The Burrell Collection in Glasgow has been selected as one of five finalists for The Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023.
The award, known as the world’s largest museum prize, shortlists five museums organisers consider to be outstanding with this year's edition marking 10 years.
The prize is grounded in 50 years of history, championing the UK's 2,500 museums, galleries and heritage sites with those shortlisted demonstrating transformational impact, redeveloping their offers with diverse and inspiring stories at their heart and shaping the response to vital issues of today.
And Glasgow's very own museum has been selected with The Burrell Collection having welcomed over 500,000 visitors in the year after its reopening, contributing an economic impact of £20m for Glasgow in its first six months.
READ MORE: Driver left 'shaken' after 'threatening' note left on car after parking row
Located in Pollok Country Park houses the 9,000-object collection of Sir William and Constance, Lady Burrell.
Currently managed by the charity Glasgow Life, it was officially reopened by King Charles in October of last year 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 Collection includes one of the UK’s most significant holdings of Chinese art, some of the world’s finest medieval stained glass and tapestries, and paintings by artists including Rembrandt and Degas.
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023, the world’s largest museum prize. The opening of The Burrell Collection in 1983 was the first demonstration of Glasgow’s commitment to culture-led regeneration.
"The benefits associated with accessing culture are tangible and the deep joy it can bring is visible every day at the reimagined Burrell Collection. We received great support to develop new accessible displays for this impressive collection, created in partnership with the local community, all housed in a sustainable and stunning listed building.”
The other four shortlisted museums are Leighton House (London); The MAC (Belfast); Natural History Museum (London); Scapa Flow Museum (Orkney Islands).
The winning museum will be announced at a ceremony at the British Museum in London on July 12 and will receive £120,000, specially increased for 2023 and beyond to mark 120 years of Art Fund supporting museums. £15,000 will be given to each of the four other finalists – bringing the total prize money to £180,000.
Speaking on behalf of the judges, Jenny Waldman, Director, Art Fund added: “Congratulations to The Burrell Collection on being shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2023. All five of our finalists are at the top of their game, offering inspirational collections and programmes for their communities and for visitors from across the UK and around the world.
"From transformational redevelopment to community involvement to addressing the major issues of today, the shortlisted museums may operate at very different scales, but all show astonishing ambition and boundless creativity. Each is a blueprint for future innovation in museums. Visit them if you possibly can."
The 2023 judging panel, chaired by Art Fund director Jenny Waldman, includes: Larry Achiampong, artist; Mary Beard, historian and broadcaster; Abadesi Osunsade, Art Fund Trustee, author and owner of Hustle Crew; and Laura Pye, Director, National Museums Liverpool. The judges will visit each of the finalists to help inform their decision-making, while each museum will make the most of being shortlisted over the summer through events and activities for both new and current visitors.
READ NEXT:
Harry Styles Edinburgh Murrayfield tour and travel options from Glasgow
When Netflix password sharing ban will begin in the UK - what we know so far
Glasgow Gogglebox couple spark Ofcom row after King Charles' Coronation comments
Harry Styles Edinburgh concert - set list, support act and what you need to know
Glasgow cafe announces 'heart-breaking' closure as they thank locals
