A WOMAN who says a visit to Glasgow’s Burrell Collection “has been on her bucket list for 30 years” has become the world-famous attraction’s 500,000th visitor since re-opening last March.
Gill Armstrong, who is visiting the city from Scarborough, said: “This was top of the must-see list. I love it. You turn that way and there is a Degas, then the other and there is a Rodin, it’s amazing.”
The happy milestone comes as Glasgow Life, the charity which runs the Burrell in Pollok Park, confirmed the museum’s economic benefit to the city amounts to £19.9m.
The A-listed home of the collection re-opened less than a year ago, and the modern, greener museum has been a magnet for tourists and locals alike.
A recent visitor survey noted 88% of people said “visiting a Glasgow museum was either very or quite an important factor in their decision to visit the city”.
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Bailie Annette Christie, chairperson 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. 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.”
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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.
The Burrell Collection was officially opened in October by His Majesty King Charles, on his first engagement in Glasgow as monarch, nearly 40 years after it was originally opened by the Queen.
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