CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR EVENT

Opening date for Burrell Collection announced, as city renews commitment to culture as a catalyst for recovery

The Burrell Collection in Glasgow will reopen in March 2022 following an ambitious building upgrade and redisplay, the charity Glasgow Life has confirmed.

Opening date for Burrell Collection announced, as city renews commitment to culture as a catalyst for recovery

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 3 September 2021 7:47

Copyright © CSG CIC Glasgow Museums and Libraries Collections

As Kier Construction Scotland finishes work on the refurbishment of the A-listed building, based on designs from architects John McAslan + Partners, installation of the works of art has now begun.

Nearly half of the funding for the £68.25 million project was committed by Glasgow City Council with significant contributions from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Scottish Government, the UK Government, and from many generous trusts and private donors.

As the world recovers from Covid-19, The Burrell is a reminder of culture’s contribution to the vibrancy and international appeal of Glasgow.

The first opening of The Burrell in 1983 was one of the first demonstrations of Glasgow’s commitment to cultural-led regeneration. By harnessing the power of its incredible cultural draw, Glasgow has positioned itself as one of the world’s great cultural and creative cities, making it a must-visit destination.

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life, and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see that the installation of Sir William’s precious, beautiful and intriguing Collection has begun, now the delicate refurbishment of its home is almost at an end.

“This major refurbishment and redisplay will celebrate Sir William’s outstanding gift to the city and ensures it is at the heart of Glasgow’s cultural identity for the future, and having much more of The Collection on display and accessible will be one of its immediate successes.

“Sir William’s incredible legacy will help Glasgow and Scotland’s recovery from Covid-19, bringing increased pride and confidence, which has a tangible effect on our wellbeing. As we move out of a pandemic that is vital.”


Chief Executive of Glasgow Life, Dr Bridget McConnell, CBE, said: “March 2022 will mark a historic milestone in Glasgow’s story, as the completely refurbished Burrell Collection reopens to the world.

“Very soon, thanks to all the project’s funders, these wonderful works of art, which Sir William Burrell gave to the people of Glasgow, will be enjoyed in a modern, green museum, fit for purpose and for the future.

“Our vision for The Burrell Collection demonstrates the city’s ambition for it to become more widely appreciated and well known around the world and for Glasgow to retain its place as a global cultural leader.”


Works to the building began in 2018 with repairs to the roof and the installation of modern glazing making the building more air-tight, reducing its overall energy consumption. A combined heating and power supply has also been installed, contributing to the building’s BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

A new entrance will bring visitors straight into the heart of the building and a newly created central stairway will encourage people to explore all three floors of the reimagined Burrell Collection for the first time. The outdoor green space has been also been enhanced, creating new links between the museum and its stunning setting in Pollok Country Park.

On reopening, the museum’s gallery space will have increased by 35%, allowing important and unique objects from the Collection, which have not been seen for decades, or have never been on permanent display, to go on show. New displays will give visitors a better understanding of the artworks, the people who made them and some of the people who have owned them.

Since The Burrell Collection closed to the public in October 2016, a comprehensive consulation programme has engaged with more than 15,000 local people, giving ideas, insights and opinions which have shaped every aspect of the redesign of the building, access to it and the development of the new displays, galleries and spaces within and around the museum.

Sir William Burrell devoted more than 75 years of his life to amassing one of the world’s greatest, single personal collections, renowned for its quality of Chinese art, exquisite stained glass, intricate tapestries and breadth of fine art.

The gift of The Collection to the city was described at the time as: “One of the greatest gifts ever made to any city in the world.” (Sir Hector Hetherington, Principal of Glasgow University).

Highlights include Chinese pottery and porcelain produced over a 5,000-year period, making it one of the most significant collections of Chinese Art in Europe; paintings by renowned French artists including Manet, Cézanne and Degas; Medieval treasures including stained glass, arms and armour and over 200 tapestries and carpets, which are among the finest in the world.

The Collection is also home to the Wagner Garden carpet which is one of the three earliest surviving Persian garden carpets in the world, and has rarely been on public display since The Burrell Collection opened, but the refurbishment and redisplay means it will be on permanent display accompanied by new and innovative methods of interpretation.

