Date: Thursday 17 February 2022
Time: 17.00 - 20.00
Venue: Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, East Cliff, Bournemouth BH1 3AA
The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum in Bournemouth will be hosting a late evening event on Thursday 17 February to kick off celebrations of its one-hundred-year anniversary of its opening to the public.
Coming just after Valentine’s Day, the event – called House of Hearts – will celebrate all that is romantic about the historic house. Situated on the perfect spot on the East Cliff, overlooking the sea, the house was given by Sir Merton Russell-Cotes to his beloved wife Annie as an extravagant 61st birthday gift.
The event is being organised in collaboration with Arts University Bournemouth second-year Creative Events Management students, who are putting together a night that involves live theatrical scenes around the house and live music to transport you to a dreamier bygone world.
The museum will keep its doors open and lift its blinds up, creating a warm, inviting and unique atmosphere. The house reflects the romance that Merton and Annie had for one another, as well as their love for travel, art, history, and Bournemouth.
These themes will be brought to life through live re-enactments of Annie and Merton around the house, performed by Arts University Bournemouth’s own Acting students and written specifically for the occasion by a Creative Writing student.
Linger long enough and you may find yourself next to Romeo, professing his love to his Juliet on her balcony.
Themed Afternoon Teas will also be available in the Café, as well as a range of cocktails, specially selected for the event.
This event is a moment for adults to be enveloped in the beauty of a bygone era and enjoy the art in its full glory. Time to book the babysitter in advance!
