Reading Museum
Share
A community museum of art, archaeology, history and nature since 1883, providing opportunities for learning, inspiration, and discovery.
Explore 10 galleries including Britain's Bayeux Tapestry and Reading's Abbey Quarter. Explore our eleven hands-on galleries including Roman Silchester, changing exhibitions in the art gallery, Britain's Bayeux Tapestry and the world's only biscuit gallery, Huntley & Palmers. Enjoy our varied programme of events, activities and concerts for all the family.
This month marks the 140th anniversary of Britain's Bayeux Tapestry, the full-size Victorian replica of the original Bayeux Tapestry. The replica was completed in 1886 by 35 ladies from the Leek Embroidery Society in Staffordshire who used hand-coloured photographs of the original as reference.
To celebrate, Dave Musgrove from HistoryExtra clears up the biggest misconception of all about the prudish Victorian version: who added those pants.
Explore the original Bayeux Tapestry: https://www.bayeuxmuseum.com/en/the-bayeux-tapestry/discover-the-bayeux-tapestry/explore-online/
Details of the official digital representation of the Bayeux Tapestry – 11th century. Credits: City of Bayeux, DRAC Normandie, University of Caen Normandie, CNRS, Ensicaen, Photos: 2017 – La Fabrique de patrimoines en Normandie. Comparative study: Clémentine Paquier-Berthelot, Bayeux Museum
23/06/2026
Due to the extreme weather warning this week Rhymetime on Wednesday morning and the Bayeux Tapestry tour on Thursday afternoon are both cancelled
Please note that we have contacted those taking part in the Bayeux tour, see email for full details
The Museum itself is currently open, for any updates please see our Disruptions page: https://rdguk.info/5tRip
Please take care when travelling to and from the Museum and bring water with you to stay hydrated during your visit
We hope that our events will be back up and running as usual next week!
19/06/2026
This geometric open weave wall hanging is a Macrogauze by influential weaver Peter Collingwood. His innovative Macrogauze wall hangings broke away from traditional weaving, with the warp (vertical) threads zigzagging and crossing each other to create new geometrical patterns.
This textile hanging was purchased for use in the School Loans Service and now sits in the main museum collection.
🖌️ Object 2007.1984.1
📷 Reading Museum
Beautiful 1930’s postcards of historic Reading, reproducing earlier 19th century scenes – preserved untouched for decades
Set of 12 Postcards, in original envelopes: only £12.99
https://rdguk.info/Vintage_Reading_Postcards_-_Set_of_12_0Uvzu
A rare chance to own a piece of Reading’s heritage, available for a limited time only
Find out more about our Reading: Then & Now Exhibition here: https://rdguk.info/Reading__Then___Now_szsIU
The Bayeux Tapestry for beginners, courtesy of .
Does the Norman conquest being a 'simple' story make you suspicious? If so, you're spot on...
We'll get into all things Bayeux Tapestry, including its origins, and Britain's full-size replica on display here at Reading Museum, in the coming months. Follow us to join us on this journey!
#1066
There's Bayeux Tapestry excitement in the air... But first, let's go back to basics: what story does the tapestry tell? David Musgrove, from BBC History magazine and HistoryExtra, gives you an extra quick primer. It's a good start, if an eyebrow-raising one...
Follow us to find out why this complex, history-making story resulted in a 'simple, specific, and very partial' depiction, which has endured through the ages (hint: the latter has something to do with a certain replica...).
16/06/2026
Shamsa, a unique work of art by Fakhria Nezami is now on display in the Welcome Gallery at Reading Museum
It uses the refined techniques of traditional miniature painting and took over five months to paint
Find out more: https://rdguk.info/LxaJG
Fakhria Nezami is an artist from Afghanistan specialising in calligraphy, miniature painting and illumination. Her practice is rooted in the artistic traditions of Khorasan and the Herat school.
12/06/2026
These wooden printing blocks were used to print designs onto wallpaper in around 1830. The patterns in relief are made by cutting into the wood and by laying in metal strips. The blocks were pressed into pigment and positioned on the paper to print the design. This was repeated down the length of the paper, with different blocks used for additional colours.
Museum Object no. 1931.432.1=3
📷 Reading Museum
11/06/2026
❤️ Love Reading?
Back in stock: https://rdguk.info/DLkPH
This map of Reading by local artist Rebecca Howard includes the whole borough , stretching down to the Earley in the South, Woodley in the East and Tilehurst in the West. It features many of the key buildings that make Reading unique.
09/06/2026
One of our favourite tea towels is now back in stock..
Dry your dishes with a dash of history using this beautifully designed cotton tea towel depicting scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry!
https://rdguk.info/Bayeux_Tapestry_Tea_Towel_YTJgc
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
Category
Contact the establishment
Telephone
Website
Address
Town Hall
Reading
RG11QH