Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum reopened today following a £28m, three-year revamp.

Lord Provost Liz Cameron gave an introductory welcome at 10am this morning to mark the reopening of the Kelvingrove to the public for the first time since its closure in 2003.

Cameron said: “It is a great honour to open Glasgow’s favourite building, which will attract huge numbers of visitors to the city. I am delighted and proud that Kelvingrove has opened on time and within budget.

“I would also like to pay tribute to all the council staff and contractors who have worked on this project, as well as our fellow funders – the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Executive, Kelvingrove Refurbishment Appeal, the European Regional Development Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and Historic Scotland.”

Scott Taylor, chief executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added: “The impact of the reopening on tourism in Glasgow simply cannot be overestimated. It was Scotland’s most popular free attraction when it closed in 2003.

“It is also tremendous to have one of the UK’s premier unusual venues for banqueting back on centre stage. Already there has been a rush of enquires to our convention bureau from conference organisers wishing to use the Kelvingrove for gala dinners and major receptions.”

The revamp has modernised the whole museum and created a 21st century object-based, visitor-centred, interactive and interdisciplinary attraction.

Work on the interior of the museum and gallery has created 35 per cent more floorspace in the building and the layout now includes a new temporary exhibition space, a lecture theatre and education facilities.

New features include a Spitfire LA198 from the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron and the loan of Egyptian treasures from the British Museum.

The new-look galleries cover 21 themes including Scottish Art, Italian Art, Ancient Egypt, Cultural Survival, Scotland’s Wildlife, Conflict and Consequence and Glasgow Stories.

There is also a mini museum, a History Discovery Centre, an Object Cinema and an Art Discovery Centre. Details: www.glasgowmuseums.com

Photograph: Spitfire LA198 courtesy of Glasgow City Council