The Burrell Collection is a renowned museum located in Pollok Country Park, Glasgow. Established in 1983, it houses an impressive array of artworks and artifacts amassed by Sir William Burrell, featuring over 9,000 items including paintings, sculptures, textiles, and decorative arts from various cultures and periods. The museum is noted for its stunning architecture and serene park setting, offering visitors a peaceful experience and a glimpse into the rich history of art. The collection spans works from Ancient Egypt to Impressionist paintings, making it a vital cultural destination in Scotland.
What each source says
- Google Places 4.7 2,667
- Tripadvisor 4.5 1,458
- Viator 5.0 8
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-25.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Architecturally Stunning Building The museum's modern design, with ample natural light and thoughtful integration with Pollok Park, enhances the overall experience.
- Beautiful Park Setting Located within Pollok Country Park, visitors can enjoy scenic walks, Highland cows, and picnic areas, creating a full day out.
- Eclectic and Extensive Collection The Burrell Collection boasts a diverse range of artifacts, from antiquities and textiles to impressionist paintings, ensuring something to captivate every visitor.
- Engaging Free Tours Knowledgeable and passionate guides offer free tours that bring the collection to life with fascinating stories and insights.
- Free Admission Enjoy world-class art and historical artifacts without the burden of an entry fee, making it accessible to all.
Criticised
- Cafe Prices and Arrangement The cafe is considered expensive with somewhat slow service and the layout can be problematic on busy days.
- Expensive and Inconvenient Parking Parking requires a fee for a minimum of four hours, payable by coins or a complicated app, and the machines do not accept card payments.
- Inconsistent Labeling Some find the exhibit labeling confusing or overly simplistic, with written information geared towards children.
- Limited Public Transport Options While accessible by bus and train, some found the bus schedules confusing or unavailable, requiring a walk from the station.
- Overcrowding with Children The museum can be noisy due to many families with young children, potentially detracting from a peaceful experience.
The longer read
The Burrell Collection in Glasgow's Pollok Country Park is lauded as a must-visit destination, celebrated for its diverse collection and modern, well-maintained building. Admission is free, though parking costs £5.00 for four hours, payable via coins or an app. The building is designed to incorporate natural light, enhancing the display of a wide array of artifacts. The collection includes paintings by renowned artists like Degas and Cezanne, as well as antiquities from Egypt, Greece, and China, textiles, furniture, and arms. Many reviewers appreciate the mix of indoor and outdoor views, blending the exhibits with the surrounding park. The museum is considered family-friendly, with interactive elements for children, spacious grounds for picnics, and a play area near the parking lot. Several reviewers highlight the free guided tours, particularly praising the knowledge and engaging delivery of guides like Morna and Helen. These tours offer insights into the collection, the Burrell family, and the historical context of the items. The restaurant and cafe receive mixed reviews. While some appreciate the quality and seasonal produce, others find them expensive and crowded, especially with young children. Reviewers recommend allowing 2-3 hours for a visit, though some suggest even longer to fully appreciate the extensive collection. The gift shop offers a range of local artisanal products and art-related items, though some desire a greater selection of collection-specific prints. The park itself is a plus, with features like Highland cows, walking routes, and picnic spots. While most find the museum easy to access via bus or train, some have noted issues with the shuttle bus service and confusing signage. A few reviewers mention that the interpretive information seems geared towards children, which some find patronizing. Others have raised concerns about the parking payment system, which requires coins or a smartphone app. Despite these minor issues, the Burrell Collection is highly recommended for its architecture, diverse collection, and overall visitor experience.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 141 287 2550
- Website
- burrellcollection.com
| Mon | 10:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wed | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Thu | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Fri | 11:00 - 17:00 |
| Sat | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sun | 11:00 - 17:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.6 across the 2 venues we hold for Shawlands, where the most-reviewed is Pollok Country Park.
Still deciding?
- What are the main highlights and unique collections on display at The Burrell Collection?
- How much time should I plan to spend exploring The Burrell Collection?
- Are there activities or exhibits at The Burrell Collection suitable for children and families?
- What are the best ways to travel to The Burrell Collection from central Glasgow?
- What are the busiest days or times to visit The Burrell Collection, and how can I avoid the crowds?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.