Reading Museum
Reading, Berkshire
About Reading Museum
Reading Museum has 2 sites, Reading Museum and Town Hall and Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock, both of which are free to visit! Discover all about the social history, art, natural history, archaeology and more in this great museum with 12 galleries to explore!
The galleries (a cool 11 at the town hall, and 1 more at the Riverside), are packed with truly amazing objects, both local and global, and offer the opportunity to find out about Reading's 1,000 years of fascinating history, from Saxon beginnings, to the hi tech place it is today! Highlights include a unique Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry, important archaeological finds from medieval Reading and Roman Silchester, and the famous Huntley and Palmers biscuit tins.
The collections are not just confined to the galleries, so look out for displays of artefacts and ceramics on the walls of the foyers, and a number of other items that have been installed throughout the building. There are huge mosaics to marvel at in the Atrium, a collection of historic objects dredged from the river Thames, plus the excitingly interactive Box Room, where you can handle real objects from the Museum's varied collection!
There is so much to see and do here, so make sure you allow time to visit the Riverside Museum too, which tells the story of the 2 rivers in Reading, the Kennet and the Thames, and contains a fantastic gypsy caravan!
Opening Times
Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 - 16:00
Pricing & Tickets
Free admission
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Reading Museum by visiting our attraction tickets section.
FAQs
Contact Details
Verification & Last Updated
Claim Status:Claim
This attraction has not been claimed and verified. Own this attraction? Claim it now.
Last Updated: 19:31 02/01/2026
Reading Museum Reviews
Recent blog posts
See what to expect at Wheelgate Park’s outdoor splash park, from slides and height limits to tickets, timings and what to pack for your visit.
Weston Park hosts the UK’s first Hobbit festival this September. Here’s what families need to know about dates, the theme and why it matters.
Plan your visit to Alton Towers Minecraft Meet the Mobs, with dates, mobs, trail details, food and ticket prices from £37 online.
The Disney Store is returning to Birmingham Selfridges. Here’s what families can expect, from products to opening details and why it matters.
As we’re nearing mid-June, the one month countdown to the school summer holidays is well and truly on and if you haven’t already started planning ahead, NOW is the time to do so… The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer BeWILDerwood Norfolk Ready and waiting to welcome adventurers of all ages, BeWILDerwood Norfolk…
Discover 10 brilliant free days out across the UK, led by Manchester Museum. Perfect family ideas for budget-friendly adventures without entry fees.
The arrival of June signals just one thing: SUMMER has officially landed! We know you’re itching to dive into sun-drenched family adventures and soak up every second of the great outdoors before it’s gone. Keep scrolling for our weekly top picks of attractions… The UK Family Days Out Everyone’s Booking This Summer Wonderland, Telford Get…
Wow what a SCORCHER this May half-term has been! Whilst it might be back to routines sooner than you’d like, the fun needn’t be over as there’s still plenty going on for you and your family to enjoy! Check out these trending family attractions you won’t want to miss out on: The Days Out Families…