In Belfast in 1991, the first Pride Week took place. It was a week of events which included our Pride Dander (march). But what was of equal interest were the events held in so many venues one of which was the Old Museum Building. I have to say that I did not know of this building until our Pride Committee met and were discussing what events we should try and organise, and then of course where should we try to put them on.
There were so many items put on, including this in the Old Museum Building:
- Mixtures and Allsorts were in the Old Museum Arts Centre. It was billed as a cabaret – we were required to bring our own refreshments – so we did! There was a vast range of performance styles
But why has this been brought to mind; in the Belfast Telegraph dated 20 November 2021 there was a lovely article by Louise Finn on how The Old Museum Building had weathered bombs and multiple changes of use, and now due to an exciting regeneration plan it will be returned to its former glory for the public to enjoy once more.
My remembrance of the inside of the building was of the high ceilings, slightly tatty decor, but then money was tight in those days, as it is indeed even today. There is always (usually) the will to do these projects, but we need money and also careful management of the project to ensure that The Old Museum building returns to its former glory, but equally practically to be of use to our society. We can ill afford to lose yet another cultural icon of our buildings from our city!
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