Glasgow museum named best building in Scotland after major refurbishment

A museum has been named the best building in Scotland following a major refurbishment.

The Burrell Collection in Glasgow won the Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award from the Royal Incorporation of Architects (Rias).

The late 20th century building’s refurbishment was hailed by the judges, who said it is an example of problem-solving and future-proofing.

The Burrell Collection’s art, artefacts and historical items were gathered by Sir William Burrell, who was a shipping magnate and philanthropist.

He donated the collection to Glasgow city in 1944 for it to be shown to the public. It remains in the museum at Pollok Country Park in the southside of the city.

Rias judges were impressed by how the architects’ approach has transformed the building without losing any of its architectural integrity.

The building was refurbished by John McAslan and Partners, which has studios in Edinburgh, Belfast, London, Sydney and New York.

The museum closed in 2016 for the £68.25m refurbishment programme to repair the building, make it more sustainable and increase the gallery space.

It reopened at the end of March 2022.

The Rias Doolan Award is an annual prize, which looks at shortlisted buildings and their architectural integrity and usability.

It also considers the buildings’ context, delivery and execution, and sustainability.

The 2024 Rias Doolan Award jury was chaired by David Kohn, director of David Kohn Architects, alongside author and journalist Gabriella Bennett and Rias president Karen Anderson.

Ms Anderson said: “I’m delighted that the Burrell Collection has been named as the winner of this year’s Rias Doolan Award.

“In the skilled hands of John McAslan and Partners, one of Scotland’s architectural gems has been given a new lease of life, saving the building and its incredible collection, and making the museum greener and more welcoming to its thousands of visitors.

“It is a fantastic example of how an existing building can be adapted to address new and future needs, and is unquestionably this year’s best building in Scotland.”