William Burrell and his wife, Constance, gifted his collection of over nine thousand works of art to Glasgow. It was one of the largest collections created by one person. He started collecting in his teens.
The collection is comprised of a vast array of works of all periods, and from all over the world. Medieval art, tapestries, alabasters, stained glass, English oak furniture, European paintings, including works by Degas and Cézanne, Islamic art, and modern sculpture including works by Epstein and Rodin can all be seen.
William Burrell and his wife wanted the collection to be housed in a building around sixteen miles away from Glasgow city centre. They wanted to show the collection to its best advantage. It was also to avoid the damaging effects of air pollution. But no suitable site could be identified before his death in 1958.
Mrs Anne Maxwell Macdonald and her family gifted Pollok House and three hundred and sixty acres of Pollok Estate to the City of Glasgow in 1967. It was agreed to offer the setting for the collections, despite it being within the city boundaries.
The Burrell Collection is housed in the grounds of Pollock Park. Whilst there, you may wish to tour Pollok Park and Pollok House, which is the original mansion of the estate.
Pollok House, Pollok Country Park, Glasgow G43 1AT Telephone - 0141 616 6410
The Burrell Restaurant can be found on the ground floor of the Collection in a splendid glass roof structure, delightful surroundings where you enjoy a view of the wooded grounds of Pollok Park.
Opening Hours
Daily 10am - 5.00pm, except Friday and Sunday 11am - 5.00pm
All museums are closed on 25th & 26th December with early closing on 24th December, and 1st & 2nd January with early closing on 31st December
Prices
Free entry during winter (November - March) except special event days.
April to October - Adult £8 Children £5 Concessions £5 Families £20
