Murano is a public sculpture on the Boscombe Arts Trail, standing on the edge of Boscombe Chine Gardens with views out to Boscombe Pier. Shaped as a Venetian-inspired dome, it's designed to give the impression of being filled with sea creatures, a nod to Murano's famous glass-making tradition, reimagined for the Dorset coast.
The Boscombe Arts Trail
Murano is one of seven sculptures installed in 2010 by Dorset sculptor Andy Kirkby, chosen by a panel of arts professionals, local residents and ward councillors. The trail runs as a free, roughly 25-minute walk from Boscombe's shopping precinct, down Sea Road, to the pier. Its pieces share a marine theme, inspired by conversations with local residents and references to the area's history and literary connections, along with common materials of bronze, copper and cast iron, linked by a recurring gilded rope motif. Other surviving works on the trail include Verne, a diving helmet atop an octopus honouring Jules Verne, and Optic, a giant marble sphere set behind bench railings.
Visiting
Murano sits in the open air, so it can be seen at any time, free of charge, as part of a stroll along Sea Road or through Boscombe Chine Gardens. It's a good stop on a walk down to Boscombe Pier and the beach, and pairs well with a wander through Boscombe Chine Gardens itself. Explore more of the area's outdoor art and seafront walks in our guide to things to do in Bournemouth.
