Opening times

Please note that from 7th September we are no longer operating a booking system for museum visits. Plan your visit here, and find out about our measures to help keep everyone safe.

Museum galleries, garden, café and shop

Our galleries, garden, café, and shop are open:

Tuesday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm

Closed on Mondays.

Reading room

The reading room is open as follows: (Booking essential)

Tuesday to Friday: 9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-4.00pm

Please note that due to essential work taking place in the reading room in September 2021, there are some scheduled changes to opening hours. For further information and to book, please visit the reading room page.

University closure days

The museum (including, shop, café and garden) and the reading room are closed on bank holidays and on some University closures days at Christmas and Easter.

Please contact us if you have queries about future closure dates.

*All dates dependent on further Government announcements.

  • Opening Times

    Please note: The MERL galleries, shop, garden and reading room will be closed on Tuesday 3rd August as part of a University of Reading closure down.

    Find out more about planning your visit.

  • Free Admission

    There is a charge for some events.