A NEW COAT FOR CHRISTMAS RHYMETIME AND CRAFTS
Join Reading Rep and Jelly for a special rhymetime and craft session to introduce A New Coat for Christmas, the BEST festive show for under 6s in the Reading area. An enchanting story with music, fun and a flock of very fluffy sheep. Snowflakes are falling and Anna needs a coat to keep her warm […]
MUSEUM SHOP SUNDAY
It’s nearly Christmas and we’re celebrating with a few seasonal delights! Come along to our special ‘Museum Shop Sunday’ family Christmas shopping event on Sunday 25th November from 12pm and 4pm. Follow our free Christmas trail though the galleries, treat yourself to some nibbles*, enjoy our 50p raffle with lots of prizes, and take advantage […]
THE MERL FAMILY EVENT: AWESOME APPLES
CELEBRATE THE AUTUMN HARVEST AND HAVE FUN WITH APPLE-THEMED ACTIVITIES AND CRAFTS IN THE MERL GARDEN Sessions are suitable for families with children aged 3 – 11* and will include: Story corner Crafts: make apple creatures, apple printing onto apple shaped paper. Apple bobbing Press your own apples (please bring some with you along with a […]
THE OUTSIDE IN: BOOKABLE HALF TERM WORKSHOPS
A very special opportunity to work with Jelly artist, Julie Calce Bunker. In response to the Reading International exhibition of works by Steven Claydon at The MERL create your very own decorative mask or a grumpy face jug using recycled materials. Bookable half term workshops (choose one): Tuesday 23 October, 1.00 – 2.30pm: Make a Mask Thursday 25 October, 1.00 – 2.30pm: […]
SECOND SUNDAY CRAFT DROP-IN
Drop in between 11am – 1pm each second Sunday of the month and enjoy a different activity based on various themes related to The MERL and its collections. Why not bring a picnic or enjoy lunch in The MERL café too? 12 January – MAKE WINTERY WOOLLY CREATIONS What can we make with wool? This […]
THE MERL FAMILY PICNIC
BRING A PICNIC, YOUR FRIENDS AND YOUR TEDDY AND JOIN US IN THE MERL GARDEN FOR FOOD-THEMED FUN Have a go at oat-rolling Test out our ‘Sensory Cow’. Record your moo! Try milking Daisy the Cow Follow the Food Facts Trail in the MERL galleries Enjoy make-and-take and colouring activities Try out our new woodland […]
THE MERL FAMILY EVENT: A BUG’S LIFE
JOIN US FOR A MORNING OF BUG EXPLORATION AND THEMED CRAFT ACTIVITIES IN THE MERL GARDEN SESSIONS ARE SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN AGED 3 – 11* AND WILL INCLUDE: a bug trail Trying out bug catching and viewing equipment Bug-themed crafts A visit from a local bee-keeper Outdoor play (for under-7s, similar to the MERL’s […]
SUMMER HOLIDAYS AT THE MERL
VISIT THE MUSEUM DURING THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS FOR TRAILS, OBJECT HANDLING AND ACTIVITIES – INDOORS & OUTSIDE Visit our galleries during your holidays and discover the exciting displays and interactive games Try out our Rat and Rodent Trail Drop in and enjoy our new Virtual vs. Reality sessions every Tuesday morning in the holidays, 11am to 1pm Free Make […]
WHITEKNIGHTS STUDIO TRAIL
The MERL is very pleased to host 3 artists as part of this year’s Whiteknights Studio Trail Joan McQuillan www.diveristy.textileart.com Stitched embroidered textiles. “Combining research, experimenting and using a wide variety of media I strive to push boundaries to create something unique with fabric and thread.” Kate Powell www.katepowell.org Upholstery, textile design. Kate Powell is […]
SECOND SUNDAY CRAFT DROP-IN
Drop in between 11am – 1pm each second Sunday of the month and enjoy a different activity based on various themes related to The MERL and its collections. 8 March – What can we Grow in Spring? Spring is around the corner! Explore our MERL garden and see what our gardeners are planting this year. […]