LIST YOUR EVENT FOR FREE

The Burrell Collection welcomes 500,000 visits

The Burrell Collection in Glasgow has welcomed 500,000 visits since it reopened at the end of March 2022 following a major refurbishment, the charity Glasgow Life has confirmed.

The Burrell Collection welcomes 500,000 visits

Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 19 January 2023 6:58

Image Credit: SNS

The world-class museum has proved to be a major draw for citizens and tourists to the city, with initial reports for the six months to October confirming an economic benefit of £19.9 million for Glasgow, and £21.1 million for Scotland.

The A-listed home of The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park is a modern, greener museum, displaying one of the finest personal collections of art ever assembled. More than half a million people have visited the award-winning museum in the first nine months, with over three-quarters of those travelling from outside the city, re-establishing its position as one of Glasgow’s great cultural institutions, and a key visitor attraction.

When the Burrell was originally opened in 1983, it marked the start of an ambitious transformation for the city, and a £1.4bn spend on cultural and sporting led regeneration. By harnessing the power of its incredible cultural draw, Glasgow has positioned itself as one of the world’s must-visit destinations. An accolade underscored by the recent Burrell visitor survey, with 88% of people stating, ‘visiting a Glasgow Museum was either very or quite an important factor in their decision to visit the city’.

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.”

Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life said: “These strong interim results make welcome reading. Confirmation of such healthy visitor numbers at the Burrell, and the huge economic boost this has generated for the city, is growing evidence of sustained interest by international, UK and Scottish domestic tourists and day-trippers. The Burrell Collection is a reminder of culture’s significant contribution to the international appeal and vibrancy of Glasgow and the affection felt by local people for the museum and Collection.

“As the Burrell approaches its first anniversary, we will continue to programme events and exhibitions that will attract local people and tourists in the years ahead. While the changing seasons is likely to draw people back to Pollok Country Park, allowing them to spend more time enjoying this part of Glasgow all year round.”


The reopening early in 2022 was the start of a major new chapter for one of the country’s most internationally significant, sustainable, and treasured museums. In October, His Majesty King Charles, on his first official engagement in Glasgow as monarch, officially opened The Burrell Collection nearly 40 years after it was originally opened by the Queen. After receiving an autumnal wreath from local nursery children, His Majesty enjoyed a tour of the Collection before meeting with volunteers, supporters, trustees, and staff to learn about the scale and sustainability of the refurbishment.

In August the inaugural exhibition to be held at the refurbished museum opened, The Burrells’ Legacy: A Great Gift to Glasgow charts the collecting and legacy of Sir William Burrell and his wife Constance, Lady Burrell, who donated one of the single greatest gifts to the city of Glasgow.

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

Following the refurbishment, the museum’s gallery space increased by 35%, enabling visitors to see and appreciate much more of the Collection. In total, 225 displays are spread across 24 galleries.

Trustees for the Sir William Burrell Trust continue to acquire new works for the Collection. In 2021, The Burrell became the first public UK collection to acquire a work by French sculptor Camille Claudel. L’Implorante is the first sculpture by a woman to enter the Collection and is on display for the first time as part of The Burrells’ Legacy: A Great Gift to Glasgow exhibition.

Professor Frances Fowle, Senior Trustee, 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.”

Nearly half of the funding for the £68.25 million project was committed by Glasgow City Council, with more than a quarter coming from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and significant donations from The Scottish Government, the UK Government, and from many generous trusts and private 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.”

The reimagining of The Burrell Collection has won many awards since reopening in March, including most recently both the Culture and Heritage Award at the prestigious Architects’ Journal Architecture Awards. The refurbishment has also brought new visitors to Glasgow’s largest green space to enjoy a full day out in its spectacular home in Pollok Country Park.

Sponsored Links

East Renfrewshire Culture
Pace Youth Theatre
Gin To My Tonic
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Glasgow's Leading Attractions
Renfrewshire Council

Latest Glasgow News

Christmas is officially here... the IRN BRU Carnival launches for the festive season

Christmas is officially here... the IRN BRU Carnival launches for the festive season

Today, Friday 20 December, the IRN-BRU Carnival officially opens to the public, bringing all the fun of the fair to Glasgow's SEC for the 105th year!

