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Burrell Collection
The Burrell Collection is one of Glasgow’s best places to spend a few hours if you enjoy art, history or simply wandering around somewhere interesting without needing to plan every minute.
Set inside Pollok Country Park, the museum brings together thousands of objects collected by Sir William Burrell, from medieval stained glass and armour to Chinese ceramics, sculpture and Impressionist paintings.
Start with the Main Galleries
The collection is much more varied than you might expect.
One room might contain medieval stone carving or stained glass, while the next moves into paintings, furniture, tapestries, ceramics or sculpture from completely different parts of the world.
That variety makes the museum easy to enjoy even if you do not normally spend much time in art galleries.
Look for the Medieval Treasures
The medieval collection is one of the highlights.
You can see stained glass, tapestries, carved stone, furniture, armour and religious objects that once belonged in churches, castles and wealthy homes across Europe.
The stained glass is especially impressive because many pieces are displayed with natural light behind them, making the colours far more vivid than they would look in a conventional case.
Discover Art from China and Beyond
The collection reaches far beyond Europe.
There are important displays of Chinese ceramics, bronzes and sculpture, together with objects from ancient civilisations and cultures around the world.
The newer galleries use digital screens and interactive interpretation to explain where objects came from, how they were made and what they meant to the people who created them.
Find the Impressionist Paintings
The paintings give you another completely different side of the collection.
Burrell bought work by major European artists, including paintings associated with the Impressionist movement.
They sit alongside portraits, landscapes and other works collected because he liked them rather than because he was trying to build one narrowly focused museum.
That personal approach is one of the reasons the collection feels so varied.
Good for Families Too
The museum does not expect younger visitors to stand quietly and read labels for hours.
There are interactive and digital displays throughout the galleries, family activities and regular sessions designed to help children explore the collection in a more hands-on way.
Because admission is free, it also works well if you only want to look around for an hour before heading back into the park.
Step Outside into Pollok Country Park
The setting is a big part of the appeal.
The museum sits inside Pollok Country Park, so you can combine the galleries with woodland walks, open parkland or a longer wander around the estate.
That makes The Burrell a particularly good choice when part of the family wants a museum and everyone else would rather spend some time outdoors.
Stop for Something to Eat
The museum has its own restaurant, making it easy to stay for several hours without leaving the building.
There is plenty of seating, and the large windows keep the park visible even while you are indoors.
If the weather is good, you can also head back outside afterwards and continue exploring Pollok Country Park.
A Few Useful Tips
The Burrell Collection is in Pollok Country Park, Glasgow G43 1AT.
Admission to the museum is free.
Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and Saturday, and 11am to 5pm Friday and Sunday.
Allow around two to three hours if you want a good look around, although you can easily spend longer if you stop for food or explore the park as well.
The building has step-free entrances, lifts to all three floors, accessible toilets and manual wheelchairs available to borrow.
The Burrell was the first museum in Scotland to provide two Changing Places toilets, alongside additional accessible facilities.
There is paid parking beside the museum, with free accessible parking for Blue Badge holders.
A free electric shuttle bus runs around Pollok Country Park and links the park entrance, The Burrell Collection and Pollok House.
Stay in Glasgow: Find accommodation for exploring The Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park and the wider city.