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Paint, Pencil, Print

June 7, 2025 - January 25, 2026
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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In 2025, the University of Reading Art Collection celebrates its 10th birthday! Join us for a special showcase of iconic and innovative artworks, highlighting the growth and evolution of the art collection over the past ten years. Showing in the Upper Staircase Hall. Image credit: Robert Gillmor, Peewit and Son, linocut on paper, UAC/11171. © […]

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Ladybird in Focus: 100 Years On

September 2, 2025 - September 6, 2026
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Illustration from Ladybird Books of people walking and holding a 'Peoples Climate March' banner

Explore how Ladybird Books has continued to evolve since its centenary in 2015. Discover how Ladybird continues to meet the needs of modern audiences, from reviving classic books to releasing new series. On display 2 Sept 2025 - 6 Sept 2026 in the Ladybird Gallery. Image Credit: Climate Change, © Ladybird Books Ltd., 2017

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Jane Austen and Rural Life

September 9 - December 19
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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Jane Austen and Rural Life

We’re joining in this year’s global celebrations to mark 250 years of Jane Austen! From 9 September, view our Jane Austen and Rural Life display to see a rare letter by Jane to her sister Cassandra (one of just 160 letters to survive Austen’s death), or follow a trail through our galleries connecting Austen’s life […]

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James Joyce: Enigmas and Puzzles

October 7, 2025 - February 9, 2026
The Museum of English Rural Life, The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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James Joyce, ink and watercolour on paper by Tullio Pericoli

This exhibition from the University of Reading’s Special Collections shares never-before-seen personal papers of beloved author James Joyce from our Solange and Stephen James Joyce Collection. Explore Joyce’s large social network of friends and artists, his family life as a loving father, and the inspirations for his work. Learn about the practical adjustments Joyce made […]

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Ongoing

Tai Chi with Sport in Mind

September 3 @ 3:30 pm - December 17 @ 4:30 pm
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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4:30 pm

star shaped lights on a green hedge background

Magical Lights

December 15 @ 4:30 pm - 7:30 pm
The Museum of English Rural Life The Museum of English Rural Life, Redlands Road
Reading, Berkshire RG1 5EX United Kingdom
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£7

Wrap up the year with an evening of lights and lanterns in the museum garden. Choose from two versions: the main event (6pm to 7:30pm), or an earlier session with sensory provisions for neurodivergent visitors and their loved ones (4:30pm to 5:45pm). Magical Lights 6pm - 7:30pm Celebrate the end of the year with crafts, […]

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