Discover what’s on at The Museum of English Rural Life in Reading for families and visitors of all ages, from exhibitions to events and workshops.

Explore the current programme

Welcome to the programme for May to September 2023, packed full of events and activities inspired by our collections, themes and Our Green Stories, a Museums Partnership Reading campaign exploring environmental issues through our collections and local heritage.

We hope you enjoying discovering what’s coming up and we look forward to welcoming you to The MERL very soon.

Browse a printable version of the MERL What’ s On guide for May to September 2023 or pick up a printed copy from the museum (NOW IN!).

Keep up to date with all the latest news by subscribing to our newsletters.

The logo for Our Green Stories.

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Who is this for

Academics ()

Family ()

Public ()

Schools ()

Young People ()

Type

Biscuit Town 200 ()

CARE ()

Events and workshops ()

Exhibitions ()

Half term ()

Our Green Stories ()

Talks and seminars ()

Upcoming Events

  • January 4 - September 27
  • Weds, 3.30-4.30pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Tai Chi with Sport in Mind

Events and workshops

  • February 25 - December 28
  • 12:00 am - 11:59 pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Our Green Stories Gallery Trail

Our Green Stories

  • March 18 - June 16
  • Museum opening hours
  • £4
  • VIEW

Spring Family Activity Pack

Events and workshops

  • April 20 - July 20
  • Thurs, 1.30-2.30pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Mums and Babies Yoga with Sport in Mind

Events and workshops

  • May 27 - June 4
  • Museum opening hours
  • VIEW

Half term at The MERL

Events and workshops

  • May 31
  • 10am, 11am, 12pm
  • £5
  • VIEW

Garment upcycling using fabric paints

Events and workshops

  • June 2
  • 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • £3
  • VIEW

Fun Butterfly Collage

Events and workshops

  • June 6 - June 8
  • 10.00am – 4.00pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Watercolour Workshop: Medieval Bestiary

Events and workshops

  • June 8
  • 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Roots and Routes

Talks and seminars

  • June 10 - June 11
  • 11am – 6pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Whiteknights Studio Trail at The MERL

Events and workshops

  • June 10 - June 21
  • Museum Opening Hours
  • Free
  • VIEW

‘Climate Change’ Artwork Display

Our Green Stories

  • June 10
  • 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Museums on Wheels

Events and workshops

  • June 13
  • 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Our Green Stories tour

Talks and seminars

  • June 17 - September 22
  • Museum opening hours
  • £4
  • VIEW

Summer Family Activity Pack

Events and workshops

  • June 20
  • 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
  • Ticket prices vary
  • VIEW

An Afternoon at the Museum

Events and workshops

  • June 27
  • 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Stitch Up

Events and workshops

  • July 24
  • 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Museums, My Way

Events and workshops

  • July 26
  • See times below
  • Free
  • VIEW

Object Explorer Workshops, ages 11-18

Events and workshops

  • July 28
  • 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

The MERL Family Picnic and Farm Event with Miller’s Ark

Events and workshops

  • August 2 - August 11
  • 11am (Weds-Friday)
  • £6
  • VIEW

Summer Screen: MERLvellous Movies

Events and workshops

  • August 25
  • See times below
  • £6
  • VIEW

Climate Crusaders

Events and workshops

  • August 30
  • See times below
  • Free
  • VIEW

Object Explorer Workshops, ages 11-18

Events and workshops

  • September 11
  • 10.30am,11.30am, 2pm
  • Free
  • VIEW

Heritage Open Days at The MERL

Talks and seminars

  • September 28
  • 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
  • £25
  • VIEW

Cheese Night

Events and workshops