The Burrell Collection announces first international exhibition

A must-see show

A new blockbuster exhibition showcasing Sir William Burrell's complete collection of prized works by Hilaire-Germain-Degas (1834-1917) will open at The Burrell Collection on Friday 24 May 2024 announced Glasgow Life, the charity delivering culture and sport in the city.

Discovering Degas: Collecting in the Age of William Burrell is the first time visitors can marvel at all 23 Degas works from Burrell's original collection together in one place. These exquisite works will be enhanced by a display of around 50 further exceptional paintings, works on paper and sculptures on loan from some of the UK and world's finest national and international collections.

Discovering Degas gives local communities across Glasgow an exciting way to expand their connection with an exquisite collection that is housed in their city. At the same time the strength and connoisseurship of The Burrell Collection Degas works has assisted Glasgow Life Museums in fostering relationships with some of the greatest art institutions across the world, culminating in a world-class exhibition that will further strengthen the museum’s international appeal and standing.

Tickets are now on sale for Discovering Degas, which is set to be one of the must-see Scottish shows of the summer.

Figures in a café (L'Absinthe), Edgar Degas, 1875-1876, Photo © RMN-Grand Palais (Musée d'Orsay)/Adrien Didierjean

First international exhibition for museum

The Burrell’s first international exhibition since reopening in 2022 offers a unique opportunity to see a stunning array of the finest works, by one of the world’s most revered artists, exhibited together. Almost 70% of the works are coming on loan from respected collections including The Courtauld, National Museums Liverpool Walker Art Gallery, The National Gallery London, The National Museum Cardiff, and the National Galleries of Scotland in the UK and Musée d’Orsay, Paris.

The exhibition will explore the collecting and buying of Degas artworks by Sir William Burrell and his wife Constance, Lady Burrell, who donated one of the single greatest gifts to the city of Glasgow. As shown in the exhibition through fascinating letters and other archival material, Burrell is amongst the earliest Scottish collectors to buy works by Degas. Over a 40-year collecting period Burrell bought over 20 artworks by Degas, far more than any other UK collector, spanning the artist’s career.