The money was awarded by HM Treasury through Libor funds which are raised through fines levied on banks.
The funding will be used to directly fund major renovations in the Gallery's Remembrance Hall. Plans include creating a new digital and interactive 'Gallery of Memories' display, with work ongoing to create a fully digitised version of the City's Rolls of Honour.
Council Leader Jenny Laing said: "We are delighted to receive this substantial donation towards our Art Gallery redevelopment project. This donation means we are now 25% of the way towards our fundraising total.
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"Together with Aberdeen Art Gallery and Cowdray Hall, the Remembrance Hall is one of the city’s most important buildings and it is imperative that we protect and enhance it for future generations.
"When the complex re-opens next winter, the Remembrance Hall will be brought to life as a welcoming place for reflection and contemplation, with new opportunities for learning through digital projections and interactive displays."
The City Council are fundraising a further £7.5m to help redevelop the Gallery, Cowdray Hall and the Remembrance Hall.
As well as the refurbishment, the work will increase the number of galleries from 11 to 21, establish a new exhibition space, provide two new education spaces for learners of all ages and create a new rooftop gallery with roof terraces.
The development is due to be completed in 2017.
(LM)
