Russell-Cotes Museum Private Tour

This exclusive curator-led tour takes you behind the scenes at the Russell-Cotes Museum, housed in a Victorian cliff-top villa. You'll access areas normally closed to the public, handle original artifacts, and hear stories about Sir Merton and Lady Annie Russell-Cotes' collecting adventures. The tour reveals the Victorian obsession with exotic objects and global travel. Best for art collectors and museum enthusiasts. This is a easy activity lasting 1 hour. Group size: max 15. You meet at Russell-Cotes Museum entrance. Key highlights: Behind-the-scenes storage and conservation areas, Hands-on artifact handling session, Victorian collecting stories and travel adventures.

Price: £18

Duration: 1 hour

Difficulty: easy

Group size: max 15

Minimum age: 12+

Best for: art collectors and museum enthusiasts

Best time: Afternoon tours when fewer general visitors are present

Meeting point: Russell-Cotes Museum entrance

Languages: English

Here is how the experience unfolds:

Start Meet curator at main entrance - Introduction to the Russell-Cotes family and their collecting passion

First 15 min Private viewing room access - Handle original artifacts not on public display

Next 20 min Curator storage areas - See conservation work and learn about collection management

Following 15 min Special exhibitions space - Discuss current research and recent acquisitions

Final 10 min Q&A session - Ask curator questions about specific pieces or museum operations

The whole experience takes 1 hour. Difficulty: easy. You meet at Russell-Cotes Museum entrance.

• Behind-the-scenes storage and conservation areas
• Hands-on artifact handling session
• Victorian collecting stories and travel adventures
• Access to items not on public display
• Direct curator expertise and insights
• Accessibility: Museum has lift access, but some storage areas require climbing stairs

What is included: Private curator guide, Access to restricted areas, Artifact handling session, Conservation demonstrations.

Not included: Museum admission, Photography in storage areas, Food and drinks. You will need to arrange these yourself.

What to bring: Clean hands for artifact handling, Notebook for taking notes, Questions prepared in advance. Having these with you makes the experience smoother.

Best time to go: Afternoon tours when fewer general visitors are present.

Tip: Maximum 15 people

Tip: Book two weeks ahead

Accessibility: Museum has lift access, but some storage areas require climbing stairs.

Operator: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery | Book directly (opens in new tab) | Phone: 01202 451858

After this activity, these are within easy reach:

• Bournemouth Beach (3 min walk)
• Bournemouth Pier (8 min walk)
• Bournemouth Gardens (10 min walk)

This activity is run by Russell-Cotes Art Gallery.

Book directly at their website (opens in new tab).

Cancellation policy: Free cancellation 48h before.

Accessibility: Museum has lift access, but some storage areas require climbing stairs.

Best time to go: Afternoon tours when fewer general visitors are present.

Can children join the Russell-Cotes private tour?

Minimum age is 12 years due to artifact handling requirements and behind-the-scenes access to conservation areas. Children must be accompanied by adults and follow strict handling protocols for museum objects.

How far in advance should I book the curator tour?

Book minimum two weeks ahead as tours depend on curator availability. Popular slots during summer months and school holidays fill earliest. Group bookings for 10+ people need four weeks advance notice.