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National Portrait Gallery facelift
14/12/2007
Government funding of just over £5 million to help transform the Scottish National Portrait Gallery was announced today.
Ministers have agreed to provide £5.1 million to the National Galleries of Scotland following the Heritage Lottery Fund's decision to award a £5 million grant for the redevelopment of the gallery on Edinburgh's Queen Street.
The total cost of the redevelopment is around £17.6 million, with the balance to be raised from private sources.
Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said:
"Based in our nation's capital the Scottish National Portrait Gallery is one of our most valued collections. I am delighted today to announce Scottish Government funding of £5.1 million for the redevelopment of this wonderful building which will open in 2011 as one of the most exciting galleries in Scotland.
"Our National Galleries play a vital role in housing and reflecting Scotland's cultural assets as well as profiling high quality international exhibitions. This additional funding that we are providing for the Portrait of the Nation project is very much a commitment to the value of our National Galleries and the role they play in enriching Scotland's cultural landscape.
"This redevelopment will transform the gallery by doubling its space and creating new visitor and education facilities. I am very excited about the vision to attract wider audiences and display the Portrait Gallery's outstanding collection to the fullest extent.
"The National Galleries have worked extremely hard on their proposal to rejuvenate the building, and I'm pleased that the Heritage Lottery Fund has also agreed to award £5 million to this worthwhile project.
"This is an inspiring project which will further enhance the National Galleries' national and international reputation and help realise its full potential as a focal point for exploration of Scotland's art, culture and history."
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery was the first purpose-built portrait gallery in the world. Located in Edinburgh's historic New Town - a World Heritage site - it attracts 200,000 visitors every year.