Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Argyle StreetGlasgowG3 8AG27/06/2006 | | Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum |
Press Release
£28 Million Museum Restoration
Reopening of Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, reopening after 3 years of restoration and refurbishment in Glasgow’s West End on Argyle Street on the 11th of July 2006 whith special guest.
The city of Glasgow sees Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, one of the cities most iconic landmarks reopen after 3 years of restoration. The modernized Kelvingrove has seen nearly £28 Million spent on the major refurbishment and restoration. Within this development there is a new restaurant and a larger basement extension, this now allows Kelvingrove to accommodate 8000 exhibits. There are 3 floors of fine arts and exhibitions within Kelvingrove; with up to 8000 pieces there is plenty to see. The collections within Kelvingrove have come from Old Kelvingrove House Museum and the McLellan Galleries. The gallery and museum holds one of the world’s finest Arms and Armour collection. This collection was made in Milan in the 1440’s and is to be the closest completed plate armour in the world. Also featured is the armour made for the men and horses for the first Earl of Pembroke from around 1550. At the heart of the collection is R L Scott’s collection, Scott favoured “the real fighting stuff” which means that some pieces in the exhibit have seen some military use.
The Kelvingrove Organ, which was built in 1901 by Lewis & Co. It originally was part of the 1901 Glasgow International Exhibition but was then purchased by Glasgow Corporation in 1902 and moved to where it’s still situated in the North end of the centre hall. There are daily recitals, which take place at 1pm Monday to Saturday, Sunday at 3pm but on Friday afternoons after the recitals members of the pubic can get a closer look at the organ.
It is completely free to see the recitals, in fact the whole experience at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is completely free. Kelvingrove is also the most popular attraction in Scotland and is the most visited museum in the entire United Kingdom that is outside of London. Kelvingrove has also received a 5 star rating from VisitScotland and is the 14th most popular museum in the entire world. With these statistics it provides evidence that Kelvingrove is a magnificent attraction not just in Scotland but the World. As Kelvingrove has around 8000 exhibits, it has nearly a bit of everyone’s interests and with the museum being open 7 days a week means that there isn’t an excuse to not see it and due to being completely free, means it’s a cheap family day out with lots of fun where children and adults can learn about history, culture, nature and much, much more.
After the long 3 year wait Kelvingrove is due to open on the 11th of July 2006 at 1pm, and has a special guest to do the honors of opening the doors, Sir Alex Ferguson. With Glasgow City Council reopening one of the United Kingdoms greatest attractions what better than have an icon to many all over the world, do the honors. Sir Alex, Scottish born is the former Manchester United Manager and is respected worldwide not just in football. CBE Alex Ferguson grew up in the streets of Govan, Glasgow. Ferguson started his football managerial career during 1974, managing East Stirlingshire at the age of 32.
Sir Alex Ferguson CBE has said that he is “ecstatic and delighted to be apart of this event”, he has also said that “Kelvingrove should expect a big appearance from members of public from all over the world throughout the day”
Sir Alex Ferguson is offering one lucky attendee with a plus one the chance to visit Old Trafford and the opportunity to meet the players, the draw will close at the end of the month (31st of July 2006). Get down and have a look around and see for yourself what an amazing job has been made of the restoration. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum staff are looking forward to seeing faces of joy and speaking to some of the people that visit the museum.