Visit The Burrell Collection | Art, Nature & Innovation

A museum building with a metal roof and large glass windows, set in a forest. — The Burrell Collection

The world-renowned Burrell Collection reopened in March 2022 after a major refurbishment. Now a modern, greener museum with more space for the Collection, entry is free for all visitors. Hayley Bradshaw from the team tells us her top 5 reasons to visit.

1. Glasgow’s greatest ever gift

Sir William Burrell spent over 75 years collecting art with his wife, Constance, Lady Burrell.

Together, they built one of the world’s best personal art collections. It's famous for its quality of Chinese art, stained glass, and tapestries. There’s also a wide range of fine art.

When the Burrells gave the Collection to Glasgow, it was called: “One of the greatest gifts ever made to any city in the world.” (Sir Hector Hetherington, Principal of the University of Glasgow).

Now, visitors can learn more about the life of the Burrell family, as they are ‘brought back to life’ through digital displays.

Sunlight streams through a series of four ornate stained-glass windows

2. Set within Glasgow’s scenic Pollok Country Park

Pollok Country Park is the biggest park in Glasgow - and the only country park in the city. The Burrell Collection is nestled right in the middle, almost like a hidden treasure trove waiting to be found.

The museum, now greener and more eco-friendly, is set within this expansive park. It's a great day out for all ages and seasons; muddy boots are always welcome in the museum!

Getting there is easy thanks to a free electric shuttle bus. It runs every day and links the entrance at 2060 Pollokshaws Road with Pollok House and The Burrell Collection.

Pollok Park has wide woodlands and beautiful gardens. Around 2 million people visit each year, but it still feels calm and peaceful. You can also spot the famous Pollok Highland cattle grazing in the fields.

A shady path winds through the lush green trees of Pollok Country Park. Walkers enjoy the woodland setting, with a signpost pointing the way. — Pollok Park woodland trail

3. Digital at The Burrell brings visitors closer to the Collection

New displays give visitors a better understanding of the international significance of artworks. As well as the people who made them and some of the people who have owned them.

In total, 225 displays are spread across 24 galleries. Innovative digital elements such as video walls, interactives and hybrid systems help people engage with the stories behind the Collection.

Visitors interacting with an upright digital screen and viewing ceramic and ancient artefacts displayed in glass cases under a wooden-beamed ceiling at The Burrell Collection.

4. Old favourites

The Collection is home to the Wagner garden carpet, one of the earliest surviving Persian garden carpets in the world. It has rarely been on public display since The Burrell Collection first opened in 1983. The museum’s refurbishment and redisplay mean this priceless carpet will now be on long-term display.

Other highlights include Chinese pottery and porcelain produced over 5,000 years. This makes it one of the most significant collections of Chinese Art in Europe. Paintings by renowned French artists including Manet, Cézanne and Degas are also very impressive. My personal favourite are the medieval treasures including stained glass, arms and armour. Plus, there are over 200 tapestries and 150 carpets, which are among the finest in the world.

A gallery room displays a suit of armour, tapestries, and other artefacts.

5. Shop and eat

The Burrell Collection shop has a huge range of products, many of which are exclusive to The Burrell and include pocket money priced items. There’s something for everyone!

The Burrell also has a range of dining options, including two coffee stops as well as the main restaurant with a new outdoor terrace. All serve excellent, innovative Scottish produce.