The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a historic house and art gallery on Bournemouth’s East Cliff, overlooking the sea. Completed in 1901, this dream house was given by Sir Merton Russell-Cotes to his wife Annie for her 66th birthday. Called East Cliff Hall, the house was an extraordinary, extravagant birthday present, and Annie and Merton filled their exotic seaside villa with beautiful objects from their travels across the world, and lined the walls with a remarkable collection of British art, creating a unique atmosphere in a most dramatic setting.
In 1907, Annie and Merton announced their intention of donating East Cliff Hall, its contents and art collection ‘for the enjoyment of the public of Bournemouth and visitors to the town’. At this time, visitors were able to visit one day a month as the house was still home to Annie and Merton until their respective deaths in 1920 and 1921. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum formally opened to the public on 10 March 1922, and was open Monday to Saturday from 10am until 6pm in the summer, and until 4pm in the winter.
The Russell-Cotes outdoor Terrace Café and Museum Café
The Russell-Cotes Café serves a delicious range of light lunches, teas, coffees, and cakes.
Café at the Museum opening times are 10am – 4.30pm Tuesdays – Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays
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