The Burrell Collection

OUR ROLE

Jared Mensah, our museums expert, led our team on this project from the masterplanning stage onward. Collaborating closely with the exhibition designers at Event, we developed a range of creative design options for client review. To facilitate the selection process, we prepared multiple cost models, ensuring informed decision-making.

Given the Burrell Collection's object-rich environment, it was essential to carefully choose showcases and finishes that would both enhance the appearance of the artifacts and elevate the visitor experience. Leveraging our extensive industry expertise, we guided the project team in selecting high-quality yet cost-effective materials throughout the design phases.

THE PROJECT

The Burrell Collection is a collection of rare works of art, brought together and gifted to the city of Glasgow by Sir William Burrell. It features rare medieval stained glass, ancient Chinese ceramics, Islamic carpets and French paintings. The collection is housed in a modernist masterpiece, an example of post-war architecture that opened in 1983. 30 years later, the Burrell Collection faced significant challenges. The building was no longer fit for purpose, water threatened the collections, accessibility was substandard and visitor numbers were declining. The collection was at risk of becoming almost forgotten about by the city.

Greenway Associates were part of a consultant team of architects, designers, engineers, access consultants and audience specialists who pooled their collective expertise to create a powerful masterplan and funding bid. As a result, the museum was awarded £16 million funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, their largest award to date.

The museum welcomed more than 500,000 visitors in the first 8 months after reopening, and reports revealed the renewed museum brought a £19.9 million economic benefit to Glasglow and £21.1 million for Scotland within the first 6 months of reopening.

Architects John McAslan + Partners drew design inspiration from the stunning country park setting and the modernist architecture of the Burrell Collection, creating an environment that evokes a sense of ‘letting the outside in.’ The thoughtful integration of new entrances, a piazza, an outdoor café, and versatile event spaces fosters a seamless blend between the museum and the surrounding park. Event, the masterplanners and exhibition designers, played a crucial role in this transformation, ensuring that the exhibition spaces are engaging and accessible, while enhancing the overall visitor experience. Together, the collaborative efforts of both teams have revitalized the Burrell Collection, making it a dynamic cultural hub for all.

Internally, the project saw the refurbishment of 36 galleries & increased the displaying space of the museum by 35%. Two new floors of gallery space were opened, enabling 90% of the collection to be accessible, compared to just 20% before. Visitors are brought into Sir William Burrell’s world of collecting by his voice, which leads visitors through the displays.

AWARDS

We are thrilled to announce that The Burrell Collection won Art Fund Museum of the Year award for 2023.