A phenomenal 55,000 people have spilled through the doors of Dundee’s flagship McManus Galleries museum in its opening two months.
Locals and tourists have been turning out in droves and the attraction welcomed a record 31,000 people in March and 24,000 in April.
The much-loved art gallery and museum which has been formally renamed The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum reopened following a four-year restoration, costing £12 million.
It was the biggest redevelopment to date to the building, which opened in 1867 as the Albert Institute.
Dundee City Council leisure, arts and communities committee convener Bob Duncan said, “After a record number of visitors for a single month in the first four weeks since its reopening, the McManus continues to attract people who want to see for themselves the massive changes in the building and the presentation of our collections.
“The feedback we have had from locals and tourists has been overwhelmingly positive and I am looking forward to the summer season where we can expect numbers to remain at this pleasingly high level.”
More than 150,000 items were removed from the building to allow the restoration to take place and the cream of those returned as the exhibition spaces were fitted out.
Funding for the £11.8 million upgrade came from a range of sources, including the Heritage Lottery Fund, the council, Historic Scotland and the European Regional Development Fund.
The museum is anticipating a bumper summer season, with the Open Championship in St Andrews in July expected to add to numbers.
A VisitScotland spokeswoman said, “Tourism growth is critical to the future of Dundee so we’re delighted to hear the newly-upgraded and much-loved McManus is pulling in the crowds.
“Dundee is a cultural melting pot and its arts scene already draws visitors from across the city and well beyond.
“The McManus is at the heart of the city and so the good news is about more than visitor numbers. In challenging economic times it is incredibly encouraging to see this level of investment and confidence in the entire visitor experience.
“Looking ahead to the summer season, the revitalised McManus couldn’t come at a better time with thousands more Scots predicted to enjoy a ‘staycation’ and discover more of the days out and family activities like this right on their doorstep.”