Kelvingrove museum celebrates decade since reopening
A museum has staged a unique organ recital as part of events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its reopening.
A museum has staged a unique organ recital as part of events to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its reopening.
Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum was closed for three years for refurbishment but opened to the public again on July 11 2006, and it has attracted more than 14 million visitors since then.
To mark the anniversary, honorary director of music Dr Jim Hunter and organist Chris Nickol staged a special recital, playing 10 pieces of music selected by the public.
David Bowie hit Life On Mars was included, after Mr Nickol became an internet sensation when he played the tune in January following the singer's death.
The museum, which was visited by 1.3 million people in 2015, puts on a free organ recital every day.
Councillor Archie Graham, the chair of Glasgow Life, the cultural and sporting organisation which runs the museum, said: "Kelvingrove is a magnificent and much-loved building, which has brought the world of art, history and natural history to life for visitors for more than 100 years.
"The outstanding refurbishment, which was unveiled to great applause 10 years ago today, preserved the building and collection - and all the joy and discovery that comes with it - for generations to come.
"An astonishing 14 million people have wandered through and wondered at this Aladdin's cave. It is an exceptional legacy of Glasgow's proud past and it has been instrumental in placing the city on the must-visit list of the world's top travel guides.
"One of Kelvingrove's major innovations is that it's a genuinely flexible museum. By changing stories we ensure our displays remain up to date, responding to new discoveries and reflecting public interest.
"Whether you're an old friend or a new visitor I invite you to explore life, art and culture in all its amazing diversity, in this truly wonderful free-to-enter museum.''