Opening of the redeveloped Aberdeen Art Gallery will take place this Saturday but here is your chance to catch a first glimpse.
Visitors have been promised a world class experience as the £34.6million project was unveiled to the media today showcasing the meticulous redevelopment of the historic site.
Home to one of the finest collections in the UK, including works by important Scottish artists, designers and makers such as Henry Raeburn, Joan Eardley, Samuel Peploe, Rachel McLean, Bill Gibb and James Cromar Watt, as well as nationally and internationally-acclaimed artists including Barbara Hepworth, Francis Bacon, Tracey Emin and Claude Monet.
Councillor Jenny Laing, Co-Leader of Aberdeen City Council, said: “From the outset the ambition was to create a world class visitor attraction and we are proud to have delivered that for the city and region.
“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. Saturday’s public opening will be a landmark occasion for Aberdeen and we look forward to welcoming the first of many visitors.”
The redevelopment, designed by Hoskins Architects, has dramatically increased the amount of display space for the nationally recognised collection, with the number of galleries increasing from 11 to 19, with a further three galleries presenting a programme of regularly changing special exhibitions.
The number of items from the permanent collection on display has increased from 370 in 2015 to 1,080 in the redeveloped venue. Exhibition specialists Studioarc have been responsible for the design of the galleries, digital strategy and signage.