Fun Packed Half Term for Families at Reading Museum this February

Half Term fun at Reading Museum

FAMILIES are in for an arty treat at Reading Museum this February, with creative workshops galore.

The Museum is encouraging residents of all ages to come along and take part in a whole host of fun activities this February, with the reminder that for the Museum it is still open for business as usual despite the big changes taking place at Reading Town Hall. Between 18th and 23rd February, Reading Guild of Artists will be exploding with creative ideas for their half term takeover of the Sir John Madejski Gallery, with something on offer for everyone. On Tuesday 19th February, children can create Hama pegboard beading to make colourful designs inspired by the Museum’s Huntley & Palmers biscuit tins or Roman mosaics. For those interested in history, on the same day, the Museum is also running Victorian Schoolroom Experiences, now located in the historic Abbey Gateway, offering a chance to travel back in time, meet a Victorian schoolteacher and learn the ‘3Rs’. Join in with a superhero themed make and take on Wednesday 20th February. Children are invited to bring their favourite superhero toys along and design a mask and accessories, followed by a photo in the selfie corner. There is a Young Archaeologists Club on Thursday 21st February for children age 7 and over, with the opportunity to learn about medieval medicine. Visit the Abbey Gateway herb garden and have a go at making a medieval tooth salve using herbs! During the February half term, the Museum is also trialling quieter hours for families of children with sensory difficulties, supported by Autism in Museums, who have donated a tactile sensory bag and soft-play pillows. The Early Birds and Late Owls sessions will run between 9am - 10am and 4pm - 5pm. No need to book – just drop in. For further details on these events and more visit: www.readingmuseum.org.uk/museum/whats-on

Cllr Sarah Hacker, Reading’s Lead Member for Heritage, Culture and Recreation, said:

“If you are looking for something to do with the kids this coming half term, I’d recommend checking out all the great activities available at Reading Museum and the Abbey Gateway. The creative make and take workshops sound like enormous fun and an excellent way to keep the kids entertained. “The Town Hall and Museum are undergoing some exciting transformations at the moment – and we are eagerly awaiting the launch of the new Story of Reading gallery, Museum shop, reception and café later in the spring. “We want to remind people we are still open and there is a full calendar of great activities on offer for everyone to enjoy.” Visitors to Reading’s Town Hall and Museum will have noticed the exciting transformation work that has been happening, including the complete refurbishment of the former 3Bs Café, which is due to open in late spring. As well as the re-opening of the new café, the big changes completing in 2019 include: • The launch of the new Story of Reading gallery; • The creation of a new Museum shop; • A new reception and information desk area. The work is designed to minimise disruption to visitors and staff as far as possible. The investment at the town hall links to the wider regeneration of the Abbey Quarter, including the newly re-opened Abbey Ruins and improved information points across the town centre. It is also part of Reading Council’s drive to make the best possible use of its buildings.

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