Russell Cotes House Bournemouth

17

July

A museum but not as you know it. 

Bournemouth can boast a beautiful house, overlooking the pier on the cliff at Bournemouth, that has been here since the 1800's. Owned by a wealthy land owner Russell Cotes

East Cliff Hall was the home of Merton (1835-1921) and Annie Russell-Cotes (1835-1920). The building of East Cliff Hall was begun in 1897 and was completed in its first form in 1901.

The house was designed by the architect, John Frederick Fogerty, but Merton and Annie had a great deal of input into the design. It was designed so that Merton and Annie could live in style and comfort and to house their growing collections. The house was to be a showcase, not simply for their own enjoyment, but also for the people of Bournemouth to whom it was given.

On 15 July 1901, Merton presented East Cliff Hall to his wife as a gift on her 66th birthday. This was the same year that Queen Victoria died, making the house one of the last Victorian buildings ever built.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
East Cliff Promenade, Bournemouth, BH1 3AA

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum is a registered charity, no. 306288
© Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum Charity

Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday 10am-5pm

As ticket numbers are limited, we encourage you to pre-book to avoid disappointment. If you arrive without a booking, we may be able to accommodate you, however, admittance will depend on the number of visitors already in the museum.