Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

In 1901, Merton Russell-Cotes gave his wife Annie a dream house on Bournemouth's cliff-top overlooking the sea. It was an extraordinary, extravagant birthday present - lavish, splendid and with a touch of fantasy. They filled this 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 - a home, an art gallery and a museum. The house was to be a showcase, not simply for their own enjoyment, but also for the people of Bournemouth, for whom it was placed in trust in 1908. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is an outstanding celebration of late Victorian art collectors; their passions and achievements; how they lived and encountered the world and how they presented their collections to enrich the lives of others. With doors originally designed for an 18th century Florentine palazzo, the Drawing Room is one of the most opulent rooms in the house and is perfect for an intimate ceremony with up to 25 guests. The Main Hall, with its magnificent staircase and rare zodiac-sign stained-glass skylight, or Gallery II, one of the Edwardian art galleries, provide a dramatic setting for a larger wedding and offer exclusive use of the historic house, galleries and garden. The Russell-Cotes offers an ideal blend of elegance, tradition and grandeur in a beautiful setting, where you and your guests can celebrate your vows. Your ceremony can be enhanced by an elegant reception or wedding breakfast, set in gorgeous surroundings. Our attentive staff will take care of every detail and your wedding will not only be a memorable and spectacular occasion, but you will also be actively supporting the registered charity in our continued preservation of this exotic Victorian villa for generations to come.