Local students Kalina Kostova and Mitchel Adu share their top 5 favourite creative spaces in Bournemouth.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

When it comes to culture in Bournemouth, for me the Russell-Cotes Museum is its pinnacle. Highlighting British Art and artists, the house was founded by Merton and Annie Russell-Cotes at the turn of the twentieth century. It stored Merton’s Victorian-like collections of high art, largely focused on biblical and mythological subjects, as well as items he collected from his extensive travels.

In 1901, Merton gifted the Russell-Cotes house to his wife, Annie. In turn, Annie gifted the house as a museum to Bournemouth, which can still be enjoyed today, along with Merton’s donation of his fine art collection.

The Gallery offers a range of collections throughout the year, showcasing loans from public and private collections. Currently, Artist in Purbeck: Spirit of Place explores the artistic heritage of the Isle of Purbeck with work spanning across 20th Century till today.

Bournemouth Natural Science Society Museum

The Bournemouth Natural Science Society (BNSS) Museum is an independent organisation that seeks to promote the interest and enjoyment of Natural Sciences. The registered charity could be described as one of Bournemouth’s best kept secrets.

You will find that both the visitors and staff alike are people deeply passionate or intrigued by the studies of geology, botany, entomology and zoology. Their Egyptology collection houses a two-and-a-half-thousand-years-old Mummy.

This year, the BNSS is hosting talks on topics such as Minerals from the Bible, constellations in our Solar System and environmental awareness for local regions and beyond.

Chaplin's & The Cellar Bar

Located on Christchurch Road in Boscombe, Chaplin’s & The Cellar Bar is an independent venue, bar and restaurant. It would be somewhat contradictory to call it a hidden gem – considering its prominent and capturing exterior – yet to students and creatives who have stuck to one part of town, it can be exactly that.

Entering, I found myself wondering how such a place has always existed. With its groovy atmosphere, unique and colourful décor, local brews and live music, it is a valuable spot for creatives to mingle in an exchange of culture and experience.

If you stick to the typical saturated spots, it can be easy to miss out on all the interesting places that have a local, communal feeling to them in Bournemouth.

Upside Gallery

“Graffiti”, and “supported by local government”, are not words that are usually assembled together.

The Upside Gallery turns typical notions of graffiti… on their head. This unassuming section of Bournemouth has been repurposed as a canvas, injecting creativity into the Upper gardens. Conceived and curated by Paintshop Studio and funded by The Arts Council, the project embodies local and national passion for regeneration and embracing new ideas.

The Pavilion Theatre

There are many interesting architectural features around Bournemouth Town Centre, especially along Westover Road. This includes the Pavilion Theatre. Built in the 1920s, it is an elegant example of Art Deco design.

It you go to see one of the shows in its varied programme of theatre, music and performance, you’ll get to experience a flavour of what it was like to be a theatre goer of the early 1900s. Don’t forget to look up at the beautiful ceiling and lighting, as well as down at the stylised flooring.

Explore our Bournemouth trails to discover more of Bournemouth’s top cultural spots.