By Karen Cay

Skylight renovation has seen much of PA’s history

Jun 20, 2011 | 12:52 PM

The skylight in the Prince Albert Arts Centre has illuminated generations of Prince Albert residents and visitors since 1892.

It has looked upon city business, operatic productions, royalty, Prime Ministers, heads of provincial and local governments and generations of artists.

Now, after nearly 120 years of service, it is being replaced.

Since the renovation began, questions have arisen about the history of the skylight and its originality to the building.

Oddly, there are no photos of the interior, but the City of Prince Albert has on record the original blueprints which show the skylight.

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City planners believe the glass has been replaced at least once but are sure the structure is original. The first glass replacement may have occurred in 1927 as workers found pages from a catalogue of that year, tucked inside the structure.

The Prince Albert Arts Centre was originally the City Hall. It was a marvel of architecture in its time with its stone foundation, beautifully crafted staircase, skylight, paned windows and brickwork. Originally the building was only one storey to allow for the operatic presentations.

The Historical Society has an entire file of playbills from travelling artists requesting space in the City Hall, but has no photographs of the inside of the Prince Albert City Hall/Arts Centre.

Anyone with interior photos of the building or other memorabilia may contact the Historical Society at 764-2992.

kcay@panow.com