Christchurch town centre is a hidden gem of local history and heritage. The Red House Museum and Gardens, a former Georgian workhouse, was constructed in 1764. The Red House is now a museum exploring the story of Christchurch from before the Ice Age to modern times. Throughout the year, the exhibition gallery showcases local art, family-friendly exhibitions and touring shows. Now a Grade II listed building, The Red House officially opened to the public in May of 1951 and, at present, is a free entry museum of local history. Why not check out the Millennium (Blue) Plaque for an outdoors experience that further illustrates the towns's varied history?
Travel a little further along the coastline and the neighbouring resort of Bournemouth has plenty to keep history lovers satisfied. Bournemouth has a unique historical and cultural offering and at its heart is the inimitable Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Perched on the clifftop this Italian style villa was the home of two Victorian collectors and travel enthusiasts; Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes. In 1901, Merton gave his wife this dream house overlooking the sea as a gift. They filled the exotic seaside villa with beautiful objects from their travels across the world and lined the walls with a remarkable collection of British art. The main hall has an exquisite collection of high Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite art and the gallery showcases visiting art exhibitions throughout the year.
As well as the impressive collections on display at the Russell-Cotes, Bournemouth has creative spaces and world class venues that host exhibitions from emerging, local and touring artists throughout the year. You’ll often find art on display at Bournemouth International Centre, Pavilion Dance South West and in the exhibition spaces at Arts University Bournemouth. There are also several galleries along Westover Road in the heart of the town.
Further west, situated in the Old Town at Poole Quay, Poole Museum tells the story of the historic maritime town. From a 295 BC log boat discovered in Poole Harbour to the recognition of the town’s importance in the 1248 Longspee Charter and the trading history of 17th and 18th Century merchants, exhibitions chart Poole’s development from pre history to the 21st Century. For more in depth research Poole History Centre, based at a medieval wool warehouse at the back of the museum, is home to an extensive library of original, digital and micro film resources for anyone wishing to research local or family history. The Museum is also home to over 150 pieces of world famous Poole Pottery and a potter’s wheel – a must for collectors and fans. Just next door is Scaplen's Court, a Grade I listed building dating back to the 1300s featuring a working kitchen, school room and children’s toys through the ages, plus a beautiful courtyard garden. Available for wedding and event hire, the building runs unique hands-on school learning experiences. Open to the public daily in August, the venue hosts regular events, talks and tours or visit the Courtyard Garden, daily May to September.
Poole’s centre for the arts The Lighthouse has a variety of unusual and eclectic space spaces for a changing programme of visual arts exhibitions.
