The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

For art lovers, this is an attraction you cannot miss. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a Grade ll listed building next to the Royal Bath Hotel on the East Cliff and is the former home of the wealthy hotelier, the Russell-Cotes family. The owner of the Royal Bath Hotel, Merton Russell-Cotes, had the building built for his wife, Annie Russell-Cotes, as a birthday gift in 1897, and it was initially called East Cliff Hall. The installation took seven years to construct; it was filled with exotic art and artefacts worldwide, now representing a love story between husband and wife.

In 1907 Annie donated East Cliff Hall, sealing it in time and donating it to the future of Bournemouth. After they died in 1922, the Borough of Bournemouth reopened the building as Russell Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. The beautiful painting ‘Midsummer’ by Albert Joseph Moore, one of the world's most important paintings, is resident here at Russell-Cotes, along with unique Japanese artefacts, swords, and armor. You can even get married at The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum or hire the venue for any special occasion, as it is a peaceful hideaway in the center of Bournemouth.

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a great place to visit with children. Book detective sessions where the children are given a sheet to find where certain pictures are in the Gallery. Schools will often visit the Gallery, where groups of children get the opportunity to have a tour of the huge selection of artwork and memorabilia.