Burrell to close for revamp

A leading museum is marking the final day before it closes for a multi-million-pound refurbishment with a host of activities.

The Burrell Collection, one of Glasgow’s cultural jewels, has closed its doors and will reopen in 2020 after redevelopment.

At the weekend the museum hosted live music, a family ceilidh, helmet making and mural workshops, and guided tours, with all activities free of charge.

The Burrell Collection opened to the public in 1983, and received international acclaim.

But the building which houses the collection, in the heart of Pollok Country Park, is said to no longer be fit for purpose and in need of a full refurbishment.

Only 20% of the collection, donated to the city by Sir William Burrell in 1944, is on display as many items have had to be removed to protect them from damage.

It is estimated that the total cost of the project will be between £60 million and £66 million.

Under the modernisation plans, a new roof and high-performance glazing will make the museum more energy-efficient.

Two new floors of exhibition space will be created so that 90% of the 8,000 objects can be viewed by the public.

Throughout the Burrell’s refurbishment, some of the works from its collection will be on display at Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery in Glasgow.