Described as “one of Europes most beautiful museums”, the Burrell Collection has reopened after five years of digital and environmental upgrading. The collection was acquired by Sir William Burrell, a wealthy Glasgow shipping magnate, and his wife, Constance. A purpose built museum started construction in 1978 and was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1983.
After 30 years the museum needed significant upgrading to meet 21st century standards and major investment was required for the “A-listed building to help set new standards for sustainability in museums with new gallery spaces, displays and facilities and will be an exemplar of sustainable low carbon design.”
The collection itself contains over 9000 objects and oddities including Egyptian artefacts, Chinese and Islamic art, medieval weapons, some of the finest tapestries in the world and significant works by French artists Cézanne and Degas.
Dr. Bridget McConnell, the Cheif Executive of Glasgow Life, said of the reopening: “The events reopening programme will establish the new Burrell in the minds of local, national and international audiences. It will also offer a platform to establish Pollok Park as a major local and tourist destination in the south of the city."
The Burrell Collection is open to the public now: https://burrellcollection.com/
