A GLASGOW museum has welcomed its ten millionth visitor since it reopened after a major revamp in 2006.

The milestone was reached during a Christmas concert at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum yesterday.

In July 2006, the attraction threw open its doors to the public after being shut for a £35million refurbishment.

Since then it has proved a huge draw for visitors of all ages with plenty to keep young and old alike entertained for hours.

In 2007, a global survey of museums and galleries by the Art Magazine rated Kelvingrove 14th in the world in terms of visitor numbers.

It was 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 2010, an exhibition of works by the Glasgow Boys welcomed more than 120,000 visitors, smashing a record set by a Van Gogh exhibition in 1948.

Since it was opened after the refurbishment by the Queen, Kelvingrove has staged special exhibitions, including ones about Dr Who, Kylie Minogue, AC/DC, Glasgow photographer Harry Benson and the city's Italian art collection.

Visitors can currently enjoy Pharoah: King of Egypt which is a touring exhibition of some of the finest items from the British Museum collection.

Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council said the museum is "a jewel in Glasgow's cultural crown".

He added: "There is no-where quite like Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum.

"Other institutions across the world regard the connection it has to the community it serves with great envy."

Archie Graham, chairman of Glasgow Life, said: "Kelvingrove retains a unique place in the hearts of Glaswegians and all those who come and marvel at the city's treasures.

"The refurbishment was a bold step given how much several generations have loved Kelvingrove but the new displays have proved incredibly popular and reaching this landmark number in just six-and-a-half years is a real achievement."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk