KELVINGROVE ART GALLERY AND MUSEUM

That this House congratulates Glasgow City Council and Lord Provost Liz Cameron on reopening Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum after three years of refurbishment at a cost of £28 million; understands that Kelvingrove has attracted huge numbers to the city since opening in 1901, with over one million visiting annually prior to refurbishment; welcomes the complete restoration of the building and display of over 8,000 objects including Salvador Dali's Christ of St John of the Cross, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh gallery, the Spitfire LA198 from the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron and a collection of Egyptian treasures; praises the Kelvington Refurbishment Appeal chaired by Lord Macfarlane of Bearsden on raising £12.75 million in voluntary contributions from trusts, companies and individuals, more than twice the original target of £5.5 million; recognises that funding was also secured by Glasgow City Council from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Executive, European Regional Development Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland; acknowledges the work of everyone involved on this project in delivering a museum and art gallery fit for the 21st century, open on time and within budget; and anticipates Kelvingrove reclaiming its place as the most popular UK museum outside London.