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Sew What?

January 24, 2023 - September 1, 2024
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Model wearing a cape that is part of the Sew What exhibition

We are all starting to ask more questions about fashion. Where do our clothes come from? How environmentally sustainable are they? Should we be making more and buying less? These questions are not just relevant to our modern society. The history of garment making is one deeply intertwined with British culture, both rural and urban. […]

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A Break from Tradition

November 23, 2023 - September 1, 2024
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Free

The late 19th and early 20th centuries were a transformative period in Europe. Developments in industry, technology and transportation altered life beyond recognition. It was against this backdrop of unprecedented social, economic and political change that a new generation of artists began to challenge traditional artistic practices. These artists would eventually create what we now […]

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Tai Chi with Sport in Mind

January 10 - April 24
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Free
People taking part in a Tai Chi session in The MERL garden

Run with our partners Sport in Mind, the UK’s leading mental health sports charity, based in Reading. These casual drop-in sessions for adults are designed to support positive mental health through Tai Chi. They are fun and free and delivered at The Museum of English Rural Life every Wednesday at 3.30-4.30pm. This session is open […]

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Mums and Babies Yoga with Sport in Mind

January 11 - April 25
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Free
A mum lies next to a baby on a mat as they take part in a Mums and Baby yoga session at The MERL

The Mums and Babies Yoga sessions at The MERL are run with our partners Sport in Mind, the UK’s leading mental health sports charity, based in Reading. The sessions are designed to support positive mental health through yoga and movement for mums and babies under 1 year.   Sessions run every Thursday, during RBC term time, […]

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Folklore and Magic

February 19 - May 25
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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This exhibition is a captivating exploration of the enduring legacy of folklore and magic. It explores the dynamic nature of folk tales, folk art, magic, and healing wisdom, using the MERL collections, University of Reading's Art Collection, Special Collections, Herbarium and Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology. It has been designed by third-year Museum Studies students […]

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No Friday Fledglings during school holidays – starts back 19th April

March 22 - April 11
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Drawn picture of a Friday Fledglings session in the MERL garden

Friday Fledgling sessions will resume Friday 19th April *Bookings will open Friday 12 April at 12pm Discover the benefits of outdoor learning and child-led play! Come and join in with activities inspired by the themes and collections of the museum, enjoy exploring nature, our mud kitchen, water play, sand-pit and more. Each session also includes […]

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Spring Family Activity Packs

March 22 - June 11
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Bunny in the grass

SPRING-INSPIRED THINGS TO DO IN THE MUSEUM, GARDEN & AT HOME Buy one of our packs at the museum Gift Shop for fun activities to do with children during your visit – and afterwards! For age 5+ (£3) Choose from one of  3 Spring Activity Packs: Little Mouse Spring story, Spring finds and crafts Frog […]

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Easter Holidays at The MERL

April 2 - April 14
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Painted Easter eggs sitting in grass and flowers

Have fun at The MERL in the Easter holidays! Enjoy trails and activities in the galleries and garden Book a space at our Museums, My Way session on April 8th for neurodiverse visitors of all ages Have a go at a themed trail in the MERL’s garden (free) Discover the Spring Family Activity Packs Have […]

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