Burrell Collection Guided Visit

A 45-minute guided tour of the Burrell Collection following its 2022 reopening after major renovation. The collection features medieval tapestries, Chinese ceramics, ancient glass, and European art assembled by Scottish industrialist Sir William Burrell. The gallery itself is a significant modern design built into Pollok Country Estate. This tour is ideal for art history students and collectors seeking expert knowledge about acquisition history and restoration techniques. Best for Art history students and collectors. This is a easy activity lasting 45 minutes. Group size: up to 25. You meet at Burrell Collection reception. Key highlights: Medieval Flemish tapestries and 15th-century textiles, Chinese Song and Ming dynasty ceramics and jade, Roman glass vessels and ancient Near Eastern artifacts.

Price: Free

Duration: 45 minutes

Difficulty: easy

Group size: up to 25

Minimum age: all ages

Best for: Art history students and collectors

Best time: Saturday mornings (typically 11am slot) for smaller groups. Saturdays are the only day tours run. Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you join the correct group.

Meeting point: Burrell Collection reception

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Gathering time (typically 11am or 2pm Saturdays) Meet at reception desk - Guide introduces the Burrell story and the 2022 renovation project outcomes.

First 15 minutes Medieval and decorative arts section - See tapestries, textiles, and metalwork with explanation of medieval craftsmanship and Burrell's collecting methods.

15-30 minutes Asian and Chinese ceramics galleries - Tour porcelain, pottery, and jade pieces from various dynasties with dating and provenance details.

30-40 minutes Ancient glass and European painting - View Roman glass pieces and post-medieval European artworks with conservation information.

40-45 minutes Q&A and renovation highlights - Discuss building design improvements and restoration of specific pieces completed during 2019-2022 closure.

The whole experience takes 45 minutes. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Burrell Collection reception.

• Medieval Flemish tapestries and 15th-century textiles
• Chinese Song and Ming dynasty ceramics and jade
• Roman glass vessels and ancient Near Eastern artifacts
• Post-renovation gallery design with improved climate control
• Expert guide discussing Burrell's collecting philosophy and acquisition ethics
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout renovated building. Accessible toilets available. Ground floor galleries are accessible. Contact museum for specific mobility requirements.

What is included: Guided tour led by museum specialist, Museum entry, Access to all galleries.

Not included: Outdoor Pollok Country Estate access (separate visit), Food and beverages, Souvenir purchases, Photography (check with guide on restrictions). You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Comfortable shoes for standing, Notebook for recording details, Reading glasses if needed for display labels. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Saturday mornings (typically 11am slot) for smaller groups. Saturdays are the only day tours run. Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you join the correct group..

Tip: Recently reopened after major renovation

Tip: Saturday tours only

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout renovated building. Accessible toilets available. Ground floor galleries are accessible. Contact museum for specific mobility requirements..

Operator: Glasgow Museums | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: 0141 287 2699

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Queens Park Recreation Ground and Glasshouses (15 min walk)
• Glasgow Necropolis (25 min walk)

This activity is run by Glasgow Museums.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Walk-in tour - no booking required.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible throughout renovated building. Accessible toilets available. Ground floor galleries are accessible. Contact museum for specific mobility requirements..

Best time to go: Saturday mornings (typically 11am slot) for smaller groups. Saturdays are the only day tours run. Arrive 15 minutes early to ensure you join the correct group..

When did the Burrell Collection reopen and what changed?

The Burrell Collection reopened in March 2022 after a £68 million renovation that lasted three years. Improvements include better climate control for preservation, reorganized galleries, new conservation facilities, and enhanced visitor spaces. All major collections remain intact with no pieces permanently removed.

How often do Burrell Collection guided tours run?

Guided tours run only on Saturdays with two time slots available, typically at 11am and 2pm. No other weekday tours are scheduled. Check the Glasgow Museums website or call ahead to confirm exact times and book if group reservations are required.

What types of art are featured in the Burrell Collection?

The collection includes medieval European tapestries and textiles, Chinese ceramics and jade spanning multiple dynasties, ancient Roman and Islamic glass, European paintings from the Renaissance onwards, and decorative arts from Africa and Asia. The breadth reflects Burrell's wide-ranging collecting interests.