News & Events

Diary
Looking for something to do? Our events, activities, talks and tours are all listed here.
Or download our audio diary

Exhibitions
Information and dates for current and upcoming Exhibitions

Just In
View the latest additions to the collection

Museum Surgery
Have your mystery object identified

What's New

  The Sea, The Sea - now open

The Sea in all its moods has inspired generations. Paintings and drawings from the Museum collection evoke the cry of gulls, the smell of salt spray and the feel of sand beneath your feet. Complementing the art works are seldom-seen objects collected and created by people who lived, worked and dreamed by the sea - from shells and fossils to models and tools. The exhibition includes works by Johannes Lingelbach, Eric Ravilious and Joan Eardley and there will be things for all the family to do as well as see.

Throughout the exhibition enjoy a varied programme of events and activities including live music in the art gallery, talks and artist-led workshops.

Wednesday 14 May
A brief introductory tour of the exhibition with curators Elaine Blake and Angela Houghton.
Adults, 1.00pm – 1.30pm Free, drop in

  The One Exhibition in the Turbine House

The One Exhibition is an innovative art show in the Turbine House at Riverside Museum, Blake's Lock. The exhibition has been created by a group of motivated foundation degree students currently studying at Thames Valley University. It is the culmination of a period of study that celebrates the diverse interests held by members of this forward-thinking fine art group.

The display features interesting and exciting works in various styles and materials, and all are welcome to come along and visit. Some of the students will be on hand to talk to throughout the week.

  Teachers' History Conference

Teacher's History Conference : Using your museum more effectively

Aimed at teachers and teaching assistants from Foundation Stage through to Key Stage 3, this whole day conference will explore ideas to support your work in the classroom.

The day will include:
Presentations by Museum Curators
Gallery Sessions
Hands-on object handling activities
Workshops by partner museums from across Berkshire
Guided tour/heritage walk

Cost £50 per delegate including lunch and refreshments

Booking forms available from Rebecca James or Jo Lonsdale
on 0118 939 9800
rebecca.james@reading.gov.uk
joanne.lonsdale@reading.gov.uk

  Silchester Photographs - browse online

The museum holds an archive of over 600 historic photographs documenting the early excavations at the Roman town of Calleva Atrebatum, near Silchester. These images record the excavations from about 1870, when the Revd J. G. Joyce was investigating the site, to 1909, when the Society of Antiquaries completed their project to excavate and record the whole area enclosed by the town wall.

This photographic record offers an insight into the excavations and the methods used at the time. It also shows the people involved in the work, ranging from the team of diggers who came from the surrounding villages to the members of the Committee who ran the excavations for the Society of Antiquaries. Some of the objects now on display at the Museum of Reading appear as they were when first recovered.

A project to identify and scan these images has been completed. To browse and search 120 of them click here

  The Biscuit Tin Café

The Museum's family-friendly café, just behind the Town Hall reception area, is open daily. Aimed at families and children, the café sells fair trade tea and coffee, homemade organic biscuits and cakes.

The cafe is open Monday - Saturday, 10-4 and 11-4 Sunday.

  Riverside Museum open every day

The Riverside Museum at Blake's Lock tells the story of Reading's two rivers. Its centrepiece is the Dunton's gypsy caravan that was built on the banks of the River Kennet. Admission is free. The Museum is open daily in partnership with the Bel and The Dragon restaurant that also occupies the site.

A Riverside Trail leaflet links the Museum with central Reading. Pick up your free copy from our museums or call us on 0118 939 9800. See the ‘about us’ page for a location map.