READ MORE
Back by popular demand:  Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico

Back by popular demand: Murder on the Midnight Express returns to Somewhere By Nico

Back by popular demand, Murder on the Midnight Express is making its highly anticipated return to Somewhere by Nico in Edinburgh and Glasgow for a limited time only.

READ MORE
Glasgow Mat Pilates Studio looks to add NEW Classes to bring people together

Glasgow Mat Pilates Studio looks to add NEW Classes to bring people together

Move Train Eat is set to grow its timetable in 2025 with the aim of helping people move better and connect with like-minded people, as they enter new phases of life.

READ MORE
Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well

Room to Recharge: Kimpton Hotels in Scotland launch new wellness program, Stay Well

Kimpton Hotels in Edinburgh and Glasgow have launched 'Stay Well', a new wellness-first initiative designed to help guests 'feel good, travel better, and stay well' while travelling.

READ MORE
Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day

Wicked fans in Scotland invited to special Sing Along screenings at Vue this Boxing Day

After becoming one of the most popular big screen releases of 2024, Vue is excited to announce that an extra special sing-along version of Wicked is heading to the big screen this Boxing Day.

READ MORE
Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition

Funding win marks anniversary of Mackintosh acquisition

A generous package of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has been pledged to the National Trust for Scotland to celebrate the genius of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and Margaret Macdonald.

READ MORE
Braehead Shopping Centre celebrates 10 new openings in 2024

Braehead Shopping Centre celebrates 10 new openings in 2024

Braehead Shopping Centre has had an incredible year in 2024, marked by a wave of exciting new stores that have reinforced its position as one of Scotland's leading shopping destinations.

READ MORE
Glasgow Fort confirms festive opening hours

Glasgow Fort confirms festive opening hours

Glasgow Fort has confirmed its festive opening times for last minute shopping and anyone planning a day out with family and friends over the Christmas period.

READ MORE
Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots

Caledonian Sleeper announces winners of photography competition celebrating UK beauty spots

Caledonian Sleeper has announced the winners of its photography competition aimed at celebrating the country's most scenic locations on the overnight train's iconic route.

READ MORE
Citizens Theatre announces first stage production for its reopening in 2025

Citizens Theatre announces first stage production for its reopening in 2025

The Citizens Theatre announces Small Acts of Love as the show which will reopen the theatre in 2025.

READ MORE
Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores

Garden Centre invites budding indoor gardeners to its stores

Dobbies Garden Centres is kicking off the new year on a green note, offering two free workshops at its Scottish stores this January.

READ MORE
Acclaimed lecture by Panto legend Johnny McKnight returns for one off performance

Acclaimed lecture by Panto legend Johnny McKnight returns for one off performance

Stage star and Panto legend Johnny McKnight will take to the stage once more, in 2025, for a one-off performance of his acclaimed lecture She's Behind You at The Pavilion Theatre.

READ MORE
Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list

Ticketmaster announces Breakthrough 2025 list

Ticketmaster has unveiled its much-anticipated Breakthrough 2025 list, highlighting the brightest up-and-coming stars set to shape the live music scene in 2025.

READ MORE
Pioneering new partnership between Buchanan Galleries and The White Company Makes perfect scents this Christmas

Pioneering new partnership between Buchanan Galleries and The White Company Makes perfect scents this Christmas

Buchanan Galleries has joined forces with The White Company in a pioneering new partnership that’s not to be sniffed at.

READ MORE
Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!

Blooming Fabulous! The Scottish Garden Festival arrives in 2025!

This family-friendly festival takes place in the spacious and scenic Hamilton Park Racecourse, offering a perfect setting for all ages to enjoy.

READ MORE
Crossbasket Castle announces grand opening date of its new luxury development

Crossbasket Castle announces grand opening date of its new luxury development

Crossbasket Castle will deliver one of Scotland’s newest and most exciting five-star hospitality experiences, with a unique restaurant by Michelin Star Chef Michel Roux.

READ MORE
OVO Hydro to spread holiday cheer with ticket giveaway

OVO Hydro to spread holiday cheer with ticket giveaway

OVO Hydro, Scotland's Home of Live Entertainment, is spreading holiday cheer with a festive giveaway and support for Nordoff & Robbins music therapy charity.

