and beyond increased the population to close to 30,000 by 1980. This increased the need for new civic space, as well as space for a new library, a theatre, a museum and a facility for local artists.
City Council at the time decided it would be fiscally responsible and most convenient for residents to meet all these needs under one roof. They approved the new civic and cultural building to be built on the south bank of the Sturgeon River on March 3, 1980, designed by renowned architect Douglas Cardinal.
Today, this glorious building is still THE hub for both civic affairs and community cultural activity, often bringing several groups together under one roof. Such as users and members of the St. Albert Place Visual Arts Council (SAPVAC), as well as theatre, literature and history enthusiasts.
Enjoy this exhibition’s rich source of visual archival materials, by taking a trip back in photographic time.
