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.
Article Source: Glasgow Life
First Published: 2 September 2021 14:18
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.”
Latest Glasgow News
The Royal Scottish National Orchestra perform the Music of James Bond
Scotland’s National Orchestra will perform many of the classic Bond tunes for an evening celebrating the return of James Bond to cinemas and live music to Scotland’s concert halls.
The Glencairn Glass launches its first ever crime short story competition
The Glencairn Glass launches its first ever crime short story competition with the theme: “A Crystal Clear Crime”.
Wee Forests to leave living legacy for COP26 in Glasgow
Glasgow is set to become host to a network of Wee Forests in and around the city centre as a living legacy and celebration of COP26.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ready to deliver Performance in a New Light
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has unveiled a bold and exciting new brand proposition as it prepares to return bigger and better than ever before.
Win 100 pounds to spend at the bar of Embargo as a new set of wings lands on Byres Road
After undergoing a revamp, the team at Embargo are offering one lucky winner £100 to spend at the bar with friends!
BT Murrayfield hosts biggest Halloween Party in Scotland at Tonga fixture
Quid Game - Young rugby supporters invited to dress up at BT Murrayfield for Scotland's biggest ever Hallowe'en Party!
Book Swap gets the TV Treatment
Ever wondered what it takes to write a best-selling novel and see it made into an award-winning series?
Calling all amateur photographers
Loch Lomond Shores' nature-inspired photography competition returns this autumn!
Four days until winner of the Scottish Album of the Year Award revealed
Four days to go until the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award reveals the winner of ultimate title and stunning trophy.
New Glasgow Loves Local gift card launched
Glasgow is soon to have its own local gift card in a milestone move encouraging people across the city to back local businesses.
Glasgow City Council launches site to showcase sustainability projects ahead of COP26
Ahead of the COP26 Climate Conference, Glasgow City Council has launched a site for visitors to explore its sustainability projects and green events taking place across the city!
Love Glasgow for Christmas 2021
Glasgow Loves Christmas will return in 2021 in the run-up to the festive period attracting people to visit the city for entertainment and shopping and support Glasgow businesses!
Casting announced for Glasgow premier of of Les Miserables
Theatre Royal Glasgow is delighted to announce full casting for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Les Misérables ahead of the production's Glasgow premiere this Christmas!
Teenage digital writing group record an album of spoken word at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow
An online writing group set up to help develop skills, build confidence and be part of a community of new talent, have recorded an album of spoken word at Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow.
VEGA taps into wellness with new CBD infused Cocktail Menu
Glasgow's luxe rooftop bar, VEGA, has unveiled a limited-edition cocktail menu with pioneering CBD solution to give guests an energy boost before the clocks turn back!
Super Market Events has a new home... in the Barras
One of Glasgow's favourite markets, Super Market Events, makes a welcome return this Sunday in it's new home at Barras Art and Design!
Star casting announced for smash hit musical Fat Friends
The King's Theatre and Producer Joshua Andrews are delighted to announce star casting for the Glasgow run of Kay Mellor’s smash hit musical Fat Friends!
Ron Lawson announces Solo Exhibition Surf to Summit at The Strathearn Gallery
Ron Lawson, Scotland's most original and in demand artist opens his largest Solo Exhibition in 3 years at The Strathearn Gallery in Crieff on Saturday 30th October.
Beatson Cancer Charity launches Beatson Rewards for supporters shopping and socialising across Scotland
Beatson Cancer Charity is launching a rewards card which will offer fantastic discounts in a variety of businesses situated around Scotland.
OVO Hydro is the new name for home of live entertainment in Scotland
The OVO Hydro is the new name for Scotland's home of live entertainment!
Scottish charity offers a chance to change a life of a young person
Specialist child and youth care provider Kibble is encouraging those looking to move into a more meaningful career to sign up to its Child and Youth Care Worker Staff-in-Training programme.
Isolated Heroes takeover Princes Square this weekend
Princes Square Collective is delighted to announce Scottish sustainable brand, Isolated Heroes will be taking over the Collective on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th October.
Book Week Scotland Programme Launch
2021 marks ten years of Book Week Scotland, and Scottish Book Trust has today (12 October) launched a programme of events around the theme of ‘Celebration’.
Glasgow initiative to reduce food waste kicks off
Diners are now able to reserve a space at one of the 36 food and drink venues participating in Plate up for Glasgow.
Taking Big Steps To Enjoy Top Up Taps Network in Scotland
Scotland’s expanding network of distinctive water refill stations is set to inspire people to enjoy and protect the nation’s great outdoors this Autumn.
The Blankfaces launches its flagship store at Buchanan Galleries
Buchanan Galleries has welcomed another name to its retailer line-up as The Blankfaces opens its flagship store!
The acclaimed new London production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is coming to Glasgow!
Direct from two triumphant seasons at The London Palladium, the sensational brand new production of Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will come to Glasgow next summer.
The Say Award announce the 2021 shortlist
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award is today delighted to reveal 2021’s Shortlist, plus the winner of the inaugural Modern Scottish Classic Award, as voted by 2021’s Longlist.
Emily Williamson Statue Campaign national tour visits RSPB Loch Leven
The campaign to create a statue of RSPB founder and eco pioneer Emily Williamson (1855-1936) is touring RSPB reserves around the country including a visit to RSPB Loch Leven in Kinross.
Specsavers Scottish Music Awards add more names to star studded line up
Specsavers Scottish Music Awards add event more names to star studded line-up including Wet Wet Wet, The Bluebells and Brooke Combe!
Sponsored Links
