The Hunterian Art Gallery re-opened this week after six weeks of essential refurbishment in preparation for the Whistler 2003 Centenary in June.

Alterations made to the entrance and foyer areas have greatly improved access to the Gallery and made it possible for the Hunterian to expand its visitors services. The new enlarged shop section is now open and a caf￩ area, Caf￩ Chardin, will open during the next week.

The Mackintosh House is once again available for viewing as is the Scottish Colourists exhibition Intimate Friends: Scottish Colourists at the University of Glasgow, which runs until 31 May 2003. The Main Gallery will re-open to the public with the Whistler centenary exhibitions, on Saturday 21 June.

The Whistler centenary marks the anniversary of the death of the internationally celebrated American-born painter, James McNeill Whistler (1834 - 1903). The Hunterian Art Gallery holds one of the worlds largest collections of his work and thanks to generous sponsorship from Lloyds TSB Scotland, will be staging an exciting series of exhibitions and events to celebrate his life as part of a Glasgow-wide festival between June and October 2003. Over 150 works will be on display, drawn from the Hunterian's holdings and collections in the UK and overseas.

For the duration of the Whistler exhibitions (21 June - 4 October), the Hunterian Art Gallery will open on Monday to Saturday, 9.30 - 5.00 and on Sundays and public holidays from 12.30 - 4.30. Admission to the Gallery and exhibitions is free. Free parking is available on campus at weekends for Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery visitors.

For further information visit www.hunterian.gla.ac.uk or www.whistler2003.com

Hunterian Art Gallery
82 Hillhead Street, University of Glasgow,
Glasgow G12 8QQ
Telephone 0141 330 5431

Media Relations Office (media@gla.ac.uk)

First published: 14 May 2003