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The Saint John Arts Centre is housed in a building that is a well-known historic landmark in the City of Saint John. Constructed in 1904 with funds provided by the American philanthropist, Andrew Carnegie, the building will soon celebrate its 100th birthday. Of more than 2,500 buildings that Andrew Carnegie gave to communities throughout the world to be used as public libraries, only a handful are still in existence in North America, and the Carnegie Building in Saint John is believed to be one of only The building was constructed in the classic style from plans drawn by local architect, G. Ernest Fairweather. The masonry work was done by Robert Maxwell, a Saint John City alderman who went on to become a Member of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of New Brunswick. An intricate stained glass skylight was designed by Frank Reardon of Halifax, N.S. and after being hidden by a dropped ceiling for several years was rediscovered, removed, cleaned, and restored to its rightful dramatic setting over the rotunda-style foyer in 1985. The original mosaic floor in the foyer was created with tiles imported from the Minton Hollins china works in England and laid in a beautifully elaborate pattern. Contemporary additions to the building include a mural of Delancey's Brigade painted with historical accuracy by internationally renowned Saint John artist, Fred Ross; a Bicentennial Quilt hand embroidered by local craftspeople Myrna London and Donna Holland illustrating 200 years of women's fashions; and two stained glass windows designed by Douglas McKiel and crafted by Frans Cuppens commemorating the Saint John Bicentennial and the Canada Summer Games of 1985. Although alterations to the interior of the building were necessary to provide a venue for visual art exhibits, care was taken to maintain its architectural beauty by preserving as much of the original carved oak woodwork and fixtures as possible. The acoustics in the renovated gallery spaces have been found to be excellent for concerts and recitals. The Saint John Arts Centre looks forward to presenting the community with art, music, literature, and cultural events set in the background of this beautiful heritage building. |
The Historic Carnegie Building (1904)
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Our Heritage