Venue Description

The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is a spectacular Victorian villa in Bournemouth overlooking the sea. Built in 1901 by Sir Merton Russell-Cotes as a birthday gift to his beloved wife Annie, the house is a palace of art, full of paintings, sculptures and treasures from around the world. Today, you can step back in time and discover this historic house and its endless masterpieces and curiosities without barriers. Our Cafe serves delicious cake, drinks and light lunches, and our shop is the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs. If you are an art lover, you will be delighted by our collections of art, including Pre-Raphaelite works, Victorian painting, 20th century art, and extraordinary sculptures. Our travel and ethnographic collections reveal an extraordinary global picture of the 19th century, including one of the largest and most significant collections of Japanese objects in the country. With a programme of changing exhibitions and events, there is always something new to discover at the Russell-Cotes.

Accessibility

The Russell-Cotes is located on the East Cliff in Bournemouth. Please be aware that there is a steeper gradient from the top of the cliff than from the bottom where the Pier is located. There is level access into the Welcome area and shop, with lift access to Cafe, historic house and galleries. The upper floor of the house is only accessible by stairs. Some of the upstairs rooms can be explored with a 360 degree interactive guide on an iPad. Electric and manual wheelchair users are able to access most of the Russell-Cotes, provided that the dimensions do not exceed those of the UK reference wheelchair size.Generally speaking class 1 scooters are usually permitted (please contact the musuem for further information). Unfortunately, tiller controlled class 2 & 3 scooters are not permitted in the house and should be parked outside. This is because they are too large and do not have the manoeuverability required to safely access the listed building. We do, however, have a manual wheelchair for visitors to use (subject to availability); please ask at the information desk when you arrive. We also have seating areas throughout the house. The closest car park is Bath Road South and we recommend wheelchair users and people with any mobility issues use this car park to avoid the steep gradient on the East Cliff Promenade. Assistance dogs are welcome and we can provide drinking water if needed. Please ask at the reception desk. There is an accessible toilet on the first floor. There is step-free lift access to this level. Buggies and pushchairs are welcome in the Café, Shop and Learning Gallery. There is limited storage at the main entrance or alternatively they can be parked in the garden. Unfortunately, the historic house was not designed to accommodate buggies and pushchairs. We have slings and a hip seat available as alternative options.

Accessible Performances

We offer a Tactile Museum Tour for visitors who are blind or partially blind to discover some of our key sculptures by touch. Please pre-book by calling or emailing in advance. Maximum numbers per tour are four, including carers and companions. Gloves are provided for the tour.

Toilets

There is an accessible toilet on the first floor. There is step-free lift access to this level.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.