It has been about 55 years since I last visited the Reading Public Museum with my family. As I recall, at that time, it was quite the institution, with various display cases housing relics amassed by enterprising collectors. I vividly remember passing shrunken heads, implements of war, a case that when a button was pushed, all the enclosed rocks and minerals would glow, giant manikins clad in ancient war garb, and an elephant tusk intricately carved with fantastical Asian figures engaged in every day life. The entire first floor was painted drab institution green, not unlike the hospital where I had my tonsils removed. Upstairs housed an art collection, that to my young mind was a bit boring.
However! 55 years later - boring no more! I would bring any child or adult to visit the stunningly remodeled Reading Public Museum. What a treat! The animal exhibition room is almost daunting in its recreation of nature and the animals that inhabit it. Life size taxidermied creatures give an actual perspective in size and demeanor. Other rooms wander through the centuries with exquisite examples of material culture. The Pennsylvania German room is a treat, hosting an array of painted blanket chests and other objects synonymous with Pennsylvania Dutch paint decorated tradition.
As one mounts the impressive staircase, the massive stained glass windows by Blood, Anderson and Light cannot be ignored. The second floor main hall is filled with distinctive paintings, including The Balloon, which I recall from childhood. To the right, the Downton Abbey Wardrobe Collection remains until January 18, 2026 and is a must see for devoted fans of the TV series. A mother and daughter walked through while we were there and were enraptured by the exhibit.
As if I could not have been more pleased by this reformation of the Reading Public Museum, the piece de resistance was the Allied Artists of America Juried Exhibition, which continues through January 11, 2026. Wonderful contemporary works lined the walls and some were available for purchase. Charlie and I were smitten by one particular piece and it will be heading to our home in January.
Afterwards, we roamed the extensive garden walk along the stream and admired outdoor sculptures strategically paced. I highly recommend a visit to The Reading Public Museum.
