Open
Open: Monday-Thursday & Saturday 10am-5pm, Friday & Sunday 11am-5pm
Closed
25 and 26 December
1 and 2 January
Description
When Sir William Burrell and his wife, Constance, Lady Burrell, gifted his collection of over 9,000 works of art to Glasgow, the city acquired one of the greatest collections created by one person. William Burrell had been an art collector since his teens, and the collection is made up of a vast array of works of all periods and from all over the world. In 1944, Burrell and his wife signed the Deed of Gift of their collection to the City of Glasgow. They wanted the collection to be housed in a building 16 miles from the centre of the Glasgow, to show the works of art to their greatest advantage, and also to avoid the damaging effects of air pollution. Sadly, no suitable site had been identified by Burrell's death in 1958, but Mrs Anne Maxwell Macdonald and her family gifted Pollok House and 360 acres of Pollok Estate to the City of Glasgow in 1967. Although within the city boundaries, it was agreed that this offered a wonderful setting for the collections. The Burrell was purpose built, the result of an architectural competition, and opened in 1983. Care was taken to ensure harmony between the building and its collections, and the park it is situated in. The light and airy building, its woodland setting and the amazing breadth of Sir William Burrell's collection make a visit to The Burrell Collection an experience not to be missed. The park and woodland offer plenty of outdoor activities too - why not come for a walk and a picnic, or see the changing seasons reflected in the trees? Pollok House is also situated in Pollok Estate, about 10 minutes’ walk from the Burrell Collection, and a shuttle bus service runs between the two museums.
Collections description
You can wander round important collections of medieval art, tapestries, alabasters, stained glass and English oak furniture, European paintings, including works by Degas and Cézanne, an important collection of Islamic art, and modern sculpture including works by Epstein and Rodin. Children will be fascinated by the works from days of long ago -we have a fine collection of works from ancient China, Egypt, Greece and Rome. Architectural features from the collection have been integrated into the structure of the building -you can walk under arches built for medieval lords and ladies. There are also reconstructions of rooms from Sir William’s home, furnished in gothic style with items from the collection.
General Information
Pre-booking service for groups
Foreign language leaflet or brochure available
Collections
General guide to collections available
Specialist publications on collections available
Object identification and/or written enquiry service
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Disability Access
Induction loops in lecture theatres
Toilets for disabled
Wheelchair access to all public areas
Children and Families
Baby changing facilities
General Education
Adult lectures and courses held
Education facilities available
Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Reception and lunch facilities for educational groups
Schools Education
Printed/audio-visual information available for schools
Facilities
Facilities for private functions and events
Meeting room available
Object study facilities available (enquire in advance)
Restaurant
Shop
Study facilities
