Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
4.5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Private home of extensive travelers Sir Merton Russell-Cotes and his wife Lady Annie was one of the last Victorian manor houses ever built.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Paul H
    Surrey, United Kingdom77 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of those rare rich people's houses I'd quite like to have lived in
    Just magnificent. The building itself is extraordinary, clearly designed by an absolute perfectionist. Every corner has been carefully designed and decorated. The art collection is superb. I loved the large Edwin Long paintings and the whole house has interesting works throughout. I particularly like that they have booklets in each room giving information about each of the works exhibited, I much prefer that to an audio tour. The staff/volunteers were very welcoming and knowledgable. It's one of those rare rich people's houses that I'd actually quite like to have lived in. If I could give it 6 marks I would.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written September 18, 2023
  • Rowan W
    19 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely Place
    This museum was an absolute delight! Small, intimate, and full to bursting with interesting art. There was a very talented pianist playing live music in the main room, which added a lovely air of charm to the experience. It has a beautiful view of the ocean from the windows, and a cute garden out front. Absolutely recommend.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written September 24, 2023
  • William P
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Russel-Cotes Museum, Bournemouth visit
    A stunning monument to the love they had for each other. Beautiful artistry throughout the building! Don’t forget to look up. Beautiful artefacts from around the world well preserved and presented. Well worth the visit!
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written September 26, 2023
  • caroline2
    Paris, France515 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A lovely discovery!!!
    A lovely discovery!!! This museum is in a beautifully preserved mansion with amazing sea views. The visit was a real delight as there are so many paintings, sculptures, artifacts, stained glasses, etc... from all over the world to discover. The temporary exhibition was quite interesting as well. There is also a little café with sandwiches, cakes, etc... The garden is very well maintained and beautiful.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 3, 2023
  • Rob
    Hanham, United Kingdom6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Well worth the visit.
    Didn’t know this place existed, but well worth the visit. Interesting story behind the owners, the Royal Bath Hotel and the house itself. Amazing collection of paintings and items on display
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written October 19, 2023
  • handyspanner
    London, United Kingdom673 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Truly Worth the Visit
    A really nice environment to spend a couple of hours. It is well worth the entry fee, if the price is challenging you, I understand, as I personally shudder at paying entry fees. So much to see, with all exhibits being of excellent condition, as is the property. Presently, the Siam exhibition is well worth the fee too, included in the initial entry fee(few), some excellent pictures from John Thomson.of early Siam. The tea room serves a pleasant tea and scone too.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 25, 2023
  • Steve Buckley
    London, United Kingdom8,891 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    SIAM - Through the Lens of John Thomson (1837-1921) Exhibition
    On Wednesday evening my wife and myself were invited to attend the Opening of the ‘SIAM Through the Lens of John Thomson’ Exhibition at the excellent Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum in Bournemouth. The event was opened by the Thai Ambassador and it contains a fascinating array of photographs of different events, people & places throughout Siam - many of the places/sites remain unchanged in Thailand today. It was well attended by many of the Gallery’s patrons as well as local signatories - all of which were very well looked after but the Gallery’s team. The Exhibition runs until 14 April 2024 and will, hopefully, prove a most popular added attraction to the many other artefacts on display.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled on business
    Written October 28, 2023
  • BrugesZot
    Penzance, United Kingdom102 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brilliant Museum
    This has been on our bucket list for some time and finally we were able to visit. Spent two hours mesmerised by the content of the building and the eclectic mix of paintings, collections, sculpture and furniture. We were also impressed by the ability to be close to objects (in most cases) and not distanced as in some venues of a similar nature. They have a cafe serving the usual light meals, sandwiches etc. as well as beverages. Staff were friendly and helpful. The building itself is also worthy of a mention as it is really eccentric.Two hours was not enough to take it all in and we will, at some time in the future, return.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 1, 2023
  • Kent Moonraker
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fascinating & Mesmerising
    Visited last Sunday as we had been in Bournemouth the previous evening for a concert and decided to make a weekend of it. This is a fantastic and mesmerising place to visit. A lot of art and objet d'art which was fascinating. We had started to wander around ourselves when we stumbled upon a tour guide Pippa who was just about to start her tour. Well she was an absolutely delightful lady who spoke very well ( me wife is registered deaf and managed to hear her very clearly) with the most fascinating stories about the family and their history and pointing out some pieces of the collection and the history behind them something you don't usually learn when you wander around on your own. She held us captivated for 2 hours whilst she guided us through the house and we could quite happily have listened for a further 2 hours. I understand that the guides do their own research Pippa was an absolute credit the the place and never ummed or ahhed once. All in all it was worth every penny (which was very many) and if we are ever in the area again would be at the very top of of list of places to visit.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 23, 2023
  • Janet H
    34 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful Victorian museum , a must see
    Fantastic visit to this stunning museum and gallery. Hadn't been for years but have rediscovered it this year and what a treasure trove of wonderful things it is. We enjoyed the exhibition of Lucy Kemp Welch paintings in the summer and this time we were enthralled by the photographs of Siam by John Thomson which are fascinating. The building itself is amazing , keep looking up , and is currently decorated for Christmas which further adds to the atmosphere. If you're lucky a pianist will be playing in the main hall , take a seat and soak up the atmosphere. Highly recommended for a visit. We shall return.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 2, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,271 reviews
Excellent
1,640
Very good
496
Average
85
Poor
30
Terrible
20

