The Burrell Collection

Overview

The Burrell Collection houses over 9,000 objects amassed by the shipping magnate Sir William Burrell, who donated his extraordinary collection to Glasgow in 1944. Set within Pollok Country Park, the purpose-built museum reopened in 2022 after a £68.25 million refurbishment.

Highlights

• Medieval Art and Tapestries: One of the finest collections of medieval art in Europe, including rare tapestries and stained glass.
• Chinese Ceramics: An extensive collection spanning 5,000 years of Chinese art.
• Impressionist Works: Paintings by Degas, Cézanne, and Manet among other French masters.

History

Sir William Burrell spent 75 years collecting art, sculpture, and antiquities. His gift came with the stipulation that the collection be housed at least 16 miles from Glasgow's centre, due to pollution concerns. Modern air quality improvements allowed the park location. The award-winning 2022 renovation tripled the display space.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: Combine with a walk through Pollok Country Park to see Highland cattle.
• Tip 2: The reconstructed medieval rooms with original Burrell architectural fragments are a unique highlight.
• Duration: 1.5–2.5 hours.