READ MORE
Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards

Biffy Clyro, Young Fathers & Callum Beattie among winners at inaugural Scottish Live Music Awards

The Scottish Live Music Awards (SLMA) celebrated the best of Scotland's vibrant live music scene on Thursday night during a prestigious ceremony at Glasgow's Classic Grand Ballroom.

READ MORE
People in Glasgow asked to nominate their local business support champions for new Awards

People in Glasgow asked to nominate their local business support champions for new Awards

Business Gateway has announced that nominations are now open for its inaugural Recognition Awards.

READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival

'Hook' a Duck around Glasgow for your chance to win tickets to this year's IRN-BRU Carnival!

READ MORE
Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage

Dogstar Theatre brings Gideon Mack from page to stage

James Robertson's 2006 best-selling novel will be brought to life in early 2025 with a stage adaptation of The Testament of Gideon Mack from Dogstar Theatre Company.

READ MORE
OVO Hydro crowned venue of the year at Live Awards

OVO Hydro crowned venue of the year at Live Awards

OVO Hydro, Scotland's premier entertainment venue, has been named Venue of the Year at the prestigious Live Awards.

READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for

Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for

The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!

READ MORE
Sean Batty urges Glasgow residents to choose local this Christmas

Sean Batty urges Glasgow residents to choose local this Christmas

Weather presenter took part in George Square market as he promotes his first festive children's book, The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!

READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Announces Country Focus,  Special Events, and UK Wide Screenings

Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Announces Country Focus, Special Events, and UK Wide Screenings

Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced that its 2025 Country Focus will be Austria and reveals its Special Events which will go on sale on Monday 16th December.

READ MORE
Vote Now! Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 Open Nominations

Vote Now! Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 Open Nominations

From iconic institutions to rising stars, the search is on to find the city's best bars, pubs, and hospitality heroes that make Glasgow great!

READ MORE
Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Glasgow with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch

Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Glasgow with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch

Flight Club Glasgow is celebrating Hogmanay in style with a bottomless brunch to end all bottomless brunches and a gorgeous limited-edition cocktail menu.

READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter

itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter

Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.

READ MORE
Award winning folk star set for sparkling Celtic Connections show

Award winning folk star set for sparkling Celtic Connections show

Glasgow-based folk sensation Beth Malcolm is getting set to perform her forthcoming new album to local audiences as part of Celtic Connections at Barony Hall on Saturday 1st February.

READ MORE
Asda colleagues wear Happy to Chat badges to help tackle loneliness this Christmas

Asda colleagues wear Happy to Chat badges to help tackle loneliness this Christmas

Millions of over 60's are facing a completely silent night, and day, this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone across the festive period.

READ MORE

Sponsored Links

The Quay
ATG
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Paisley First
Mowgli
Fayre Play
ATG

Sponsored Links

East Renfrewshire Culture
Pace Youth Theatre
Gin To My Tonic
City Of Glasgow Chorus
Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust
Glasgow's Leading Attractions
Renfrewshire Council
The Quay
ATG
City Sightseeing Glasgow
Paisley First
Mowgli
Fayre Play
ATG

Popular Events

Glasgow Winterfest
Glasgow Winterfest, the city's most anticipated winter celebration, is back for 2024, set to transform George Square and St Enoch Square into enchanting wonderlands!
itison Drive-In Movies
Scotland's original Drive-in returns to Loch Lomond Shores this Christmas, with your favourite festive classics, a host of festive foodie treats and itison's famous Car-aoke!
Barras Xmas Market
Experience the enchanting atmosphere of the Barras Xmas Market under the twinkling lights, and indulge in the joy of finding unique gifts and treats for your loved ones!
Peter Pan
Join Peter Pan and the characters you know and love when this swashbuckling J M Barrie pantomime adventure, starring Elaine C Smith and Johnny Mac, comes to the King's Theatre Glasgow!
Beauty And The Beastie
From the team that brought you the hilarious and much-revered adventure Treasure Island, this year's panto at The Pavilion Theatre Glasgow will be Beauty And The Beastie!

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