Rediscovering the past in Reading

The Museum of Reading which is operated by the Reading Museum Service is actually located inside the city's old town hall building. Located in the English county of Berkshire this museum contains exhibits that bring to life the history of Reading and the region's industries, in addition and extensive collection of artifacts that were discovered during the Calleva Atrebatum are also on display here.

The building of the museum itself is of historical importance, the oldest part of the museum was built during the 18th century in 1786, and this wing is known as the Victoria Hall. Further remodeling and modifications were made to the building in 1875 and a Victorian Gothic façade was added by the renowned architect and town planner Alfred Waterhouse. The clock tower of the Old Town Hall which is preserved in the museum building is still one of the most prominent landmarks in the town of Reading.

Among the major galleries here is the Reading People and Place Gallery, this focuses on the lives of the region's most famous personalities as well as well as the history of the town's most loved landmarks. History of the town from the earliest Saxon settlements in 6th century AD is depicted here in the form of oral historical accounts, interactive displays and excavated artifacts. Other interesting exhibits include the Silchester Gallery, Bayeux Gallery, Green Space, Huntley and Palmers Gallery, Windows Gallery and the John Madejski Art Gallery.

Located in a central part of town, the Museum of Reading is easily accessible to a hotel in Reading. Since the museum contains valuable insight into the history of the area this is a must visit attraction for tourists touring the region.