Gordon Russell Design Museum
Discover the legacy of Gordon Russell, a visionary furniture designer, through interactive exhibits and tactile experiences in Broadway.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction
Gordon Russell Design Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more staff interaction

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the legacy of Gordon Russell, a visionary furniture designer, through interactive exhibits and tactile experiences in Broadway.
"An absolute gem of a museum, offering a fascinating insight into Gordon Russell's work and the Arts and Crafts style."
🤝 Engage with Staff
Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Ask them questions!
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! You'll want 90 mins+ to truly appreciate the tactile exhibits.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Furniture Displays
Throughout the museum
Sit, touch, and explore Gordon Russell's iconic furniture. Open drawers and discover hidden details.

Northleach Box and Mirror
Exhibit area
Examine the intricate joinery of this 1926 piece, a testament to innovative design.
Gordon Russell's Design Evolution
Main exhibition
Trace his journey from Arts and Crafts to modern, utilitarian designs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Tactile Experience
Broadway's Hidden Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Engage with Staff
Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Ask them questions!
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! You'll want 90 mins+ to truly appreciate the tactile exhibits.
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique books, cards, and homewares inspired by Gordon Russell's designs.
🪑 Sit and Explore
Feel free to interact with the furniture – it's encouraged!
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Engage with Staff
Volunteers are incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Ask them questions!
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! You'll want 90 mins+ to truly appreciate the tactile exhibits.
🛍️ Visit the Gift Shop
Find unique books, cards, and homewares inspired by Gordon Russell's designs.
🪑 Sit and Explore
Feel free to interact with the furniture – it's encouraged!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Gordon Russell Design Museum as an 'absolute gem' and 'fascinating insight' into the life and work of a significant British designer. The interactive nature, allowing guests to touch and explore the furniture, is a standout feature, complemented by the enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff who bring the exhibits to life. It's a highly recommended, albeit small, museum experience.
"Until me and my wife went to look around the Gordon Russell Design Museum we had no idea how important he was and still is to Broadway.
We decided to have a look around not long after the museum had opened, which was very lucky for us, because the guide looking after things had time to point us in the right direction.
If you have time to visit this museum I would highly recommend it and should you be as lucky as us to meet the gentleman we spoke to,it will be well worth your time.
Sorry we don't know the curators name but we were most grateful to you for bringing Gordon Russell to life."
Clive Wheat
"Wow , what an absolute gem of a museum. It can be found just off the High Street in Broadway in the cotswolds. Gordon Russell was a furniture designer who was influenced by the arts and crafts style. He produced so many wonderful objects , wether it was music cabinets for Murphy or replacement furniture for those that had everything destroyed in the war. It was affordable , beautiful, ahead of its time and influenced others. You are requested to touch the furniture , open drawers, a d in some there are his plans. It's a fascinating insight into his workings. It's not a huge place, but I think we spent a good 90 minutes there. A special mention to the lovely lady on the desk who was informative , enthusiastic and in keeping with the furniture immaculately dressed. Fantastic place."
kevin mills
"If you happen to find yourself in Broadway, I would thoroughly recommend a visit to the Gordon Russell Design Museum. Charting Russell's career and providing examples of some of his designs, from Arts and Crafts through to the modern and utilitarian. Small by museum standards, but certainly packs a huge punch, and staffed by some lovely and very knowledgeable people."
kim evans
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located just off the High Street in Broadway, Worcestershire. Parking is available nearby, and it's easily accessible on foot within the charming village.
Broadway has bus services, but direct routes to the museum might vary. It's best to check local bus timetables. The village itself is quite walkable once you arrive.
The museum is typically open from 10 am to 4 pm, but it's always a good idea to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours, especially on weekends and holidays.
Yes, there are several car parks in Broadway, most within a short walking distance of the museum. Some street parking may also be available.
Absolutely! The Gordon Russell Design Museum is a perfect addition to a Cotswolds itinerary, offering a unique cultural experience within the picturesque village of Broadway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees are generally reasonable. While specific prices can change, it's a small fee for a significant experience. Check their website for current pricing.
For individual visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, for group visits or special events, it's highly recommended to contact the museum in advance.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is best obtained directly from the museum. Group bookings are encouraged and may have special rates.
