New figures also released by the Art Newspaper, in a global survey of museums and galleries, also saw Kelvingrove at 14th in the world. This puts it just behind the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg and ahead of such famous names as the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Uffizi in Florence and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
In 2007, the first full calendar year since Kelvingrove re-opened following a £35 million refurbishment, the museum had 2,232,475 visitors. It makes the Glasgow attraction the 7th most visited museum in the UK, well ahead of national names such as the National Portrait Gallery and Tait Britain.
Kelvingrove also beat Scotland's leading attractions. Edinburgh Castle recorded 1,229,703 visitors, the National Galleries 937,770 and the National Museum of Scotland 841,849 visitors.
Kelvingrove's success was boosted by KYLIE: THE EXHIBITION. The collection of many of the performer's iconic costumes attracted more than 165,000 fans in just four months.
Bailie Liz Cameron, the Chair of Culture and Sport Glasgow, which manages the museums and galleries on behalf of the city, said, 'Where else could you explore the wonders of Ancient Egypt, enjoy the treasures of Dali and Rembrandt, see a Spitfire hanging from a ceiling and then wander down and view Kylie's hotpants?
'These figures prove once again that Glasgow's collections are of both national and international significance and a great asset for Scotland.'
The Gallery of Modern Art remains the most popular venue of its kind outside of London, attracting 580,148 visitors in the last year. While the Museum of Transport attracted 535,845 – again making it the most popular transport museum outside London.
Scott Taylor, the Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said, 'Kelvingrove is Scotland's premier free visitor attraction, second only in the UK to London's principal museums and galleries.
'We are extremely fortunate to have such a valuable portfolio of cultural assets, which continue to be promoted as part of the Glasgow: Scotland with style campaign.' -- www.glasgowmuseums.com
