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A million visitors to the Riverside Museum in first six months

Opened on 21 June 2011, the Riverside Museum, Glasgow by Zaha Hadid Architects welcomed its one millionth visitor on 31 November 2011.

Councillor Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, said: "The Riverside Museum has been a huge hit since the day it opened to the public. We knew just how much visitors loved the old Museum of Transport at Kelvin Hall but even so, the reaction to the Riverside Museum has been phenomenal. The feedback from people has been overwhelmingly positive and we are already seeing visitors returning time and again to enjoy Glasgow's latest attraction."

“It is wonderful to see that the new museum has captured everyone’s imagination,” said Zaha Hadid. “Such passion for innovation and discovery from all members of the community is very exciting.”

The Riverside Museum’s design is derived from its context. Located where the River Kelvin joins the Clyde, the design flows from the city to the river; symbolizing a dynamic relationship where the museum is the transition from one to the other. The design is a sectional extrusion, open at opposing ends along a diverted linear path, allowing the museum to position itself as a third river flowing through one of the city’s most historic locations.

The museum is home to the transport, engineering and shipbuilding legacy that made Glasgow the ‘Second City of the Empire’. Hadid’s first major public commission to open in the UK and housing more than 3,000 exhibits, the museum reveals the rich and varied stories of Glasgow’s great achievements, vibrant spirit and technological breakthroughs.

“The history of Glasgow is profoundly interlinked with the history of the River Clyde and together they have informed the museum’s design,” explains Hadid. “Through architecture, we can investigate future possibilities yet also explore the cultural foundations that have defined the city. The Riverside Museum is truly unique project where the exhibits and building come together at this prominent location on the Clyde to engage and inspire all visitors.

“The fluid design continues Glasgow’s rich engineering traditions; a true demonstration and celebration of the skills and passion of local engineers and contractors who helped to bring this building to life. The Riverside Museum rises from Glasgow’s great industrial past to become an integral element of the modern city which is embracing its future.”

The Riverside Museum opened on 21 June. It has been funded by Glasgow City Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Riverside Museum Appeal.

Read the BBC article here