The Burrell Collection, Glasgow

What it is and why it matters

Sir William and Constance, Lady Burrell agreed to give their collection to Glasgow in 1944, and the purpose-built gallery opened in 1983. The building, by Barry Gasson, Brit Andresen and John Meunier, is Category A listed, with pink sandstone walls and long glazed elevations facing the woodland. Inside are Chinese art, medieval stained glass, more than 200 tapestries and carpets, the 17th-century Wagner Garden Carpet from Iran and a strong group of works by Degas. Reconstructed rooms from Hutton Castle and a stone doorway from Hornby Castle are built into the fabric. A £68.25 million refurbishment closed the museum from 2016 until 2022.

Visiting practicalities

Entry is free, with donations welcome. Direct trains from Glasgow Central reach Pollokshaws West in about ten minutes; from there turn left onto Pollokshaws Road and the park entrance at number 2060 is under five minutes' walk. Drivers use the Burrell car park off junction 2 of the M77, where charges apply and spaces are not guaranteed on busy days. Blue Badge holders park free, and the museum has two Changing Places toilets. Allow at least two hours for the galleries, and check opening times before you travel.

Nearby and combining your visit

Pollok Country Park surrounds the museum, so it is easy to add a woodland walk or a look at Pollok House and its gardens. Glasgow city centre is a short train ride back from Pollokshaws West if you want to pair the Burrell with another of the city's museums the same day.

Highlights

• More than 9,000 objects collected by Sir William Burrell
• Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023
• Over 700 medieval stained-glass panels and 200-plus tapestries and carpets
• The 17th-century Wagner Garden Carpet from Iran
• Category A listed 1983 building set in Pollok Country Park

Good to know

• Entry is free; donations are welcome.
• Pollokshaws West station is about 10 minutes from Glasgow Central, then under 5 minutes' walk.
• The car park charges and can fill up; Blue Badge holders park free.
• There are two Changing Places toilets, the first in Scotland.

Frequently asked questions