Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery is one of the most iconic buildings in Glasgow.

The 121-year-old architectural gem is the most visited attraction in the city and brings in visitors from around the world.

Kelvingrove is also home to arguably the city’s most prized art treasure, the Christ of Saint John of the Cross.

READ MORE: Glasgow's City Chambers and Kelvingrove Museum to be SOLD to fund final equal pay deal

The painting has been valued at around £60m and has frequently been the subject of speculation that it could be sold off as the council faces huge budget pressures.

It was bought by the city for £8200 in 1952, the same year as the late Queen ascended to the throne.

Earlier this year a Glasgow union official suggested it should be sold to fund the equal pay settlements.

Gary Smith, of GMB, had said the deal should not be at the expense of workers' jobs and wages.

Glasgow City Council confirmed the new sell and lease back deal for all the venues includes the buildings only and not the contents.

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And the building will continue to be used as a museum and art gallery.

A report approved by the city administration committee stated: “The rent will be subject to an annual fixed rent increase.

“The value and date it will be effective from is to be agreed. The subjects shall continue to be used for the existing purposes and for no other purpose without landlord’s consent.”

It closed for a refurbishment in 2003 and after a £35m project reopened in 2006 when Queen Elizabeth visited for the opening ceremony.

It is one of five facilities Glasgow City Council is to sell to City Property, the council-owned property firm and lease back over 25-30 years.

The art gallery houses many famous paintings including several Glasgow Boys works like Anna Pavlova by John Lavery and Old Willie By James Guthrie.

It also houses works by Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

The deal also involves selling the City Chambers, Kelvin Hall, the Gallery of Modern Art and two schools, Gowanbank campus and Sighthill campus.