READING PUBLIC M– USEUM

sculpture by Sam Maitin

Since 1929, the Reading Public Museum has served as a vital component of the cultural landscape of Berks County, Pennsylvania, and beyond. The museum has long enjoyed the financial support of the Wyomissing Foundation and Thun family members, who, along with others, donated the land on which the museum was built.

In recent years, foundation grants have supported various initiatives at the museum, including sculpture and science galleries.

sculpture by Harry BertoiaFunds from a matching grant enabled the installation of the Outdoor Sculpture Gallery, which features more than a dozen sculptures by Harry Bertoia, Bill Barrett, Susan Cochran, and others.

arboretum with lights

arboretum and path with lights In addition, with the help of the grant funds, the Museum was able to install new security and lighting systems that illuminate the grounds of the arboretum and sculpture gallery. “The Museum’s grounds are now a safer, more enjoyable place of respite for visitors,” said John Graydon Smith, director and CEO of the Museum.

electricity exhibit at Reading Public MuseumThe Wyomissing Foundation also twice awarded a grant to the Museum to establish and operate a Science Gallery. The gallery provided a full year of programming for children and families through interactive exhibits.

The exhibits “Electricity” and “Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action” were extremely popular with families and school groups. The Museum’s education staff created special programming to underscore the lessons in each exhibit and assisted students with hands-on learning activities.

Foundation support of these initiatives has bolstered the Museum’s capacity to engage, educate, and enlighten the Berks County community and has fortified its commitment as an organization devoted to lifelong learning in all academic areas.

children enjoying the Adventures in Action exhibit children climbing a rock wall Run! Jump! Fly! Adventures in Action