Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Russell-Cotes art gallery and museum - exterior

About

Welcome to the Russell-Cotes: House Gallery Garden – One of the most fascinating historic houses in England. The Russell-Cotes was the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts, Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes.

There is a regular programme of exhibitions featuring both art and artefacts from the Russell-Cotes own extensive collections, and talks, tours and events take place throughout the year. See the website for full details, visit russellcotes.com.

For many years I had it in mind that someday I would build a house after my own heart, as an offering of love and affection to my wife.
Merton Russell-Cotes

In 1901, Merton gave his wife Annie a dream house on a cliff-top, overlooking the sea. It was an extraordinary birthday present – lavish splendid, and with a touch of fantasy.
They filled this exotic seaside villa with beautiful objects from their travels across the world, and lined the walls with a remarkable collection of British art, creating a unique atmosphere in a most dramatic setting.

Then they sealed it in time and gave it to the future…

The main hall has a remarkable collection of high Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art, including many works by women artists. Other rooms house souvenirs from the couple’s travels, with works from Russia, Australia, New Zealand and the world-renowned Japanese collection. With stunning views, a serene cliff-top garden and stylish café, Merton’s extravagant gift to his wife is one of Bournemouth’s most intriguing visitor attractions.

Celebrate 100 years of the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum:

This year we have a range of special events including themed late-night openings, touring exhibitions, talks and workshops, and more. There will be music, dancing, tours, craft activities and everything you expect (and some you don’t) from the Russell-Cotes.

With stunning views, a serene cliff-top garden and new outdoor terrace café, Merton’s extravagant gift to his wife is one of Bournemouth’s most intriguing visitor attractions.

Join us in 2022 to experience Bournemouth’s unique and unrivalled seaside arts attraction – a captivating homage to the power of love, for people, art, and place.

Additional information:
Access: the entrance is via a steep slope. Electric scooters must be outside, however a manual wheelchair is available. All parts of the building can be reached by lift, except the upper floor.

Book Now

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult/Senior£7.50 per ticket
Annual Pass Holder or MemberFree
Child (under 5)Free
Concession or Child (5-17 Yrs)£4.00 per ticket
Family (up to 2 adults & 3 children)£20.00 per ticket

Opening Times

* The museum will be open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Please check the website for the most up to date information as these days and times are subject to change.

East Cliff Promenade
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH1 3AA
Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01202 128000

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating:

4.5 of 5 stars
    • Excellent
      1627
    • Very Good
      492
    • Average
      84
    • Poor
      30
    • Terrible
      20

    Recent Reviews:

      Awards

      • Regional and MiscellaneousWTTC Safe Travels WTTC Safe Travels 2021

      Map & Directions

      Road Directions

      Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth BH1 3AA, UK. We are situated next to the Royal Bath Hotel, just two minutes walk from Bournemouth Pier Closest car park Bath Road South (BH1 2EW) Access: The entrance is via a steep slope which may prove difficult for people with mobility problems, including wheelchair users. Due to the limited space electric scooters must be left at the entrance. A manual wheelchair can be borrowed, subject to availability. All parts of the building can be reached by lift, except the upper floor.

      Public Transport Directions

       

      Nearest station is Bournemouth. Follow signs for town centre. The gallery is situated behind the Royal Bath Hotel on the East Cliff.

      Hide Facilities

      What's Nearby

      1. Compton Acres

        Enjoy over 10 acres of horticultural heaven with spectacular themed gardens, relax in the…

        2.54 miles away
      2. Lemur Landings

        Multi award-winning children’s entertainment centre, Lemur Landings is one of the biggest…

        4.06 miles away
      3. Splashdown Poole

        Splashdown Poole is the South’s favourite all-action waterpark! Whatever the weather,…

        4.08 miles away
      1. Tower Park Leisure Complex

        At Tower Park, Poole, a galaxy of entertainment unfolds. With Splashdown water park,…

        4.1 miles away
      2. Brownsea Island - National Trust

        Take a short boat trip from Poole Quay to discover an island rich in history, wildlife &…

        4.22 miles away
      3. Poole Park

        Just a short walk from the centre of town you'll discover a haven of peace and rare…

        4.32 miles away
      4. Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts

        Experience, explore, discover and join in with the arts at Lighthouse, the largest…

        4.72 miles away
      5. Poole Speedway

        Poole Pirates are a motorcycle speedway team based in Poole, England, competing in the…

        4.85 miles away
      6. Poole Old Lifeboat Museum & Shop

        Housing one of Poole's historic lifeboats, Thomas Kirk Wright, the old boathouse offers…

        4.86 miles away
      7. Poole Museum & Scaplen's Court

        Discover the story of Poole - Harbour, Town & People from prehistory to the 21st century.

        5.16 miles away
      8. Sea Music Sculpture

        Sea Music. located on Poole Quay is the only British public site specific sculpture made…

        5.19 miles away
      9. Twin Sails Lifting Bridge

        Poole's landmark structure and the first bridge of its type to be built in the world.

        5.33 miles away
      10. Upton Country Park

        Whatever the season, there's something for everyone - enjoy the wildlife along the…

        6.27 miles away
      11. Swanage Railway

        What’s better than a leisurely trip behind an historic steam engine through an area of…

        8.42 miles away
      12. Farmer Palmer's Farm Park

        Farmer Palmer’s is the fabulous Farm Park where young adventurers can frankly ‘let their…

        9.56 miles away
      13. The Blue Pool

        Please note Blue Pool is currently closed until further notice. Please refer to the…

        10.88 miles away
      Previous Next