What’s On
Paint, Pencil, Print
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the University of Reading’s Art Collection with a series of 10 artworks highlighting the collection’s growth.
Find out more- Dates
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7 June 2025 – 25 January 2026
- Author
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Public
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Ladybird in Focus: 100 Years On
Explore how Ladybird Books has continued to evolve since its centenary in 2015.
Find out more- Dates
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2 September 2025 – 6 September 2026
- Author
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Public
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
James Joyce: Enigmas and Puzzles
Explore never-before-seen personal papers of beloved author James Joyce from the Solange and Stephen James Joyce Collection.
Find out more- Dates
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7 October 2025 – 9 February 2026
- Author
-
Public
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Winter Family Activity Packs
Winter-inspired things to do in the museum, outdoors and at home.
Find out more- Dates
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15 November 2025 – 28 February 2026
- Author
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Family
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Recurring Event
Tai Chi with Sport in Mind
Free drop-in sessions run by Sport in Mind for adults, designed to support positive mental health.
Find out more- Dates
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Weekly on Wednesdays, 15:30 – 16:30
Next event: 14 January 2026 - Author
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Public
- Price
-
Free
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Youth Panel
For young people aged 14 – 18, our Youth Panel offers collective work experience opportunities across The MERL and Reading Museum.
Find out more- Dates
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Thursday 15 January 2026, 16:30 – 18:00
- Author
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Young People
- Price
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Free, Booking required, please email merlevents@reading.ac.uk
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Recurring Event
Friday Fledglings
A weekly outdoor session for toddlers in the MERL garden.
Book Now- Dates
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Weekly on Fridays, 10:00 – 11:30
Next event: 16 January 2026 - Author
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Family
- Price
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£5 per child
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Chatty Café
Monthly chat, craft & play drop-in sessions aimed at adults including care-givers and loved ones.
Find out more- Dates
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Tuesday 20 January 2026, 14:00 – 16:00
- Author
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Public
- Price
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Drop-in (groups please contact us)
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Green Explorers
Sessions for children aged 5+ to experience nature and build their outdoor skills.
Book Now- Dates
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Sunday 25 January 2026
- Author
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Family
- Price
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Free. Bookings open two weeks ahead of each session.
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
James Joyce: Enigmas and Puzzles – Exhibition tour
Join us for a curator tour of the Special Collections exhibition before it closes in early February.
Find out more- Dates
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Friday 30 January 2026, 12:30 – 13:30
- Author
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Public
- Price
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Free, booking link coming soon
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
Conversations with a Curator: Professor Conor Carville
Join us for a free online talk with Professor Conor Carville on artworks depicting the famous Irish writer, James Joyce.
Book Now- Dates
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Thursday 5 February 2026, 19:30 – 20:30
- Author
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Public
- Price
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Free, please book
- Location
- Online
Half term at The MERL
Enjoy trails and activities at the museum during February half term!
Find out more- Dates
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14 – 22 February 2026
- Author
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Family
- Location
- The Museum of English Rural Life
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