Sir Angus Grossart, Chair of Burrell Renaissance, said: “The Burrell Collection has a reputation as being one of the finest in the world. The wonderful new displays have enhanced and informed what visitors will see. They will find great cultural diversity, much beauty and wonder and the great achievement of one enquiring and questioning mind, that of Sir William Burrell.”

Sponsored Links

Glasgow City Council
Fayre Play
Renfrewshire Council
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Open Pass Scotland
Media Shop
Tea Green

Latest Glasgow News

Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres

Grow Your Own flowers, fruits, and veg at Dobbies Garden Centres

Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Grow Your Own workshop this August, where attendees will learn top tips for growing fruit, vegetables and flowers at home.

READ MORE
Glastonbury Stars heading for Milngavie Street Party

Glastonbury Stars heading for Milngavie Street Party

Iconic drum and base duo Fabio and Grooverider, actor and DJ Craig Charles and Mercury Music Prize nominees Corto Alto will all be performing at the biggest Milngavie Street Party yet!

READ MORE
Bringing American southern soul to the Southside of Glasgow... Birds launches Brunch

Bringing American southern soul to the Southside of Glasgow... Birds launches Brunch

'Brunch at Birds' will be available every Saturday and Sunday from 11am–3pm, bringing a dose of laid-back, American-style indulgence to the Southside.

READ MORE
Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Gnoss release stirring new single Emily ahead of international festival run

Acclaimed Scottish folk four-piece Gnoss are back with a brand-new single ‘Emily’ set for release on Friday 25th July!

READ MORE
Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life

Local treasures revealed ahead of Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life

Treasure Trove Scotland are inviting members of the public to bring their finds to be assessed as part of a family-friendly Archaeology Day at the National Museum of Rural Life.

READ MORE
Can you fling a piece oot a 20 storey flat... this Glasgow business wants to find out

Can you fling a piece oot a 20 storey flat... this Glasgow business wants to find out

To mark its 150th anniversary, Dunns Food and Drinks is launching The Great Dunns Piece Fling, a search for a high-rise flat to test the lyric 'ye cannae fling pieces oot a twenty-storey flat'!

READ MORE
Summer offers from the Kings and Theatre Royal Glasgow

Summer offers from the Kings and Theatre Royal Glasgow

ATG Entertainment launches their Summer Saver campaign with discounted tickets to over 100 shows including several at the King's Theatre and Theatre Royal in Glasgow!

READ MORE
Matthew Algie and Tinderbox launch limited edition menu in support of Beatson Cancer Charity

Matthew Algie and Tinderbox launch limited edition menu in support of Beatson Cancer Charity

Tinderbox and Glasgow roaster Matthew Algie have teamed up with Beatson Cancer Charity for the second year running – and this time, the menu’s three times bigger.

READ MORE
Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Dinosaur Day at Dobbies

Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings Club will get the chance to travel back hundreds of millions of years to learn about prehistoric plants and talk about their favourite dinosaurs!

READ MORE
Elements announces the return of its signature 444 lunch and cocktail experience to celebrate its first birthday

Elements announces the return of its signature 444 lunch and cocktail experience to celebrate its first birthday

Elements, the celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Bearsden, has announced the highly anticipated return of its signature 4/4/4 cocktail lunch offer, now featuring a brand-new selection of cocktails.

READ MORE
Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne joins the cast of The Battle at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne joins the cast of The Battle at the Theatre Royal Glasgow

Horne will play the music industry executive who kicked off the race to No 1. between the two bands.

READ MORE
Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

Summer long celebration of the 90s and britpop launched

PubLife, a UK-wide summer celebration of the '90s will take place in over 500 pubs, including 7 in Scotland.

READ MORE
Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

Family days out just got better with free entry for kids at Scone Palace

This summer, as school holidays get underway, families are invited to enjoy a day out at Scone Palace with their Kids Go Free promotion.

READ MORE
Scone Palace International Horse Trials

Scone Palace International Horse Trials

The inaugural Scone Palace International Horse Trials will take place from 21st–24th August 2025 in the stunning grounds of Scone Palace and Perth Racecourse.

READ MORE
King Pins opens its doors in Glasgow

King Pins opens its doors in Glasgow

The state-of-the-art bowling and activity venue brings ten-pin & duck pin bowling, tech darts, ice-free curling, arcades and more to Glasgow's Silverburn!

