University of Reading Museums

At the University of Reading we have three University Museums on our campuses, and Special Collections for you to explore: 

• The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL) - located on our London Road campus the MERL offers you the opportunity to discover the history of the English countryside and it's people. Visit the galleries and exhibitions, enjoy a sweet treat in the café and peruse the gift shop, or spend some time outside in the MERL's gardens (and say hello to the chickens!). There is also a full and varied programme of free and low-cost events taking place throughout the year. There are even spaces you can use for study, including the Special Collections reading room where you can book desk space. Plan your visit.
• The Cole Museum of Zoology - located on Whiteknights campus in the Health and Life Sciences Building. The Museum is home to thousands of specimens of great zoological significance. After you have explored the fantastic collections you can indulge in some refreshments at Café Trilobite - enjoy a hot drink, cake or sandwich sat underneath a false killer whale skeleton! The Museum also hosts a series of free events throughout the year. Plan your visit.
• Ure Museum of Greek Archaeology - located on Whiteknights campus in the Department of Classics in the Edith Morley Building. It is one of the largest collections of Greek ceramics in the UK, and houses over 3,000 objects and substantial archives in its special collections. The Museum also runs free events and object handling sessions throughout the year and free online courses. Plan your visit.

There are also several smaller collections and archives that are internationally important. These include the University Art Collection (1,500+ artworks) and the University’s Special Collections (thousands of rare books, and the world’s largest collection of work by Samuel Beckett).