A news release from Glasgow Life has announced exciting news of The Burrell Collection being named as Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023 at a ceremony in London, and on the BBC, last night (12 July).
Duncan Dornan, Head of Museums and Collections for Glasgow Life, was presented with the £120,000 prize – the largest museum prize in the world – by the artist Sir Grayson Perry at a ceremony at the British Museum, London.
The Burrell Collection in Pollok Country Park, Glasgow, houses the 9,000-object collection of Sir William and Constance Burrell.
Managed by the charity Glasgow Life, it was officially reopened by King Charles in October 2022 following a major refurbishment and redisplay, which aimed to celebrate diversity through the museum’s rich and varied collection and create the most accessible, inclusive and sustainable fine and decorative arts museum in the world.
The Burrell Collection welcomed over 500,000 visitors in the year after its reopening and contributed an economic impact of £20 million for Glasgow in its first six months.
The redisplay was co-curated with a wide range of community groups to ensure the museum showcases diverse and inclusive perspectives, and the Burrell team also partnered with local schools and a range of diverse community groups to amplify their voices.
Over 100 pieces of unique digital interpretation from immersive experiences to interactive games give context and meaning to the collection on a scale and to a quality previously unseen with decorative and fine art collections.
