The Heritage Lottery Fund has pledged £15m to the Burrell Collection in Glasgow. One of Scotland’s finest examples of post-war architecture, the building which houses the Burrell Collection, is no longer fit for purpose and requires a full refurbishment and redisplay.
Currently only 20% of its exceptional collection, donated to the city by Sir William Burrell in 1944, is on display.
Some items have been removed to protect them from damage and it is estimated that the total cost of the refurbishment project will be between £60m and £66m, with Glasgow City Council committed to meeting up to half of the cost.
A new roof and high performance glazing will make the museum an exemplar of efficient energy management.
Two new floors of contemporary exhibition space will be created and the basement stores will also be opened increasing access so that up to 90% of the 8,000 objects can be viewed by the public.
Visitors will also benefit from a new entrance, café, and learning space, while landscaped terraces will be introduced at the front of the museum to link with its parkland setting and provide a venue for events.
Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, 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.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, we are delighted to support plans to breathe new life into it so that it can continue to be a place of joy and inspiration for local, national and international visitors for many years to come.”
Councillor Archie Graham, the Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “The Burrell Collection is of international importance and the undoubted jewel in our cultural crown. We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has fully backed our ambitious plans for a full refurbishment and redisplay, which will massively increase access to some of the treasures which Sir William devoted his life in collecting.”
