Aberdeen Art Gallery has reopened as the cultural jewel of north-east Scotland after National Lottery funding of £10million.
More to see
Works by Monet, Tracey Emin, Francis Baker and Barbara Hepworth have taken pride of place in the beautiful new rooms of Aberdeen Art Gallery after a landmark transformation of the building. It is also home to important Scottish artists, designers and makers such as Henry Raeburn, Joan Eardley and Samuel Peploe.
“We are now able to display far more pieces from our fantastic collections and attract visiting exhibitions of the highest calibre.”
– Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen Council’s culture spokesperson
The display space has dramatically increased to 17 galleries from 11, so there are hundreds more works of art and artefacts to be enjoyed. A further three galleries will house a changing programme of special exhibitions.
Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen Council’s culture spokesperson, said: “The reopening is the culmination of an incredibly important project, preserving the heritage of Aberdeen Art Gallery whilst creating a wonderful contemporary venue.”
“Crucially we are now able to display far more pieces from our fantastic collections and attract visiting exhibitions of the highest calibre.”
Fresh new approach
Visitor research played a key role in developing a fresh new approach to displaying the collection. The displays explore artists’ ideas and inspiration, their creative processes and the materials they use to create a range of experiences, moods and stories for visitors.
With level access, lifts, induction hearing loops, large print labels, special quiet times and dementia-friendly trained staff, physical access has also been dramatically improved.
Councillor Jenny Laing, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “The redeveloped Aberdeen Art Gallery will serve generations of residents and attract hundreds of thousands of visitors from at home and abroad each year, providing a fitting home for the world-renowned collections we hold.”
Watch this City Council video to learn more about the redevelopment:
The gallery opens its doors to the public on Saturday 2 November 2019. Find out more on the Aberdeen Art Gallery website.