READ MORE
Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Countdown begins: The AJ Bell Great Scottish Run returns to Glasgow in October

Scotland's greatest running event, the AJ Bell Great Scottish Run, will return to Glasgow on Sunday 5th October and they want everyone to 'Be Your Greatest'.

READ MORE
Glasgow retailer House Party relaunches with pop up at Pride Hub

Glasgow retailer House Party relaunches with pop up at Pride Hub

Beloved Glasgow indie House Party is back with a new model and a Pride pop-up at The Social Hub from 14–20 July!

READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces first productions for 2026

Citizens Theatre announces first productions for 2026

With doors set to reopen this August, the Citizens Theatre has announced its programme from January - June 2026 as part of its reopening year of productions.

READ MORE
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue

BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.

READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland

Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.

READ MORE
CUPP launches brand new Boba Cafe Kiosk at Silverburn

CUPP launches brand new Boba Cafe Kiosk at Silverburn

CUPP, the cult-favourite boba tea brand known for its viral drinks and dedicated following, is opening an all-new Boba Café Kiosk in Silverburn.

READ MORE
Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement

Tenement Trail Festival Artist Announcement

Scotland’s multi-venue festival for music discovery, is back for 2025 with a first wave of 30+ unmissable artists including Manchester’s Pale Waves.

READ MORE
Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Topgolf launches exclusive experience inspired by The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The limited-time experience is the first-of-its-kind at Topgolf Glasgow in collaboration with Marvel Studios!

READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums

Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.

READ MORE
Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow

Zander Murray to host Pride events in Glasgow

Scotland's first openly gay professional footballer is set to headline Pride events at The Social Hub Glasgow.

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort unveils 20th anniversary artwork created by local school pupils

Glasgow Fort unveils 20th anniversary artwork created by local school pupils

Artwork to celebrate the centre's 20th anniversary was officially unveiled at Glasgow Fort last week.

READ MORE
Glaschu announces two further exclusive dinners with chef Brian Maule

Glaschu announces two further exclusive dinners with chef Brian Maule

Glaschu, one of Glasgow's most established fine dining restaurants, will join forces once again with acclaimed chef, Brian Maule for two nights in August.

READ MORE
Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld announces 1 pound Family Films all summer long

Cineworld has today announced £1 Family Films, running every week from July 25, so that families can be more childish together all summer long.

READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.

READ MORE
The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way: A Brand New Street Festival for 2025

The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way: A Brand New Street Festival for 2025

This Sunday sees the arrival of a brand-new community event for 2025: The Big Sunday on Kelvin Way!

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

Hilton Glasgow
Glasgow Music City Tours
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
City Of Glasgow Chorus
East Renfrewshire Culture
The Quay
Great Run Company

Sponsored Links

Glasgow City Council
Fayre Play
Renfrewshire Council
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Open Pass Scotland
Media Shop
Tea Green
Hilton Glasgow
Glasgow Music City Tours
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
City Of Glasgow Chorus
East Renfrewshire Culture
The Quay
Great Run Company

Popular Events

FREE Open Air Cinema at QPA
Open-air cinema returns to Queen's Park Arena this summer with a selection of 'Cults & Classics' themed films!
Summer Nights at the Bandstand
The Summer Nights at the Bandstand festival returns to Kelvingrove Park for a tenth year with 13 nights of live music from elbow, Billy Ocean, Hue And Cry, Teenage Fanclub and many more!
Moulin Rouge Night Market
Expect a night full of high kicks, music, and dazzling lights as the Barras Market transforms into a Parisian carnival under the stars for their Night Market on Thursday 17th July!
Bard in the Botanics
Bard in the Botanics are delighted to be returning to Glasgow Botanic Gardens for Summer 2025 with their 'magic - mayhem - and murder' season!
Alexandra Park Festival Day
Platform's annual family Festival Day at Alexandra Park returns for 2025 on Saturday 19th July with live music, food & market stalls, kids activities and much more!

Popular Listings

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum King's Theatre Glasgow King Tut's Wah Wah Hut O2 Academy Glasgow SEC Armadillo Theatre Royal Glasgow The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow The Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The OVO Hydro