jenn0t
London, UK2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
Incredibly bad experience with staff. Had visited the museum a few years back and really enjoyed it so we were delighted to pop back again. There was 1 person booking tickets/ buying membership infront of us. We were the only ones in the queue. Staff made us wait outside in torrential rain despite there being ample space inside to socially distance. Our umbrella didn’t do justice. I couldn’t believe 2 members of staff were fine to keep us and a small baby in a sling outside in the weather. When we finally got to be served, the staff didn’t even bat and eye lid or apologise. We were invisible. We didn’t feel we could support an organisation like this and left. A small act of kindness would have gone a long way and as a result I would not recommend visiting this museum.
Written March 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Joseph B
43 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Couples
Arrived early afternoon to visit Russell-Coates Building and on approaching reception desk was told loudly ‘you will have to wait as I’m busy’.
So my wife and I waited and after five minutes Without even talking to him the receptionist said again aloud ‘I am busy and you’ll just have to wait’.
At that point we left disappointed and saddened from such surly and abrupt treatment in Bournemouth.
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LKJE
Bognor Regis, UK153 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
A very grand and beautiful house filled with some of the most diverse collections of art and artefact you could want to see. £7.50 entrance fee and well worth it too, we spent 1.5 hrs looking at each of the rooms and collections of art and trinkets collected by the owners over their life time. An amazing walk back in time. A must visit.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LauraDaveJames
Solihull, UK4,995 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Couples
This museum is in a great location overlooking Bournemouth Bay. The entrance fee is £7.50 per adult.
The house is fascinating and the history of the couple who built it is equally interesting. There is a very interesting mix of paintings, sculptures and furniture from all over the world. There is a guided tour, but we arrived before that started and found it perfectly okay with the information provided in each room. There is a good café located in the museum that is free to enter also there is a video about the founders of the museum.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MEPM
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2021 • Couples
Lovely staff, always open to answers questions and explaining some of the art pieces.
I absolutely loved the new exhibition about the Lockdow filled with funny comments that took me to back in time when I was stuck at home.

We were wondering where the money came from and how the family became wealthy. Just looking at the different pieces they brought from their trips makes you think how much they paid.

I will visit it again if I have the change and with luck, I will enjoy a warm tea in the terrace.
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

590shelley
Essex, UK126 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022 • Friends
For over 15 years we have alway wanted to visit Russell Cotes Museum and Cafe but as we have always had our dogs with us previously we haven’t been able. Today we were able to visit, but what a let down, staff were not friendly, abrupt and not helpful. Our daughter is Type 1 diabetic and was having a hypo (3.5 and dropping) so it was a matter of urgency she ate something. I tried explaining to staff who to be honest didn’t show any concern. No one told us when I asked for menus that only cakes and sandwiches were available, we were after 3 ploughman’s.
We then were expected to carry a full tray of sandwiches and 2 pots of tea etc down to the lower floor to sit outside as it was too hot inside. My husband is 65 years old. We did use the lift but surely this is a dangerous practise ?Apparently you were short staffed so no outside orders could be taken.
We were going to pay to visit the art gallery after anticipating our visit for so many years, but we decided to cut short our visit and visit somewhere that welcomes tourists.
We have a world class gallery ourselves called Firstsite, I’m glad to say we welcome people with a smile whether they are short staffed or not. It’s not our fault a facility is short staffed and I don’t expect it to affect my visit.
We will not be returning
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Steve Buckley
London, UK8,891 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2022
My wife and myself are currently holidaying in Poole staying at the excellent Harbour Heights Hotel (Review to follow) and earlier today we did the 5 Km beachfront walk to Bournemouth on what can only be described on a beautiful January day!

Whilst there we popped into the Russell-Coates Art Gallery & Museum (one of our favourite local attractions - see previous Review) for a drink and a snack at the delightful 3rd Floor Cafe. In the event we had a Pot of Tea for 2 and some delicious home baked cheese scones. Hard to beat anywhere else in Bournemouth for both quality and price so would recommend others to follow suit - they won’t be disappointed!!
Written January 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

emma l
Nottingham, UK155 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I went in with low expectations, i was recommended to go here by a taxi driver as there isn't really much else in Bournemouth. I was pleasantly surprised. It's bigger than it looks from the outside too.

You have to leave big bags and any wet clothes at the door in lockers or the cloak room area. This is free. There is an activity to do for young kids with some wombats and trying to spot them (i saw them as i was going around).
I really like the art, sometimes it can be hit and miss but the statues were gorgeous, especially the contrast with the black and white stone heads.
This is situated over a few floors. I think there is a lift for people who cannot walk well.
It wasn't overly expensive either and worth the money.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JCW491
Poole, UK17 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
A wonderful little house/gallery/ garden with changing exhibitions. Coming up very soon: Beyond the Brotherhood: The Pre-Raphaelite Legacy. When I visited last week, this exhibition was being prepared, promises to be great.
House itself is interesting, lots of details about the man who built it for his wife, lovely tiled fireplaces and small display of De Morgan tiles. I also liked the stained glass.
Activities for children /families in school holidays. Cafe and shop on site.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

E17GB
London, UK22 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2021
Excellent and slightly quirky. Takes a couple of hours to see but recommend stopping for cake or a cream tea in the nice cafe and eating outside on the balcony if the weather is o.k. There is a nice little gift shop as well. Great views from its clifftop position.
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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