Museums

There are many museums in and around Bournemouth. The most famous being - The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum - one of the most unique museums in the world.

The main part of the Russell-Cotes ‘complex’, East Cliff Hall, was built between 1897 and 1901 and is a combination of Italianate villa and Scottish Baronial. It is set in grounds incorporating a Japanese garden, situated on the Cliff top in Bournemouth, overlooking the Needles, to the east, and the Purbecks, to the west. The Russell-Cotes is just two minutes away from Bournemouth Pier, a short walk up the glorious coastal path, (behind Harry Ramsden’s restaurant and next to the Royal Bath Hotel).

The exuberance and variety of styles found within the building creates a unique atmosphere that is a mixture of both private house and public museum. Created by two dedicated collectors, Sir Merton and Lady Russell-Cotes, the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is of international importance.