Lost in urban myths? The Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is no accident. It stands proudly in Glasgow. This grand building houses art and history. It is one of Scotland’s most important museums.
Kelvingrove sits in Kelvingrove Park. It overlooks Argyle Street. The museum opened in 1901. It followed the International Exhibition of 1888. Architects John William Simpson and Edmund John Milner Allen designed it. Its style is Spanish Baroque.
A persistent Glasgow legend says Kelvingrove was built backward. Supposedly the architect jumped from a tower in despair. This is false. Kelvingrove was always meant to face the park.
The exterior uses red sandstone. It came from Lochabriggs near Dumfries. The interior features lighter sandstone. This came from Giffnock.
Major renovations occurred from 2003 to 2006. These cost 27.9 million pounds. Queen Elizabeth II reopened the museum. The renovation removed internal partitions. It opened storage cellars. This created new galleries. The number of displayed items doubled. It went from 4000 to 8000.
Kelvingrove’s collection is vast and diverse. There are 22 themed galleries. Over 8000 objects are displayed. The museum divides into Life and Expression galleries. Life covers human history and natural history. Expression focuses on fine art.
In the Life section, find Sir Roger. He is a giant elephant. Above him hangs a Spitfire LA198. It flew during World War II. Expression features old masters and French Impressionists. Salvador Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross is a highlight.
Kelvingrove has natural science exhibits and dinosaur displays. It also has Ancient Egyptian artifacts. You can also find medieval arms and Scottish armor. Collections include works from the Middle Ages to modern times. Botticelli, Titian and Rembrandt are featured. Impressionists and 19th-century painters are present. These include Monet, Van Gogh and Cezanne. Modern art includes paintings and sculptures by Matisse and Dali.
Sir Roger the elephant lived in a circus. He then retired to a Glasgow zoo. He became aggressive due to a hormone problem. He was shot and displayed at Kelvingrove in 1901. He has remained there ever since. During renovations, he was too large to move. He stayed in a wooden crate.
Spitfire LA198 served with the 602 City of Glasgow Squadron. This was between 1947 and 1949. It crashed in 1949. After restoration, it was placed in Kelvingrove.
Glasgow owns the copyright to Dali’s Christ of St John of the Cross. Dr Tom Honeyman bought the painting. He also bought the copyright.
Kelvingrove hosts free organ concerts. These take place in the main hall. The museum also has a restaurant, cafe and gift shop.
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is more than a building. It is a treasure trove of art, history and stories. It is a place where Glasgow’s cultural heart beats strong.