Historic buildings – housing a museum and art gallery, library and meeting hall – have re-opened after a £2.1 million refurbishment programme.

The Watt Institution in James Watt’s hometown of Greenock houses the McLean Museum and Art Gallery, Watt Library and Watt Hall.

The complex re-opened its doors to visitors today (November 22), following extensive works funded by Inverclyde Council and Historic Environment Scotland.

See our earlier story for details about the project.

The figure of James Watt dominates the buildings. A bust of the inventor is one of the key exhibits visitors will see when they enter the museum section. An impressive statue dominates the Watt Library. And new displays on Watt’s life and legacy surround the impressive Watt Hall.

The exterior of the Watt Institution. The space is open three days a week from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
The exterior of the Watt Institution. The space is open three days a week from Wednesdays to Saturdays.
A bust of James Watt is one of the first exhibits on show in the museum section.
A bust of James Watt is one of the first exhibits on show in the museum section.

 

The Museum is full of great exhibits showcasing the rich heritage of Inverclyde.

 

The Watt Hall features a new exhibition about the life and times of James Watt.

 

Upstairs impressive paintings are on show in the Art Gallery.

A massive sculpture of James Watt dominates the library building.
A massive sculpture of James Watt dominates the Library building. The sculpture is based on another statue located within Handsworth Parish Church in Birmingham.

 

Inside the Watt Library at Greenock.

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The exterior of the Watt Library section of the complex.
Wattie the bear is helping to tempt younger visitors into the museum.
Wattie the bear is helping to tempt younger visitors into the Museum.

Listen to Lorraine Murray from Inverclyde Council talk about the Watt Institution.

Get updates on the facility by following the Watt Institution on Twitter.

 

Visit the buildings for yourself. Click to see a larger version of the area map below.

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