The institute first opened its doors in 1901, but the building suffered a serious fire after the eight year from its opening. There was loss also, as far as some collections that were on display. In 1911, it reopened its doors and was even used temporarily as a hospital for World War I. The building has many famous claims to lending itself in time of need as well as preserving many items and wares from years of long ago. The Dick Institute has lovingly giving them a home, where they will forever be enjoyed by their visitors.

Dick Institute is home to two of the finest contemporary Art Galleries, and have many regular, revolving exhibits. The museum has proud displays of many collections and the institute offers a broad range of local history and fare. They hold many events throughout the year and feature many great, famous artists and craftsman. Much of the fine art collection, that is on display now, dates clear back to the early 1800s. Admission to the Institute is totally free and there are many amenities and facilities for the public as well as the disabled.

An actual working replica of the printing press that John Wilson used to print Robert Burns, First Edition in the year 1786, got its first showing at the Dick Institute. There are many things such as this, that you can see when visiting the famous landmark. If you come at the right time, you can also partake of many special events, exhibits and collections, that can be found no where else in the world. By visiting the Dick Institute, you can transcend back into another time and world, much different from the world we live in today.

Since they had raised such a great amount of money, they scraped staying with just their old statue and building plans. They now had the money and means to extend their building of a building worthy of the poet by using an architect. They held a contest to find the most appropriate sculptor to come forth, which would be W.G. Stevenson.

On August 9, 1879, the statue was shown for the first time to the biggest gathering of individuals, this tiny area had ever known. However, in November 2004, the statue and building were partially damaged by a fire. In 2008 the monument was restored and returned to its former glory and was placed with brand new accessories and settings to enhance the Burns Monument Centre. Today, it proudly stands as it once did many years ago.

The monument and statue are the perfect backdrop for any important pictures to be taken, such as weddings, reunions and other special occasions. Alexander Kay, who the park is named after gave the land as a gift to start a 30-acre park for all to enjoy. He believed that a park was important for bodily health and greatly improved moral issues. He also believed in every town having one and that was her life’s wish. He thought that land should be set aside in every down for the sole purpose of a park. He often said that to many times came up, where a town had not thought of, until it was too late, or set aside ample amounts of land for a park.

In 2004, the monument was severly damaged by fire, but has since been restored and the area redeveloped into the Burns Monument Centre.