Yes! A key feature of the museum is its interactive nature. Visitors are encouraged to touch the furniture, open drawers, and experience the pieces firsthand.
The interactive nature of the exhibits makes it engaging for older children and teens interested in design and craftsmanship. Younger children might enjoy the tactile elements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum celebrates the life and work of Gordon Russell, a prominent British furniture designer influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, showcasing his innovative designs and entrepreneurial spirit.
Most visitors find that 90 minutes to two hours is sufficient to explore the exhibits thoroughly and appreciate the interactive displays.
The museum often has enthusiastic volunteers who can provide insights and guide visitors. Their knowledge truly brings Gordon Russell's story to life.
You'll find a range of Gordon Russell's furniture, from early Arts and Crafts pieces to more modern and utilitarian designs, including cabinets, desks, and chairs.
Generally, personal photography without flash is permitted for non-commercial use. It's always best to confirm with staff upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not typically have a cafe. However, Broadway offers numerous charming cafes, tea rooms, and restaurants just a short walk away.
Broadway High Street is lined with excellent dining options, from traditional pubs to elegant restaurants, catering to various tastes and budgets.
It's generally not permitted to consume food or drinks inside the museum galleries to protect the exhibits. There are plenty of places to enjoy a picnic in Broadway's scenic surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
The beautifully crafted furniture itself offers fantastic photographic opportunities. Focus on the intricate details, joinery, and the overall aesthetic of the pieces.
Yes, close-up shots highlighting the joinery, wood grain, and craftsmanship are highly encouraged and make for stunning photography.
While personal photography is usually allowed, it's best to avoid flash photography that could damage the exhibits. Sharing on social media is generally welcomed.
A versatile lens that can capture both wider shots of furniture arrangements and detailed close-ups would be ideal. A tripod might be restricted, so a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
The Northleach Box and Mirror, with its unique joinery, and any of the pieces that allow you to open drawers or see internal workings are excellent subjects for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical context might be more for adults, the tactile nature of the exhibits can spark curiosity. Consider focusing on the craftsmanship and the idea of designing things that are both beautiful and useful. The gift shop also offers some lovely cards and smaller items that might appeal to children.
🎨 Design Enthusiasts & Students
The interactive nature of the exhibits is invaluable for students, allowing for close examination of construction methods and design details that are often inaccessible in other settings. The museum's volunteers are a fantastic resource for in-depth discussions about design history and Russell's impact. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Gordon Russell furniture museum Broadway for inspiration.
🚶 Day-Trippers to the Cotswolds
Allow about 90 minutes to an hour and a half to fully appreciate the museum. Combine your visit with a stroll through Broadway, enjoy lunch at one of its many cafes, and soak in the quintessential Cotswolds atmosphere. It’s a perfect way to add a layer of design appreciation to your scenic day out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Gordon Russell
Visitors can explore Russell's journey through various exhibits that highlight his design philosophy and entrepreneurial spirit. The museum's unique approach allows you to not just see the furniture but to experience it. This tactile engagement provides a deeper understanding of the craftsmanship and thoughtful design that characterized his work. It's a chance to connect with a significant chapter of British design history in an intimate and engaging setting.
The museum also touches upon Russell's broader impact, including his involvement in the utility furniture scheme during World War II, which aimed to provide affordable, well-designed furniture to a nation rebuilding. This aspect of his work underscores his commitment to making good design accessible. The Gordon Russell furniture museum Broadway is a testament to his enduring influence on the design world.
Experiencing the Museum: A Tactile Approach
This approach is particularly evident when examining pieces like the Northleach Box and Mirror from 1926. Visitors can closely inspect its intricate joinery, a combination of dovetails and comb joints that showcases innovative craftsmanship. The ability to interact with such detailed work provides insights that simply looking at a static display cannot offer. It’s this direct engagement that makes the museum a fascinating destination for design enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Beyond the furniture, the museum's volunteers play a crucial role in enhancing the visitor experience. Their enthusiasm and deep knowledge of Gordon Russell's life and work bring the exhibits to life, offering anecdotes and context that enrich the visit. This blend of tactile exploration and expert guidance creates a truly immersive and educational journey into the world of British design.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit