THE Burrell Collection has welcomed half a million visits since it re-opened at the end of March last year following a major refurbishment.
The Burrell Collection, located in Pollok Country Park, has generated £19.9 million for Glasgow and £21.1m for Scotland in the first six months of opening.
The collection first opened in 1983, which marked the start of a £1.4 billion spend on a cultural regeneration for the city allowing it to become one of the world’s must-visit destinations.
Bailie Annette Christie, chair of Glasgow Life, said: “To have welcomed 500,000 people to the Burrell since reopening in March is a wonderful endorsement for the ambitious refurbishment of this cherished, world-class museum. Glasgow’s ongoing commitment to culture continues to reap substantial wellbeing and economic rewards for the city.
“The appeal of the Burrell Collection is reflected in these strong visitor figures. This spectacular home for a unique, prized collection will enable Glasgow to continue promoting inclusion and support for local communities, businesses and the tourism economy.”
King Charles officially re-opened the Burrell Collection last year, nearly 40 years after it was originally opened by Queen Elizabeth.
He received a tour of the collection before meeting with volunteers, trustees and staff to learn about the newly improved museum.
Five months after re-opening, the inaugural exhibition at the refurbished museum began, highlighting the legacy of the Burrell family.
Chinese art, stained glass, intricate tapestries and fine art are among the collection at the museum that the Burrells spent 75 years gathering.
The refurbishment has increased the museum’s gallery space by 35% allowing visitors to see more of the collection as there are now 225 displays across 24 galleries.
Frances Fowle, senior trustee at the Sir William Burrell Trust, said: “The Burrell Trustees are delighted that the new-look Burrell Collection has already attracted so many visitors, both local and international.
"This is testament to the quality of the collection, which has been imaginatively redisplayed and reinterpreted in a magnificent, state-of-the-art museum that offers something for everyone.”
The £68.25m refurbishment was commissioned by many contributors, with almost half coming from Glasgow City Council and a quarter from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Significant donations were also given from the Scottish Government and trust donors.
Eilish McGuinness, chief executive at the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Burrell Collection was one of the greatest gifts ever given to a city and the seed that helped Glasgow grow into the thriving cultural centre it is today. It’s wonderful news that, with the help of National Lottery investment, this much-loved museum is back on the world stage, flourishing once again.
“The impact of investing in our heritage and culture cannot be underestimated. Not only does it boost the national economy it benefits the local economy through tourism, education, and skills and, like the Burrell, is a source of huge affection and pride for those that live there.”
