Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum (Bournemouth, England)

No visit to Bournemouth is complete without a visit to Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, situated on top of the East Cliff, which overlooks Bournemouth Beach. This Victorian villa once belonged to the eclectic former Mayor of Bournemouth, Merton Russell-Cotes, who commissioned John Frederick Fogerty to build it as a birthday present to his wife Annie in 1897. The seaside abode was finally completed in 1901, and the interior was designed in an Art Nouveau style by John and Oliver Thomas (a father and son duo).

Annie and Merton later donated the house and their fine art collection to the town of Bournemouth in order to enact a museum. The home has undergone many extensions from the time of its inauguration, and the Borough of Bournemouth oversaw them after the death of its owners.

Today, the house provides this pretty beach town with its own little Art Nouveau gem that shouldn’t be missed.

Take a look at the view that greets you from the entrance. Isn’t it magnificent?

The villa is coupled with a beautiful front and back garden. Both the gardens and the interior style of the house has Japanese and European stylistic influences.

The Outside + Gardens

The Inside

There is lot’s to see in the house, but I personally find the impressive statue and painting collection the pièce de résistance. Look at these wonderful pieces! I haven’t shared some of my favourites so as not to spoil the surprise! These photos really don’t do the home justice.

The staff were very friendly, and I had even left my hat there! They were kind enough to neatly put it away for me until I returned to pick it up the day after. There is also a restaurant inside the museum, as well as an area for kid’s to play, and an information centre with a video detailing the life of the owners & the extensions of the house.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is most definitely a gem located in Dorset. It’s a unique museum that I believe is a secluded and hidden marvel overlooking beautiful Bournemouth Beach. I highly recommend a visit!

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is open Tuesdays to Sundays from 10:00a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission costs £7.50 per adult/ senior, £4.00 per child, £20.00 per family (up to 3 children), and £4.00 for students with valid I.D.