Burrell Collection reopening date announced after £68m renovation

An art collection amassed by a shipping magnate is due to be officially reopened following a £68m refurbishment.

The Burrell Collection in Glasgow’s Pollok Country Park was sent on a world tour in October 2016 while the museum hosting the art was refurbished.

Now, following a £68.25m renovation, Glasgow Life have announced the art collection will officially reopen on Tuesday, March 29.

The Burrell Collection was amassed by Sir William Burrell and he and his wife donated the collection to Glasgow in 1944.

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council said: “The Burrell Collection is one of Glasgow’s greatest treasures which deserves much greater recognition and appreciation around the world.

“The refurbishment of its A-listed home, which itself, is one of Scotland’s modern architectural triumphs, as well as the innovative and engaging redisplay of the Collection will ensure visitors have an unforgettable experience and return time and again to appreciate the breath-taking beauty of the art on display.

“At the same time, the connection between the city and The Burrell Collection and Pollok Country Park will grow even stronger as a result of the museum reopening.”

Councillor Susan Aitken, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “The Burrell Collection is a place where everyone is welcome to appreciate one of the greatest personal collections ever assembled, housed in one of Scotland’s favourite modern buildings.

“Its A-listed home has been repaired and upgraded, its environmental performance has been dramatically improved, new displays have been created and thousands of local people were consulted about what they wanted to see.

“Visitors will be able to see more of the collection, more of the building itself and spend more time in Pollok Country Park.

“We look forward to welcoming the world to enjoy this spectacular museum.”

Work on the museum began in 2018 with repairs to the roof and the installation of modern glazing.

Following the refurbishment the museum’s gallery space has increased by 35%, allowing objects from the collection which have not been seen for decades, or have never been on permanent display, to go on show.

A new entrance has been installed, along with a central stairway and a renovated outdoor green space.

Highlights of the Burrell Collection include Chinese pottery and porcelain produced over a 5000-year period; paintings by renowned French artists including Manet, Cezanne and Degas; medieval treasures including stained glass, arms and armour; and more than 200 tapestries and carpets.

Sir Angus Grossart, chairman of The Burrell Renaissance said: “The Burrell Collection is one of the finest in the world.

“Visitors will soon be able to enjoy its enormous cultural diversity, great beauty and appreciate the scale of Sir William Burrell’s achievement.

“As a result, its global reputation and international reciprocal engagement will grow further, attracting new audiences to Glasgow to see it for themselves and to gain from the strong programme of international temporary exhibitions which we are planning.”