Closed for refurbishment since summer 2003, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow, Scotland, is due to reopen to the public in the summer of 2006.

The £27.9m revamp of the property – which first opened to the public in 1901 – is being funded by Glasgow City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, Historic Scotland and Scottish Natural Heritage.

The comprehensive revamp is intended to modernise the whole of the museum while making sure the building can be fully enjoyed by all visitors. The aim of the refurbishment was to create a 21st century object-based, visitor-centred, interactive and interdisciplinary attraction.

The work on the interior of the museum and gallery has created 35 per cent more floorspace in the building.

The internal layout of the museum has also been changed to include a new temporary exhibition space, a lecture theatre and education facilities.

New features will include a Spitfire LA198 from the 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron, which will hang from the West Court roof, and a loan of Egyptian treasures from the British Museum.

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

There will also be a mini museum, a History Discovery Centre, an Object Cinema and an Art Discovery Centre. Details: www.glasgowmuseum.com