The Burrell Collection in Glasgow has welcomed more than 500,000 visits since it reopened at the end of March 2022 following a major refurbishment, its operating charity Glasgow Life has confirmed.

Reports for the six months to October suggest the reopening has had an economic benefit of £19.9 million for Glasgow, and £21.1 million for Scotland.

The museum reopened to the public on Tuesday 29th March 2022 after major refurbishment which was designed to provide a greener, expanded space which provides visitors access to over a third more of the building.

The multi-year refurbishment, which cost £68.25 million, began in 2016. The expansion includes a new central stairway allowing visitors access to its open store on the lower floor for the first time.

The museum said 88% of people in its recent survey agreed that ‘visiting a Glasgow Museum was either very or quite an important factor in their decision to visit the city’.

Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life said the figures were a “wonderful endorsement for the ambitious refurbishment of this cherished, world-class museum.

“Glasgow’s ongoing commitment to culture continues to reap substantial wellbeing and economic rewards for the city. The appeal of the Burrell Collection is reflected in these strong visitor figures.”

Chief Executive Susan Deighan added: “These strong interim results make welcome reading. Confirmation of such healthy visitor numbers at the Burrell, and the huge economic boost this has generated for the city, is growing evidence of sustained interest by international, UK and Scottish domestic tourists and day-trippers.”

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