Victorian Gothic at the Russell-Cotes

Explore the rich, dark history of Victorian Gothic literature and the darker side of Victorian culture at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum.

6.00pm – 8.30pm Friday 30 October 2026

Tickets £15, Friends Members £12*

Pre-booking is recommended as these events can sell out – Book your Ticket Here.

This event will provide an opportunity for you to explore the museum in the evening, and experience a programme of informal, pop-up activities throughout the museum on a Gothic theme.

Dressing up is encouraged – think Victorian Gothic and Dark Elegance.

You can expect:

• Music of the Night: Live Piano Music of the Darker Side of the Classics
• Tales by Candlelight: Dramatic Readings from Gothic Literary Classics & More Obscure Tales
• Museum Object Handling: Otherworldly objects from the museum collection on the theme: Encounters with Spirits and Demons
• Talks on Gothic Subjects: Find out more about Gothic Classics including Dracula, the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Frankenstein, as well as more obscure topics like Victorian Penny Dreadfuls
• Gothic Writing Activity: Unleash your creativity with our drop-in writing activity throughout the evening with published horror writer Chris Harrison
• Gothic Book Club: Read and discuss short Gothic stories in our mini Gothic Book Club sessions
• Tarot and Palm Reading:  Have a mini tarot reading or palm reading, additional charges apply see below for more details.
• Café Open 5pm – 8pm: Throughout the evening the café will be open selling alcoholic and soft drinks plus cakes, snacks and light bites, or why not begin your evening with a delicious pre-booked Afternoon Tea? (option available when booking tickets)

Event Timings
Café open from 5.00pm
Pre-Booked Afternoon Teas from 5.00pm
Historic House opens 6.00pm
Event activities begin 6.00pm
Café closes 8.00pm
Event finishes 8.30pm

Tarot and Palm Reading
15 minute mini tarot reading or palm reading appointments available during the event with Abi from Moonlight and Rosewood, £15.
Limited spaces, pre-booking available. Pre-Book an Appointment Here

“Hi, I’m Abi, I’m your local witchy gal, through my work I support you to rediscover your inner magic and clear the path ahead. Whether you sit with me for a tarot reading, palm reading or reiki session, my aim is to guide you along your journey to understand your true self. Follow your curiosity and watch as the magic unfolds. I have over ten years of experience exploring different methods of divination, building a greater understanding of how each one works and developing my own connections, through developing my own practice and supporting others over the years I have helped many AuDHD women rediscover their true selves.'”

Mini Tarot Reading: Feel like your stuck at a cross road or don’t know what to do next? Let’s work together to explore the energy of where you are at the moment and what the future may look like if you stay on this path.

Additional Information

Please be aware that activities and timings are subject to change.

Friends Members TIckets
*Please note that your Friends Membership must be valid on the evening of the event.

Access Information
The majority of programming of this event is within areas of the historic house and galleries that are accessible. Some elements of the event may take place on the upper floor of the historic house, which is accessed via stairs only.

Refunds
Please note that once purchased, tickets cannot be transferred, exchanged, refunded or returned unless the event is cancelled, moved to another date, or details of the event are significantly changed after a ticket has been purchased.

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