The Burrell Collection represents a significant milestone in the post-industrial reinvention of Glasgow as a renowned centre of culture and sport.

Sir William Burrell’s extraordinary gift of over 9,000 artworks is housed in an A listed building, considered to be one of Scotland’s finest examples of post-war architecture.

The museum includes one of the finest collections of tapestries and stained glass in the world and one of Europe’s finest collections of Degas. The renaissance project includes the refurbishment of the fabric of the building and the redisplay of the Collection. Each is internationally significant and together create one of the world’s outstanding museums.

The refurbishment will create a more energy efficient and accessible museum, whilst the innovative redisplay of Sir William’s collection will provide a world-class day-out visitor experience, offering unprecedented levels of access and engagement, in a beautiful park setting.

It has also acted as a catalyst for the transformation of Pollok Country Park, the only country park in Glasgow, in which the museum is located. Work with local commuities has helped shape the redesign and remove many barriers to access, ensuring the Burrell will be a place of learning, of inspiration and a museum of which Glasgow can be proud, highlighting the city’s cultural standing in the world.

The refurbishment

The Burrell Collection is of outstanding architectural significance and is considered by many to be one of the finest public buildings of the late 20th century.

It is the result of an architectural competition won in 1972 by the team of Barry Gasson, John Meunier and Brit Andresen. The Burrell opened to great critical and public acclaim in 1983. In 2013 it was awarded A-listed status by Historic Scotland as one of the country’s finest examples of 1970s architectural design.

The £68.25 million refurbishment is revitalising the museum, protecting the city’s world-class Collection and its architecturally significant home for the future.

The roof has been repaired and all glazing has been replaced, creating a more air-tight building, reducing the amount of energy consumed. In the long term, energy to heat and power the museum will come from a greener, renewable source, greatly improving the Burrell Collection’s environmental performance. 

The entire philosophy behind the refurbishment is to ensure the Collection, which belongs to the people of Glasgow, is accessible to all citizens and all those who visit the city. A second key feature of the pioneering redevelopment is the creation of a central core, which has been designed to encourage people to move around the entire museum and discover all three floors of the reimagined Burrell Collection for the first time.

The collection

The Burrell Collection has been described as ‘one of the most remarkable assemblages of works of art ever brought together by one man’ and ‘one of the greatest gifts ever made to any city in the world’. The collection of over 9000 works of art was given by Sir William Burrell in 1944. He added to it regularly until his death in 1958 and purchases continue to be supported by a trust he established.

Rectangular stained glass panel with the bust of Princess Cecilia from the Becket window in Canterbury Cathedral (north-west transept). By John Prudde.

Sir William Burrell focused his collecting on a number of distinct areas, mainly northern European medieval and renaissance art, Chinese art, Islamic Art, contemporary European painting and antiquities. His deep understanding of these subjects and his eye for quality enabled him to build up an exceptional collection of outstanding international importance. Some parts of the collection are comparable in quality and significance to the best of the V&A and the Metropolitan Museum, New York.

The particular glory of the collection lies in the late gothic and early renaissance works of art from northern Europe, including one of the best collections of tapestries and stained glass in the world as well as sculpture, arms and armour and furniture. Another area of strength is the excellent collection of nineteenth century French art, including one of Europe’s finest collections of Degas. The Chinese art, consisting of ceramics, jade and metalwork, is exceptionally comprehensive and of international importance.

What's new?

The entire philosophy behind the refurbishment is to ensure the Collection, which belongs to the people of Glasgow, is accessible to all citizens and all those who visit the city. A second key feature of the pioneering redevelopment is the creation of a central core, which has been designed to encourage people to move around the entire museum and discover all three floors of the reimagined Burrell Collection for the first time.

The Burrell Collection Glasgow, ahead of reopening on 29 March (media preview 8 Feb 2022). Copyright Alan McAteer

Visitors can expect to be engaged, educated and entertained by the outstanding digital offering presented at The Burrell. The key principle underlining every piece of digital is to deepen people’s understanding of the Collection. Short films, digital labels, fun interactives, immersive experiences and memorable large-scale video projections, aimed at different audiences, will create a variety of experiences that invite people to engage with and connect to the works of art on show, especially those who may be naturally more hesitant to do so. A storytelling approach will bring local voices and communities associated with the objects to life, opening conversations and providing an increased sense of ownership and understanding of the collection.

An extensive public programme will offer visitors a range of activities. Creative sessions designed for early years, families and adults will bring the collection to life. Many of the new displays have been shaped by local families, with almost 20% aimed at providing under 5’s with a completely immersive experience. Families can look forward to art and storytelling sessions, where the works of art take centre stage, what better way to learn than by getting completely hands on. Outside, the wonderful setting of Pollok Country Park will play an important role in the wellbeing programme.

The Burrell Collection visitor details

The Burrell Collection, Pollokshaws Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G43 1AT; website.

Open Mon-Thu and Sat, 10am-5pm; Fri and Sun, 11am-5pm. For directions, including public transport options, visit The Burrell Collection website.

(Text, video and images (unless stated) copyright CSG CIC Glasgow Museums and Collections)