Bournemouth’s Art Scene: Top 5 Cultural Hotspots Explored
Bournemouth, a town often thought of just for its beaches, is too a place where art and culture thrive in quite a surprising way. So, if you like your art and culture, this coastal town has rather a lot going on. That said, this guide shines a light on five great hotspots that will really draw you into Bournemouth’s heart and creativity, promising very unique experiences.
1. Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum: A Victorian Time Capsule
Right on Bournemouth’s East Cliff, Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum is arguably way more than just a building. Basically, it’s a trip back to the Victorian era, originally the home of art collectors and travelers, Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes, basically. In fact, their home, built in 1901, is almost preserved totally, is that even right? As I was saying, inside you can actually walk around spaces packed to the brim with art, artifacts, and treasures from their trips all over, really.
So, expect to clap your eyes on British art featuring paintings by Edwin Landseer, and too discover cool finds from all corners of the globe, basically – anything from Japanese armor to carvings from New Zealand, for example. We have to say though, the house is a total work of art itself, as a matter of fact, complete with elaborate interiors, stained glass, and also quite interesting architectural details, that’s for sure.
Basically, the Russell-Cotes really stands out, not only for the significance of what is held, but so too the views that really show off the striking sea views. Anyway, why don’t you get your history and art fix all in one fantastic location? I mean, honestly.
Read our full review: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Book Here)
2. Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival: A Coastal Celebration
Each year, Bournemouth becomes a stage with the Arts by the Sea Festival. Of course, this festival changes the seaside resort into almost a hub of creativity, actually. That said, with art installations spread all over the seafront to live shows, for example, the festival has very imaginative displays to keep you engaged and amused. Like your typical Bournemouth trip, so that can be so different with a festival like this.
Basically, Arts by the Sea draws both people from around the area, and artists wanting to exhibit a number of performance arts and styles; expect also an eclectic mix of street theatre, music, dance and multimedia displays, of course. Usually, you’re allowed to experience culture outside gallery walls because it gets taken straight to the people! It really creates a sense of communal awe and encourages people just experiencing things casually instead of feeling a high-pressured vibe associated around other tourist places.
The festival usually takes place in late September/early October, so you might want to check their website for precise scheduling. That is to say, make sure to time your trip to catch this wonderful arts event.
Read our full review: Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Plan Your Trip)
3. Shelley Theatre: A Stage for the Dramatic Arts
Nestled away within the grounds of Shelley Manor, the Shelley Theatre might be, arguably, a historic theatrical spot with, surprisingly, a strong and thriving arts calendar. Honestly, dating all the way back to the 1800s, the theatre does have a charming spot and a vibrant array of shows throughout the year, basically. Still, so much theatre really makes a lot of cultural enrichment and so, a great experience if you are nearby!
I want to say, there really is something here for pretty much everyone; that is from classic plays and music shows to stand up comedians and dance recitals. Still, its intimate venue, that actually only holds about 150 people, just adds to that overall close interaction between artists onstage while enjoying that raw live performance. In a way, by having a theatre tucked away on an estate such as this, allows visitors such a special place of art when exploring such history.
Read our full review: Shelley Theatre Bournemouth Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (View Events)
4. Poole Museum: Delving into Local History
OK, so just outside Bournemouth, in fact, lies the Poole Museum, in short, in the old Town Hall in Poole! That said, it takes visitors on a historical ride, arguably of the city and the surrounding location. In other words, by chronicling, and curating galleries of local treasures as a way of education, Poole’s importance regarding trade is told through amazing displays.
There tends to be some exhibitions showcasing Poole’s long maritime heritage to displays telling all about its connection in pottery – such that, almost everything gives visitors something unique about culture’s past history. In the meantime, Poole Museum will almost inspire and bring in anybody seeking historical, or some sort insight to arts within Bournemouth.
Read our full review: Poole Museum Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Discover More)
5. TheGallery at Arts University Bournemouth: Contemporary Creations
If, let’s say, you like something totally cutting edge, why don’t you visit TheGallery, that I believe is housed right on Arts University Bournemouth’s campus? Well, its shows offer both students plus recognised artists. Therefore, in order to experience contemporary artwork – from displays around art installation through to film and digital creations- a lot more exploration can happen here!
By featuring university ingenuity right side alongside recognised, and talented musicians; there does appear the potential visitors end seeing some brilliant new thing while checking through modern art. This setting can allow an informal but artistic outing that’ll make viewers stop and assess. A quick stop that stimulates conversation in arts, possibly after studying some more conventional Bournemouth landmarks sounds just amazing, basically.
Read our full review: TheGallery at Arts University Bournemouth Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Plan Your Visit)
So, Bournemouth’s scene regarding art may stun since there is not simply any beaches. From gorgeous Victorian homes through unique celebrations, this list has actually various tourist locations worth experiencing when out searching things relating visual enjoyment right through tradition’s lens. Therefore, if sightseeing landmarks and museums – ensure areas noted offer an insight- perhaps including a brand-new understanding and regard Bournemouth culture altogether, frankly.
- Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum: It is almost preserved totally, filled with all sorts of pieces from around the world.
- Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival: This turns into a street performance so it helps culture seem not uptight for first time experiencers.
- Shelley Theatre: Discover that fantastic theatre setting surrounded simply by beauty on beautiful gardens – very immersive indeed basically!
- Poole Museum: This teaches audiences of Poole long history together trade routes with stunning artefact galleries throughout to check away whilst going around museums or exhibitions, almost.
- TheGallery at Arts University Bournemouth: Take students displays next known leaders inside Bournemouth which generates an enjoyable day to find exciting artistry right beside future art.