Reading Museum

About

Reading Museum is one of Berkshire’s most engaging cultural landmarks, housed in the striking Victorian Town Hall building designed by Alfred Waterhouse. Opened in 1883, the museum was created to showcase the town’s growing civic pride and its rich archaeological and industrial heritage. Its red‑brick Gothic Revival setting adds character to every gallery. One of the museum’s most fascinating treasures is the full‑scale Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry, hand‑embroidered in the 1880s by skilled local women. This remarkable work mirrors the original in size and detail, offering an immersive journey through the Norman Conquest. Reading’s Roman past is also vividly represented, with artefacts from the nearby Silchester excavation, including pottery, mosaics, and everyday objects that reveal life in a bustling Roman town. The museum highlights Reading’s industrial story too, from Huntley & Palmers biscuit tins to early railway heritage. Its natural history collections, local art, and changing exhibitions make it a lively community space.

Reading United Kingdom

Location

Reading Museum is located in the centre of Reading, inside the Victorian Town Hall on Blagrave Street. It’s just a short walk from Reading station and the main shopping area, making it easy to reach on foot or by public transport. Admission is free and the museum is open year-round. The museum tells the story of Reading and the surrounding Thames Valley from Roman times to today. Highlights include the full-size Victorian copy of the Bayeux Tapestry, the world’s only complete version, displayed in a dedicated gallery. You’ll also find Roman Silchester artefacts, Huntley & Palmers biscuit history, local archaeology, and natural history displays. Right nearby are Reading Abbey Ruins and Forbury Gardens, where you can walk among medieval remains and manicured lawns. The River Kennet runs through the town centre with scenic paths along the Kennet and Avon Canal, perfect for a waterside stroll to the Oracle shopping and dining complex. Also close are the Maiwand Lion statue, St Laurence’s Church, and Reading Minster. The Museum of English Rural Life is a short walk away for more local heritage. With cafés, restaurants, and the Hexagon theatre around, Reading Museum is a great starting point to explore the town’s mix of history, culture, and riverside character.